Oscar-nominated Actor Graham Greene Dies At 73

Graham Greene, Oscar-Nominated Actor and Indigenous Trailblazer, Dies at 73

The world of film and television is mourning the loss of one of its most quietly commanding and deeply respected talents. Graham Greene, the Oscar-nominated Canadian actor best known for his role as Kicking Bird in Dances with Wolves, passed away on September 1, 2025, at the age of 73, after a lengthy illness2. His death marks the end of a remarkable career that spanned over four decades and broke barriers for Indigenous representation in Hollywood.

🌿 Early Life and Humble Beginnings

Born on June 22, 1952, in Ohsweken, on the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario, Canada, Greene was a proud member of the Oneida First Nation. Before stepping into the spotlight, he worked a variety of jobs—draftsman, steelworker, and roadie for rock bands—until a friend encouraged him to try acting. That suggestion would change his life.

Greene began his acting journey in Toronto’s vibrant theater scene in the 1970s. Despite having no formal training, he quickly earned a reputation for his authenticity, depth, and magnetic stage presence. His screen debut came in 1979 with the Canadian drama series The Great Detective, followed by his first film role in Running Brave (1983).

🎬 Breakthrough: Dances with Wolves

Greene’s career-defining moment arrived in 1990 when he was cast as Kicking Bird, a wise and compassionate Sioux medicine man, in Kevin Costner’s epic western Dances with Wolves. The film was a critical and commercial triumph, earning 12 Academy Award nominations and winning seven, including Best Picture and Best Director3.

Greene’s performance earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor, making him one of the first Indigenous actors to receive such recognition in Hollywood. His portrayal was praised for its dignity, nuance, and emotional resonance, helping to shift the portrayal of Native characters in mainstream cinema.

Costner paid tribute to Greene after his passing, saying:

“He was a master at work and a wonderful human being. I’m grateful to have been witness to this part of his lasting legacy. Rest in peace, Graham.”

🎥 A Career of Range and Depth

Following Dances with Wolves, Greene’s career flourished. He appeared in a wide range of films, showcasing his versatility and depth:

• Thunderheart (1992)
• Maverick (1994) with Mel Gibson and Jodie Foster
• Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995) alongside Bruce Willis
• The Green Mile (1999), where he played Arlen Bitterbuck, the first inmate executed on death row
• The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009)
• Molly’s Game (2017) with Jessica Chastain and Idris Elba
• Wind River (2017), a contemporary western murder mystery

Greene also made his mark on television, with roles in:

• Northern Exposure
• Longmire
• Reservation Dogs
• 1883 and Tulsa King, both created by Taylor Sheridan
• The Last of Us4

His voice work extended to video games and documentaries, always championing authentic Indigenous representation.

🏆 Honors and Recognition

Greene’s contributions were recognized with numerous awards:

• Grammy Award (2000) for Best Spoken Word Album for Children (Listen to the Storyteller)
• Gemini Awards
• Canadian Screen Award
• Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement (2025)
• Order of Canada (appointed in 2015)
• Star on Canada’s Walk of Fame (2021)4

Despite these accolades, Greene remained humble. In a 2018 interview, he said:

“I hate that phrase, ‘Graham Greene, Native actor.’ You don’t hear people say, ‘Denzel Washington, Black actor,’ or ‘Kevin Costner, white actor.’ I’m a fan of diverse casting.”

💬 Tributes and Reflections

Greene’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans, colleagues, and fellow actors. His agent, Michael Greene, said:

“He was a great man of morals, ethics, and character and will be eternally missed. We love you, my brother Greene. God bless you.”

Actor and comedian Matty Cardarpole, who worked with Greene on Reservation Dogs, shared:

“He was lighthearted, wise, hilarious. I’m tearing up as I write this.”

Fellow actor Tom Jackson said:

“He wasn’t necessarily a best friend to me, but he was a best friend to me. He was the epitome of the business.”

🕊️ A Legacy That Endures

Graham Greene’s legacy is not just in the roles he played, but in the doors he opened. He challenged stereotypes, demanded respect, and brought humanity to characters that had long been marginalized. His work helped pave the way for a new generation of Indigenous actors and storytellers.

He is survived by his wife, Hilary Blackmore, daughter Lilly Lazare-Greene, and grandson Tarlo2.

Greene once said of acting:

“They brought me food and water … and I thought, ‘Jeez, I’m living the life of a dog! This is great. I don’t have to carry anybody’s amplifiers anymore.’”

That sense of humor, humility, and heart defined him—not just as an actor, but as a person.

📷 A Final Glimpse

Here are a few images of Graham Greene throughout his career:

Graham Greene on Wikipedia Graham Greene’s IMDb profile Tribute from CNN Kevin Costner’s farewell message

Graham Greene’s passing is a profound loss, but his legacy will live on—in the films he graced, the lives he touched, and the stories he helped tell. He was more than an actor. He was a trailblazer, a storyteller, and a symbol of resilience.

Rest in power, Graham Greene.