Mizuo Peck

Mizuo Peck is Sacagawea in 'Night At The Museum'

She has appeared in New York stage productions, television commercials, and music videos but I admit I have never seen her prior to watching the Ben Stiller comedy "Night at the Museum" (which, though not a great movie, is certainly better than all the critics have said it is). Mizuo Peck is a young Caucasian-Japanese actress who steps onto the big screen as a wax replica of Sacagawea that is brought to life -- along with many other replicas -- each night at New York's American Museum of Natural History, thanks to a magical Egyptian tablet.

Mizuo's magic is not just her beauty, but the grace she brings to the role of America's second most famous Native American woman (only Pocahantas has received more attention through the centuries). Many Native Americans were disappointed to learn that this role was given to someone of different ethnic heritage, but then no one in the Italian community complained that the role of Octavius (Augustus Caesar) was given to a British actor (Steve Coogan). In the end, the movie is what it is. (SPECIAL NOTE: For a Native American perspective on this issue, read this message from Tara Beagan.)

What is so compelling about Mizuo Peck, though? Why devote a 'fan' page to her? Well, for one thing, I couldn't find any other fan pages. She had a couple of brief roles (not exactly suitable for children) in a couple of lesser known films. She played Sharon, the hero's fiance, in "Scenes of the Crime" and she appeared briefly in a German television movie called "Nicht heulen, Husky". It's always nice to be able to say you created the first fan page for a celebrity. Maybe this really is the first Mizuo Peck fan page.

The dearth of fan pages also means there is a dearth of information about her. I found one interview with Mizuo Peck at Independent Film. Corey Boutilier, the interviewer, has a blog on MySpace where he mentioned the interview and said that Mizuo would be at the upcoming Sundance Film Festival.

She is also quoted in one pre-"Night at the Museum" publicity blitz interview that I was able to find. "In our very first scene together, Robin (Williams) has to come up to me all awkward and shy and unable to talk," she is quoted as saying. "He was so sweet and vulnerable and tender, he made it so easy for me. I instantly felt comfortable with him." There's a little more at the site so follow the link.

Back in September 2006, Mizuo apparently helped a friend put on a design show called 'Ten Years of Change: A Retrospective Celebration an an Accidental Collaborative Career'. Her published acting credits are sparse: Maggie in "Nicht heulen, Husky" (2000), Sharon in "Scenes of the Crime" (2001), Mija Woo in the episode "Nailed" from the Witchblade series (2002), Tia in episode 1.8613 of All My Children (2003), Sheila in the episode "Wasichu" of Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2006), and now Sacagawea in "Night at the Museum" (2006).

So what about all these music videos and stage plays? I don't know. How about you tell me. Send a message to Michael with any information you have about Mizuo Peck. I'm not looking for juicy intimate details, but if you can give references for her other work, I'll be glad to include them here.

I hope Mizuo's career takes off, and I hope she keeps her head on her shoulders. Fame and fortune have ruined many people in the entertainment industry. Right now she seems like she has a lot of potential, and I'll look forward to seeing her in more films.

Several people have written to share information about Mizuo Peck. We want to thank everyone for their help. Please keep in mind that we cannot verify or confirm the accuracy of the information provided, but whatever seems reasonable to us we'll share here with that disclaimer.

Heather wrote to say that she and Mizuo graduated from SUNY Purchase College in 1999. "She was a part of the prestigious acting conservatory (other alums include: Parker Posey, Stanley Tucci, Edie Falco). She was a really sweet girl and quite talented. We all thought she would definitely 'make it.'" -- Thank you, Heather!

Cheryl wrote to say: "Mizuo Peck was also a model in Debbie Stoller's first Stitch 'n' Bitch knitting book. Lots of great photos of her." -- Thanks, Cheryl. Parents: Debbie works for Bust magazine which some of you may feel is not suitable for young children but her books are about knitting with some slightly mature innuendo. There are some small pictures from the book on the Web site.

Another reader wrote to say: "Mizuo Peck went to the High School of Performing Arts and Music and Art and I believe she graduated in 1995. She was a drama major."