The story of Teonna Rainwater in the Yellowstone prequel 1923 isn’t just a fictional tale — it’s a reminder of a painful chapter in real history. But behind this powerful role is an actress who almost didn’t take the part. Aminah Nieves, the young woman who brought Teonna to life on screen, had her own emotional journey before and during the show.
Let’s take a closer look at how Aminah landed the role, what it meant to her, and how her story mirrors the one she told on screen.
A Role She Nearly Walked Away From
When the opportunity to audition for 1923 came up, Aminah Nieves was unsure if she should even try. She submitted her audition tape at the last minute — and only because her mother pushed her.
Her mother reminded her that this wasn’t just about acting. It was about representing Indigenous people and their struggles. “You have to do this, not just for you, but for all of us,” her mother said.
Nieves finally agreed, but the scene she had to act out was intense — it showed Teonna killing Sister Mary, one of her abusers. It was a heavy moment, and acting it out during the audition was emotionally tough.
Who Is Aminah Nieves?
Aminah Nieves was born on October 2, 1995, in Hammond, Indiana. As a child, she wanted to become a traveling symphonic musician. But her path changed when she moved to New York City to study acting.
After graduation, life wasn’t easy. She worked as a background actor, held up to four jobs at a time — including working as a doula, in a clothing shop, and even as an herbalist. Nothing really made her feel satisfied, so she moved back home.
Then came the 1923 audition, and just before she got the part, she had only $21 left in her bank account.
Teonna Rainwater in 1923: A Painful Yet Important Role
Teonna Rainwater’s storyline in 1923 is deeply emotional. It runs parallel to the Dutton family’s story and shows the trauma faced by Native American children in Catholic boarding schools. While the two stories don’t cross paths, fans know that Teonna’s bloodline eventually leads to Chief Thomas Rainwater in Yellowstone.
For Nieves, playing Teonna was both powerful and painful. She had anxiety attacks on set and often broke down after filming difficult scenes. The set, however, was a safe space, and director Taylor Sheridan, along with the cast and crew, offered her a lot of support.
She even learned to speak the Crow language for the role and did many of her own stunts. The emotional weight of the character was heavy, but she says her on-screen cousin, Leenah Robinson (Baapuxti), helped her stay grounded.
A Tribute to Her Bond with Pete Plenty Clouds
Nieves also had a close bond with actor Cole Brings Plenty, who played Pete Plenty Clouds. Sadly, he passed away in April 2024, and the role had to be recast for Season 2. Aminah has spoken fondly of their connection, making it clear that their friendship went beyond the screen.
1923 was Aminah’s big break, but she had done some smaller projects before, including short films like Dogwood and Blueberry. After 1923, her career took off.
She has now been cast in a new thriller directed by Kathryn Bigelow, known for The Hurt Locker. She’s also set to appear in a Netflix film alongside stars like Idris Elba, Kyle Allen, Willa Fitzgerald, and Greta Lee.