Oscar-nominated actor Graham Greene, best known for Dances With Wolves, has died at 73. A trailblazer for Indigenous representation in Hollywood, Greene leaves behind a powerful legacy.
Hollywood is mourning the loss of Graham Greene, the acclaimed Canadian actor best known for his unforgettable role as Kicking Bird in Dances With Wolves. Greene passed away peacefully at the age of 73 on September 1, in Stratford, Ontario.
His manager, Gerry Jordan, confirmed the news in a statement to CBC News, saying:
“It is with deep sadness we announce the peaceful passing of award-winning legendary Canadian actor Graham Greene.”
A Trailblazer for Indigenous Representation
Born a member of the Oneida Nation, part of the Six Nations Reserve in southern Ontario, Greene broke barriers in Hollywood. His breakout performance in Kevin Costner’s 1990 epic Dances With Wolves earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, making him the first Canadian since Chief Dan George (1971) to be nominated for an acting Oscar.
Variety remembered Greene as “a pioneer for Indigenous actors in Hollywood.”
From Carpenter to Hollywood Icon
Before becoming an actor, Greene held several jobs, working as a carpenter, steelworker, draftsman, and even part of a rock-band crew. His career took a turn in the 1970s when he discovered theater in the UK — an experience he later credited for shaping his craft.
“The discipline of theatre is what I recommend to all actors,” Greene once said in a 2012 interview.
His career went on to span decades, with powerful performances in The Green Mile, Wind River, and TV series like Tulsa King, The Last of Us, and Reservation Dogs.
Tributes Pour In
Actor Matty Cardarople, who worked with Greene on Reservation Dogs, shared a moving tribute:
“Rip Graham Greene. I had the honor of working with him… he was lighthearted, wise, hilarious. I spent little time with him but it felt like I knew him lifetimes. Graham, thanks for everything. You made an impact on so many people’s lives.”
Cause of Death
According to his manager, Graham Greene died of natural causes after what was described as a “long illness.”
Family and Legacy
At the time of his passing, Greene’s wife, Hilary Blackmore, was by his side at a Toronto hospital. He is also survived by his daughter Lilly Lazare-Greene and his grandson Tarlo.
Greene will be remembered not only as a talented actor but also as a pioneer who paved the way for Indigenous representation on screen. His humor, humility, and humanity touched countless lives.