Oscar-nominated Canadian actor Graham Greene, famed for Dances with Wolves, dies aged 73
Graham Greene, the Oscar-nominated Canadian First Nations actor best known for his role in Dances With Wolves, has died aged 73.
His manager, Gerry Jordan, confirmed his passing to CBC News, saying Greene died peacefully of natural causes. “It is with deep sadness we announce the peaceful passing of award-winning legendary Canadian actor Graham Greene,” the statement read.
Greene, a member of the Oneida Nation of the Six Nations Reserve in southern Ontario, leaves behind a legacy that spanned more than four decades across film, television, and theatre.
His breakthrough came in 1990 when he portrayed Kicking Bird, a Lakota medicine man, in Kevin Costner’s Oscar-winning epic Dances With Wolves. The performance earned Greene an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor and cemented his place as one of Hollywood’s most respected Indigenous actors.
He went on to deliver memorable performances in films such as Thunderheart (1992), in which he played tribal officer Walter Crow Horse, and The Green Mile (1999), where he portrayed Arlen Bitterbuck, a Native American death row inmate. His filmography also included Maverick (1994), Die Hard With a Vengeance (1995), The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009), and Wind River (2017).
Greene’s versatility allowed him to move seamlessly between genres — from westerns to thrillers, fantasy to action blockbusters. His work also extended to television, where he appeared in series across Canada, the US, and the UK.
Before acting, Greene held a variety of jobs, working as a draftsman, civil technologist, steelworker, and even as part of a rock-band crew. It wasn’t until the 1970s that he began pursuing acting seriously, starting out in British theatre.
In a 2012 interview with Playback, Greene reflected on how his theatre background shaped his approach: “It helps you build a character. When you get into film you don’t have that luxury. The discipline of theatre is what I recommend to all actors.”
Greene often spoke about the pivotal moment in his personal life when he married Hilary Blackmore. “That was the best time of my life,” he told Playback, highlighting how family gave him balance amid his career.
His contribution to the arts was recognised with numerous honours. In 2004, he received the Earle Grey Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Academy of Canadian Film and Television. Twelve years later, in 2016, he was inducted into the Order of Canada, the country’s second-highest civilian honour.
Greene’s passing marks the end of a storied career that helped pave the way for greater representation of Indigenous actors on screen. His portrayals of Native characters were often infused with depth and authenticity, challenging stereotypes and showcasing the diversity of First Nations identities.
Tributes have already begun to pour in from across the entertainment industry, with fellow actors, directors, and fans celebrating his immense contribution to film and television. Many highlighted not only his onscreen performances but also his quiet dignity and dedication to mentoring younger artists.
Greene once summed up his philosophy simply: “Do the work, stay true to the story, and honour where you come from.” It was a creed he followed throughout his life and career, leaving behind a body of work that will continue to inspire future generations