Talk with Ray Mala

Ray Mala, born Ray Wise in 1906 in Candle, Alaska, was a notable American actor and the first Native Alaskan film star. He was of Inupiat and Russian descent and began his career in Hollywood during the silent film era. Mala caught the attention of movie producers during the filming of the movie "The Chechahcos" in Alaska, which was the first film shot entirely in the state.

He moved to Hollywood and made his mark primarily during the 1930s and 1940s. Some of his well-recognized films include "Igloo" (1932), and "Eskimo" (also known as "Mala The Magnificent") in 1933, for which he gained significant fame. "Eskimo" was particularly notable for being shot entirely on location in Alaska. The film won the first Oscar for Best Film Editing at the Academy Awards and highlighted Mala's acting talent and his ability to convey authenticity.

In addition to acting, Ray Mala also worked behind the camera. Indeed, he proved his skills as a cinematographer and worked on various other projects, including different documentaries and films about Alaska and its indigenous peoples, contributing to the portrayal and understanding of Native cultures in mainstream media.

Mala’s career spanned several decades, during which he faced and overcame various barriers due to his heritage in an era when Indigenous actors were often marginalized in Hollywood. His legacy lives in his films and the path he paved for other Indigenous actors in the American film industry. Ray Mala died in 1952, leaving behind a significant impact on the representation of Native Americans in film.

Ray Mala's most iconic role in Hollywood is arguably his lead role in the 1933 film "Eskimo," also known as "Mala the Magnificent." In this film, he portrayed Mala, an Inuit man who helps European traders, only to face betrayal and tragedy. His performance in "Eskimo" was significant not only for its central portrayal of Inuit culture but also because it earned him international acclaim and made him the first Native Alaskan and Native American film star in Hollywood. The film also won an Oscar at the Academy Awards for Best Film Editing, further cementing its impact in film history and Mala's role in it as monumental.

Ray Mala, as the first Native Alaskan film star and one of the first Native American movie stars, significantly challenged the stereotypes of his time through his roles and presence in Hollywood. Typically, Hollywood portrayed Native Americans in a monolithic and often negative light, focusing on them as savages or as peripheral characters in the narratives primarily centered around white protagonists. Mala's emergence in cinema during the 1930s presented a different narrative.

Mala starred in films where he often played non-stereotypical roles that broke away from the typical typecasting that Native Americans faced. In the 1933 film "Eskimo" (also known as "Mala the Magnificent"), he played the lead role of Mala, highlighting the life and culture of his own Inupiat community with some authenticity and depth, which was quite rare for that era. This film won the first Oscar for Best Film Editing at the Academy Awards and was notable for its respectful and dignified portrayal of Eskimo life, rather than the exploitative depiction that was common at the time.

Furthermore, Mala’s ability to play diverse roles, including lead characters in other adventures and explorations-themed films, allowed him to be seen not just as a Native actor, but as an actor capable of carrying significant cinematic roles irrespective of his ethnicity. This helped in challenging and changing the perception of Native Americans in the film industry, showcasing them as multifaceted individuals capable of a range of performances and not restricted to the narrow confines of Hollywood stereotypes.

Yes, Ray Mala has received posthumous recognition for his pioneering role in film as the first Native Alaskan movie star and for his significant contributions to the portrayal of Native peoples in American cinema. While specific awards or honors bestowed posthumously are less documented, his legacy lives on and is celebrated among communities and by film historians who acknowledge his groundbreaking work and influence in early Hollywood. He is remembered as a trailblazer who opened doors for other indigenous actors in the film industry.

Ray Mala did not win any mainstream entertainment awards during his career. Nonetheless, he achieved significant milestones and received considerable recognition for his work in film, particularly for being the first Native Alaskan movie star and one of the first successful non-white actors in Hollywood during his time.

Ray Mala's career in film and entertainment saw a significant evolution, particularly notable as he was one of the first Native Alaskan and Inuit actors to gain fame in Hollywood. Starting from his first known film, "Igloo" in 1932, Mala mainly depicted indigenous characters, tapping into his background and the ethnographic interests of audiences at the time.

In "Igloo," Mala played an Inuit character, immersing viewers in the lives and struggles of the Arctic people. His natural performance and authenticity helped bridge a cultural gap, bringing the stories of Inuit people to mainstream American cinema.

His hallmark role came in 1933 with "Eskimo/Mala the Magnificent," directed by W.S. Van Dyke. The film was groundbreaking, as it was shot on location in Alaska, featured dialogue in the Inuktitut language, and used many local people as actors. Mala's performance not only won him widespread acclaim but also an understanding with MGM, one of Hollywood’s major studios at the time. "Eskimo" won the first Oscar for Best Film Editing at the Academy Awards, reflecting its innovative production and Mala's compelling performance.

After that success, Mala continued to work in Hollywood but also behind the camera. His experience in the challenging Arctic environment made him a valuable asset as a technical consultant and cameraman, particularly in films requiring travel and understanding of Arctic conditions. He worked as a cameraman and second unit director in several other films, blurring the line between acting and film production.

Towards the later part of his career, the range of characters he could portray was still limited by the era’s stereotypical views and the type of roles typically assigned to indigenous actors. However, his pioneering work laid foundations for future generations of Native actors and filmmakers. His presence in Hollywood during an era of limited ethnic representation broke significant ground and helped slowly transform how indigenous peoples were portrayed in film.

Ray Mala, an Inupiat actor and the first Native American movie star, passed away in 1952. His remains were moved back to Alaska in 2017, 65 years after his death. This event was significant as it represented a homecoming to his native land, Alaska, where he had originally come from. Mala was born in Candle, Alaska, in 1906 and had a significant impact on the film industry, particularly during the 1930s and 1940s. He was best known for his leading role in the 1933 film "Eskimo/Mala The Magnificent," which won an Oscar for film editing at the Academy Awards. His return to Alaska was warmly received by the local communities who view him as an important cultural figure.

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