Justin Johnson Cortez

Indigenous American actor/writer/director Justin Johnson Cortez rose to prominence in 2022 as one of the year's hottest new talents, starring in The CW's highest rated new series "Walker Independence" from executive producer Jared Padalecki. Set in the late-1800's as a prequel to The CW's number one rated hit-series "Walker," Johnson Cortez stars as Calian, an Apache tribe member working as a scout for the city of Independence, Texas. Johnson Cortez worked directly with an Apache translator for the role, receiving blessings from Apache Elders for his commitment to authentic representation of the Native tribe indigenous to the Southwestern United States. In addition to script translations and overseeing Native storylines, Johnson Cortez also performs his own stunts, marking his territory as an expert horse rider and action star in the making. In March 2023, The CW announced Johnson Cortez will be join the mothership series "Walker" in a potentially recurring role, with ties to his "Walker Independence" character Calian. Subsequently, he signed on to star in the upcoming feature film "Gift of Fear," highlighting a major crisis devastating Native populations. The film became a deeply personal and important project for the Native cast and crew as the film brings awareness to an epidemic vastly underreported in Today's media: the kidnapping and sex trafficking of young Indigenous women. Johnson Cortez has also guest-starred on such series as "911: Lone Star," "Lucifer," and served as actor/writer/director/producer in the short film "The Fall," which was a 2020 Skins Fest official selection. A Santa Paula, California native of Yaqui Tribe descent, Johnson Cortez is a true handyman, adventure-seeking athlete and artist at heart. He enjoys using his hands to build custom furniture, riding motorcycles, and creating art and stencil work out of wood blocks; as well as spending time with his wife Rachel and two daughters, Olivia and Evelyn.