“Graham Greene, the Canadian First Nations actor who earned an Academy Award nomination for Dances with Wolves and inspired generations of Indigenous performers, has died at 73 after a long illness. His dignified career—spanning films like The Green Mile, Twilight Saga, and television's The Last of Us, along with awards from the Grammys to the Governor General—cements his place in cinematic history.”
Stratford, Ontario (September 2, 2025) – The entertainment world mourns the loss of Graham Greene, the trailblazing Canadian First Nations actor best known for his role in Dances with Wolves, who passed away at 73 after a prolonged illness. His death on September 1, 2025, in Stratford, Ontario, was confirmed by his agents and marks the end of a storied career that redefined Indigenous representation in Hollywood.
From Humble Beginnings to Hollywood Spotlight
Born in 1952 on the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario, Canada, Graham Greene embarked on an extraordinary journey. He studied theater at the Center for Indigenous Theatre Program, graduating in 1972, and soon transitioned to the screen with his film debut in Running Brave in 1983. EW.com+1The Guardian
Greene's breakthrough came in 1990 when he played Kicking Bird, a Lakota Sioux medicine man, in Kevin Costner’s directorial debut, Dances with Wolves. This role earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor and helped pave the way for more nuanced Indigenous characters in cinema. The Daily BeastThe Guardian
A Career of Range, Respect, and Awards
Over more than four decades, Greene built a rich and diverse filmography:
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1990s–2000s: Roles in Thunderheart (1992), Maverick (1994), Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995), The Green Mile (1999), and The Twilight Saga installments. The GuardianEW.comNew York PostThe Sun
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2000: He won a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album for Children (Listen to the Storyteller). The Daily BeastNew York Post
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Television Appearances: Including Northern Exposure, Longmire, The Last of Us, Reservation Dogs, Tulsa King, Goliath, and Riverdale. The Daily BeastEW.comNew York PostThe GuardianThe Sun
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2024–2025: Recognized for a supporting role in Seeds (Canadian Screen Award winner) and awarded the Governor General’s Lifetime Artistic Achievement Award in 2025. The Daily Beast+1EW.com
Greene also earned a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame, a testament to his cultural influence. New York PostThe Guardian
Tragic Midair Plane Collision at Fort Morgan Municipal Airport, Colorado, Leaves One Dead and Three Injured
Voices of Tribute from Colleagues
The industry and his peers paid heartfelt homage:
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Lou Diamond Phillips, Greene’s co-star in Wolf Lake and Longmire, called him “one of the wittiest, wiliest, warmest people I’ve ever known… Iconic and Legendary. RIP, My Brother.” The Daily Beast
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Gil Birmingham, who worked with Greene on Wild River, praised his legacy: “A man of incredible talent who made a positive impact on Native representation in film… His great heart was only matched by his wickedly funny sense of humor.” The Daily Beast
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Robert Patrick said simply, “I loved that man! Absolute legend.” The Daily Beast
Final Projects and Personal Life
Graham Greene is survived by his wife of 35 years, Hilary Blackmore, their daughter Lilly Lazare-Greene, and grandson Tarlo. EW.com+1The Daily BeastNew York Post
At the time of his passing, Greene had at least one upcoming film yet to be released, the thriller Ice Fall, filmed in 2024. The Daily BeastEW.comAftonbladetThe Guardian
A Lasting Legacy
Graham Greene leaves behind a legacy that blends cultural significance with artistic excellence:
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A pioneer for Indigenous actors seeking complex, dignified roles.
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A versatile performer transitioning effortlessly between drama, Western, fantasy, and modern television.
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A respected storyteller celebrated not only in film but also in spoken-word, television, and civic recognition.
In his own words, Greene once challenged stereotypical casting—insisting that Indigenous people depicted onscreen should reflect real personalities and humor, not outdated tropes.
