‘1923’ Season 2 Pays Tribute to Departed Star Cole Brings Plenty
The premiere episode of ‘1923’ Season 2, streaming now on Paramount+, honors the memory of rising Western series star Cole Brings Plenty, who passed away tragically at the age of 27 last year.
Brings Plenty portrayed the sheepherder Pete Plenty Clouds in Season 1 of ‘1923’ and was the nephew of ‘Yellowstone’ star and Native American consultant Mo Brings Plenty. The actor and activist was discovered deceased in Johnson County, Kansas, in April 2023, a week after his family reported him missing.
A Rising Star with a Promising Future
Initially scheduled for an expanded role in ‘1923’ Season 2, Brings Plenty’s untimely demise cut short his promising career. In Season 1, he appeared alongside Aminah Nieves as Teonna Rainwater, a pivotal character from the Broken Rock Reservation. The season finale saw Pete riding off with Teonna and her father, Runs His Horse (Michael Spears), as they escaped the clutches of oppressive authorities.
A Heartfelt Tribute from a Fellow Cast Member
At the ‘1923’ Los Angeles premiere, Nieves paid a poignant tribute to Brings Plenty, affectionately known as "Coco."
"Coco was my brother," Nieves shared with USA TODAY. "The only reason I’m here tonight is to honor him wholeheartedly."
Nieves revealed that she had frequent conversations with Brings Plenty about his upcoming arc in the series, which would have blossomed into a romantic relationship with her character.
"He was so excited, especially when he learned that he was going to be in almost every episode," Nieves recalled. "It was like, ‘Wait, you’re (like) my sister, and I’m your brother, which is kind of gross.’ But he loved it."
A Mysterious Demise and the Quest for Answers
Cole Brings Plenty was reported missing by his family after he failed to attend a Zoom meeting with his agent. His body was discovered on April 5, 2023.
Authorities in Kansas ruled out foul play in Brings Plenty’s death, but the actor’s family has publicly disputed these findings. His father, Joe Brings Plenty Sr., has vowed to continue fighting for a thorough investigation.
Honoring His Legacy
In addition to his role in ‘1923,’ Brings Plenty appeared in ‘The Tall Tales of Jim Bridger’ and ‘Into The Wild Frontier.’ At the star-studded premiere of ‘1923’ Season 2, Paramount Media Networks President and CEO Chris McCarthy acknowledged the presence of Brings Plenty’s family.
The actor’s memory is honored with an in memoriam message during the opening credits of Episode 1, where he is credited as "Pete."
A Worthy Successor
In Season 2, the role of Pete Plenty Clouds is portrayed by Jeremy Guana. Nieves expressed her admiration for Guana’s casting, as he was a close friend of Brings Plenty.
"Jeremy did his absolutely best to honor Coco in the biggest possible way," Nieves said.
A Reminder of Life’s Fragility
The tragic loss of Cole Brings Plenty serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing those we hold dear. The ‘1923’ Season 2 premiere pays a fitting tribute to a talented actor whose star was extinguished far too soon.
