'1923' Season 2 Premiere Pays Tribute to Late Actor Cole Brings Plenty with Heartfelt Dedication

The season 2 premiere of Paramount+’s acclaimed series 1923 began on a poignant note, offering a heartfelt tribute to the late actor Cole Brings Plenty, who portrayed the character Pete Plenty Clouds. This tribute included a touching sepia-toned slideshow, showcasing cherished photos and scenes from his work in Season 1, accompanied by an 'In Memoriam' dedication.

The tragic loss of Brings Plenty, who died at the age of 27 in April 2024, cast a shadow on the new season. He was reported missing days before his death, with authorities naming him a suspect in a domestic violence investigation. His body was subsequently discovered in a remote area of Kansas, leaving his fans and the show's production team grappling with shock and sorrow.

Despite the somber circumstances, the showrunners made the heartfelt decision to continue Pete Plenty Clouds’ storyline. They recast the role with Jeremy Gauna, who fans might remember from a previous role as a warrior in the series’ predecessor, 1883. Gauna steps into the shoes of Pete, a character who maintains a pivotal role in the narrative as Teonna Rainwater’s love interest. Teonna, portrayed by Aminah Nieves, embarks on her journey alongside her father, Runs His Horse, played by Michael Spears.

Nieves, who regards Brings Plenty as her 'brother,' opened up about the emotional turmoil that the recasting entailed. She stated that while it was difficult to imagine the show without him, introducing Gauna to continue Pete’s journey was 'the best thing they could’ve done.' Her words reflect a blend of grief and support for the new direction, emphasizing the bond she shared with Brings Plenty.

The tribute and recasting decision signal the show’s commitment to honoring Brings Plenty’s legacy while ensuring that his character’s arc receives a fitting continuation. As the new season unfolds, fans can expect to see how Gauna embraces the role and how the storyline develops, holding onto the emotional depth that Brings Plenty once brought to the screen.