Red Feather Rising: Sunset Series to go behind the scenes with actor Derek Hinkey

Derek Hinkey

ASHEBORO -- The Friends of the Library Sunset Signature Series will kick off it’s 2025-2026 season with actor Derek Hinkey, known for his portrayal of Red Feather in the Netflix television series American Primeval, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, November 7, in downtown Asheboro’s historic Sunset Theatre, 234 Sunset Ave.

Hinkey’s appearance is entitled “Behind the Scenes with Derek Hinkey: Boxer, Firefighter, Actor: Lessons from a Life of Courage and Transformation.” It is free and the public is invited.

Joining Hinkey will be students from the Guilford County Schools American Indian Education Program performing powwow and social dancing.

Hinkey is a Paiute-Shoshone actor and former professional boxer from Nevada, and an enrolled member of the Fort McDermitt Paiute-Shoshone Tribe. In addition to his role as Red Feather, he appeared in season three of Dark Winds, AMC’s adaptation of Tony Hillerman’s Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee novels, as Shorty Bowlegs.

He also has appeared in the TV series Walker: Independence, the film Americana and in Kevin Costner’s Horizon: An American Saga.

In his professional boxing career, Hinkey fought in the Super Middleweight division, winning nine times in 12 fights. As an amateur boxer, he was Nevada Champion five years in a row and three-time regional champion.

He also worked as a firefighter for the Bureau of Land Management.

Hinkey will discuss his journey from the boxing ring to Hollywood, and how it reflects his resilience, discipline and commitment to sharing authentic Indigenous stories. His appearance will take the form of a conversation with Archdale Public Library Manager Ashley Rose.

Rose connected with Hinkey via social media when Hinkey reached out to followers for help in finding out about his ancestry. Rose took up the challenge as an opportunity to learn more about the Randolph County Public Libraries’ genealogical resources, and presented Hinkey with his family tree.

The Sunset Series is sponsored by the Heart of North Carolina Visitors Bureau, the City of Asheboro and the Friends of the Randolph County Public Library. Its goal is to bring culturally significant speakers and performers to Asheboro.

Also featured the 2025-2026 Sunset Series:

• Temple Grandin, animal behavior researcher and autism activist, “Great Minds are Not All the Same,” 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14, 2026;
• Lt. Col. Walter Joseph Marm, Jr., Medal of Honor recipient, Memorial Day weekend event, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 23, 2026;
• Elizabeth Hudson, Our State Editor, “Full Circle,” 7:30 p.m.  Friday, September 25, 2026.

 For more information, contact the Heart of North Carolina Visitors Bureau, 800-626-2672.