Chief Ted Thin Elk can hardly be called an actor, having appeared in only two films, yet his magnificent portrayal of Grampa Sam Reaches in Thunderheart shows that he had the potential to become a fine actor indeed. The Thunderheart casting director had interviewed almost 100 elders on almost all of the South Dakota reservations before spotting Ted Thin Elk sitting on his front porch. He had just the right look, spiritual strength and good humour to make the character of Grampa Sam Reaches such an essential part of the movie.

Ted Thin Elk was part of the Rosebud Sioux Nation and was active in treaty negotiations and funding issues long before he gained movie fame. Serving on the tribal council in the 1960's and 1970's he secured loans from the Department of Agriculture to enable the tribe to buy land.

Those who worked with him say he was a quiet man, good hearted and with a strong sense of humour. In the final months of his life, failing health restricted his activities and he concentrated on treaty issues for the benefit of his people.

Rosebud Sioux Tribal President William Kindle, who knew him as a close friend for almost 25 years said " He set an example for his children as a husband, father and grandfather. He was a living example of what a Lakota man should be".