Canadian First Nations actor Graham Greene, whose groundbreaking career paved the way for Indigenous representation in Hollywood, has passed away at the age of 73. The Oscar-nominated star of “Dances with Wolves” died on September 1 at a Toronto hospital following an extended illness
Graham Greene Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on June 22, 1952, in Ohsweken on the Six Nations Reserve, Greene took various jobs before pursuing his passion for acting. His theatrical journey began on stage, and by the 1970s he had established himself in Canadian and English professional theater productions.
Greene’s screen career began in 1979 with an appearance on the Canadian drama series “The Great Detective,” followed by his film debut in 1983’s “Running Brave.” His career-defining moment arrived when Kevin Costner cast him as Kicking Bird (Ziŋtká Nagwáka), one of the main characters in the 1990 Western “Dances with Wolves.” The acclaimed film received 12 Academy Award nominations, including Best Supporting Actor for Greene, and ultimately won seven Oscars including Best Picture.
Hollywood Success and Notable Film Roles
Following his breakthrough in “Dances with Wolves,” Greene established himself as a prominent Hollywood character actor. His impressive filmography included major productions such as “Maverick” (1994) alongside Mel Gibson and Jodie Foster, “Die Hard with a Vengeance” (1995) with Bruce Willis, and “The Green Mile” (1999) featuring Tom Hanks. He later appeared in “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” (2009) with Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, and Aaron Sorkin’s “Molly’s Game” (2017) starring Jessica Chastain, Idris Elba, and his “Dances with Wolves” co-star Costner.
Greene also secured leading roles in several notable films, including “Thunderheart” (1992) opposite Val Kilmer, “Transamerica” (2005) with Felicity Huffman, and Taylor Sheridan’s “Wind River” (2017) alongside Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olsen.
Television Career and Recent Work
Sheridan’s collaboration with Greene extended to television, casting him in two Paramount+ series: “1883” and most recently “Tulsa King.” Greene’s extensive television career featured series regular roles on “Wolf Lake,” “Defiance,” and Marvel’s “Echo,” along with memorable recurring appearances on “Northern Exposure,” “Lonesome Dove: The Series,” “Being Erica,” “Longmire,” “Goliath,” and “American Gods.”
Awards and Recognition
Beyond his Oscar nomination, Greene’s distinguished career earned him Grammy, Gemini, and Canadian Screen Awards, along with an Independent Spirit Award nomination. He was honored with a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame and received the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award in his native country earlier this year.
Graham Greene Legacy and Final Years
One of Greene’s final roles appeared on FX’s acclaimed series “Reservation Dogs,” which continued his legacy of breaking barriers for Indigenous talent in Hollywood. The dedicated actor worked until the end and has one posthumous film release, the thriller “Ice Fall” starring Joel Kinnaman.
In his final hours, Greene attempted to reach out to Kevin Costner to express his gratitude to the filmmaker who transformed his life and career. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Hilary Blackmore, daughter Lilly Lazare-Greene, and grandson.
