SVU role may open doors

Adam Beach Conquers His DemonsBeach also hopes the role will help other Native Americans get a chance in Hollywood.

"This is sending a message every week that we are a part of society," he says. "It's going to open the doors of, 'wow, Adam is really doing good for that show, now we need another Native American in one of our shows.'"

Whether he likes it or not, Beach is a role model for Native Americans. No other Aboriginal actor has reached his level of success, and very few have had roles in mainstream cinema and television.