Here, the Indiana-born newcomer recalls how hard it was to decide whether to accept such a life-changing role.
AMINAH NIEVES: I was not aware of the Taylor Sheridan universe before.
It happens the way it always happens, you get it through your team.
Aminah Nieves as Teonna in ‘1923.‘Emerson Miller/Paramount+
I read it and was emailing my manager like, I dont know man.
I dont know if I should do this.
Its just heavy and triggering.
Nieves and Michael Greyeyes as Hank.Christopher Saunders/Paramount+
My manager was so supportive and said, you know what?
I support anything you do so whatever decision you make is a good one.
My mom is my reader for everything.
We talked about it a lot.
I did the audition the day it was due because I waited so long.
Its for our communities and for all indigenous peoples across the world.
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DEADLINE: Was this your very first job in Hollywood?
NIEVES: I background acted for four or five years.
I was working four jobs at once in New York, trying to make rent.
I was also a doula and worked in a clothing store.
But I quit all of those at once because I realized I wasnt fulfilled.
After I saved up money, I quit and moved to my parents house.
I had $21 to my name when I booked1923.
DEADLINE: Do you remember when you first wanted to act?
I knew I wanted to perform.
I thought I was going to be this traveling symphonic musician.
And then I was like, psych!
Im going to actually go to New York and go to school for acting.
DEADLINE: Was your rep encouraging about the opportunities for indigenous actors?
He only submitted me for leads.
I was only with him for eight months before I booked1923.
DEADLINE: Do you remember your first day on set?
Did you have to get right into the heavy stuff?
NIEVES: I had to go straight into it.
The moment I put on the uniform, I looked at myself and couldnt stop crying.
I had to step away, go outside and just walk.
DEADLINE: Your character takes a lot of beatings.
I imagine there was a lot of preparation involved.
NIEVES: Yeah, there was prep.
Right before we shot the scene, wed have a little conversation about it.
I was hit quite a bit and still got bruised up.
Jennifer is just an incredible talent.
I bow to her.
She was so tender and kind, moving through everything that we did.
Then wed be, alright, lets shoot it.
We always made sure to be with one another.
DEADLINE: You end up exacting revenge on the very nuns who beat you.
NIEVES: That was the hardest scene for Jennifer and I to do together.
For Teonna, it wasnt joyous for her.
It was the hardest thing shes ever had to do because she sees Sister Mary as an abuser.
We share the same soil.
We walk the same.
NIEVES: I would first take a shower.
DEADLINE: How much did you interact with Taylor Sheridan?
NIEVES: Taylor would call me sometimes and say, dont stop, keep going.
Id be like, OK, youll tell me if its not good though, right?
Thats the last thing I want, but this is hard, so just be honest with me.
And he was like, Im never gonna have to tell that to you.
DEADLINE: At the end of the season, how would you describe where Teonna was emotionally?
I want to focus on her joy right now.
Episode eight was the first [gentle] human touch that Teonna had.
Lets see what Season 2 brings.
Im very excited but scared.
DEADLINE: Do you have any hint where things will pick up in the new season?
Have you been told anything?
NIEVES: No, and Im at the edge of my seat.
I have no clue.
Having a moment to see yourself and to feel strength to talk about certain things is super important.
