Painter, actor, and rodeo performer. Born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, he was a member of the Muscogee Nation. He is most noted for his role as Chief Bromden opposite actor Jack Nicholson in "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest" (1975). He also appeared in "The Outlaw Josey Wales" (1976), "Orca" (1977), "The White Buffalo" (1977), "Standing Tall" (1978), "Fish Hawk" (1979), "Poltergeist II" (1986), and "Firewalker" (1986). He was also an accomplished artist and founder of the American Indian Registry for the Performing Arts.
Sampson suffered from scleroderma, a chronic degenerative condition that affected his heart, lungs, and skin. During his lengthy illness, his weight fell from 260 lb (120 kg) to 140 lb (64 kg), causing complications related to malnutrition. After undergoing a heart and lung transplant at Houston Methodist Hospital in Houston, he died on June 3, 1987, of post-operative kidney failure. Sampson was 53 years old.
Painter, actor, and rodeo performer. Born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, he was a member of the Muscogee Nation. He is most noted for his role as Chief Bromden opposite actor Jack Nicholson in "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest" (1975). He also appeared in "The Outlaw Josey Wales" (1976), "Orca" (1977), "The White Buffalo" (1977), "Standing Tall" (1978), "Fish Hawk" (1979), "Poltergeist II" (1986), and "Firewalker" (1986). He was also an accomplished artist and founder of the American Indian Registry for the Performing Arts.
Sampson suffered from scleroderma, a chronic degenerative condition that affected his heart, lungs, and skin. During his lengthy illness, his weight fell from 260 lb (120 kg) to 140 lb (64 kg), causing complications related to malnutrition. After undergoing a heart and lung transplant at Houston Methodist Hospital in Houston, he died on June 3, 1987, of post-operative kidney failure. Sampson was 53 years old.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
