CRYSTLE LIGHTNING
Crystle Lightning is an Indigenous actress from the Enoch Cree Nation in Alberta, Canada. She began her acting career at the age of nine, landing her first lead role in the feature film 3 NINJAS: Knuckle Up. Since then, she has maintained a steadfast presence in the industry, with a diverse filmography that showcases her talent and versatility.
In 2021, Crystle Lightning was awarded the Canadian Screen Award for "Best Actress in a Drama Series" for her groundbreaking role in the CBC series Trickster. Her other notable television appearances include recurring roles in Yellowstone, Outlander, The Good Doctor, Rutherford Falls, and Ghosts, as well as the lead role in the CW series Trickster.
Crystle's film credits are equally impressive, with upcoming projects like Spirit Rangers on Netflix, George R. R. Martin's Mary Margaret Road Grader, directed by Steven Paul Judd, Fancy Dance, directed by Erica Tremblay, and Bass Reeves on Paramount+.
In addition to her acting work, Crystle Lightning is a talented hip-hop recording artist and a member of the award-winning group LightningCloud. She has recorded with artists like Cypress Hill and Timbaland and toured with renowned musicians such as Kendrick Lamar, A$AP Rocky, and Nicki Minaj.
Most recently, Crystle has taken on the role of co-creator, director, and star of the highly acclaimed all-Native musical BEAR GREASE, which is an Indigenous twist on the 1978 classic Grease. This marked her directorial debut and showcased her multifaceted artistic abilities. Crystle Lightning's impressive career and accolades are a testament to her dedication, talent, and unwavering commitment to representing Indigenous stories and perspectives in the entertainment industry. As she continues to take on new and challenging roles, she solidifies her status as a rising star and a powerful voice for her community.
BEAR GREASE has been aggressively touring North America for the past 2 years, captivating audiences with its unique blend of Indigenous culture and the beloved Grease story. As the co-creator and director of the musical, Crystle has showcased her multifaceted talents, transitioning seamlessly from her acclaimed acting work to the realm of directing.
Through BEAR GREASE, Crystle Lightning has ignited a new passion for directing, not only for the stage but also for the screen. She will be co-directing her first feature film project alongside her mother, Georgina Lightning, in a movie titled "SALESMAN OF THE YEAR."
Crystle's directorial debut with BEAR GREASE has been widely praised, demonstrating her ability to infuse traditional Indigenous elements into a classic narrative. The musical's success has further solidified Crystle's reputation as a versatile and visionary artist, capable of bridging the gap between Indigenous storytelling and mainstream entertainment.
With BEAR GREASE continuing its tour and Crystle's upcoming directorial venture with "SALESMAN OF THE YEAR," it is clear that her talents extend far beyond her acclaimed acting work. Her transition into directing showcases her multifaceted creativity and her commitment to amplifying Indigenous narratives in the entertainment industry.