Gil Birmingham is an American film and television actor best known for his commanding presence as Tribal Chairman Thomas Rainwater on the Paramount Network series Yellowstone and its spin-off Marshals, as well as for his memorable role as Billy Black in the blockbuster The Twilight Saga film series. Born Gilbert Birmingham on July 13, 1953, he has carved out a distinctive career spanning decades, often portraying authoritative and deeply resonant characters that reflect his own Native American heritage.

Raised in Texas, Birmingham developed an early passion for the arts, though his path to acting was not a straight line. He initially pursued a degree in architecture and even worked as a draftsman before a chance encounter with a modeling scout led him into the entertainment industry. This transition eventually brought him to acting, where he studied at the prestigious Stella Adler Academy in Los Angeles. His early work included guest spots on television series such as The Outer Limits and Veronica Mars, but his breakout came with a recurring role on the HBO drama Big Love, where he played the complex character of Jerry Flute.

Birmingham gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Billy Black, the wise and gentle father of Jacob Black, in the Twilight film series, appearing in Twilight, The Twilight Saga: New Moon, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, and The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn. He brought a quiet dignity to the role that endeared him to millions of fans worldwide. Following this, he delivered a standout performance as the menacing George Hunter on the Cinemax series Banshee, showcasing his range as an actor capable of both warmth and intensity. He also demonstrated his comedic timing as Virgil White on the Netflix series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, proving his versatility across genres.

However, it is his role as Thomas Rainwater on Yellowstone that has defined his recent career. As the shrewd and determined chairman of the Broken Rock Indian Reservation, Birmingham has been a central figure in the show’s exploration of land rights, family legacy, and Native American sovereignty. His nuanced portrayal earned critical acclaim and made him a fan favorite, leading to the character’s continuation in the spin-off series Marshals, which premiered in 2026. Throughout his career, Birmingham has been a vocal advocate for authentic representation of Indigenous peoples in Hollywood, often collaborating with fellow Native actors and creators. With a career that continues to thrive, Gil Birmingham remains a respected and influential figure in both film and television.