Graham Greene, ‘Dances With Wolves’ Oscar-Nominated Actor, Dies at 73
Graham Greene, the acclaimed Canadian actor best known for his role as Kicking Bird in Dances With Wolves, has died at the age of 73.
His representative confirmed he passed away Monday in Stratford, Ontario, following a lengthy illness.
Born on June 22, 1952, in Ohsweken on the Six Nations Reserve, Greene graduated from the Centre for Indigenous Theatre Program in 1974 before launching a decades-spanning career.
He made his television debut in The Great Detective (1979) and appeared in the film Running Brave (1983). But it was his powerful performance in Kevin Costner’s 1990 epic Dances With Wolves that brought him international recognition and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
The film went on to win seven Oscars, including Best Picture, and propelled Greene to Hollywood stardom.
Over the years, Greene became one of the most respected Indigenous actors in the industry, appearing in more than 200 film and TV projects. His memorable roles included Maverick (1994), Die Hard With a Vengeance (1995), The Green Mile (1999), The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009), Molly’s Game (2017), and Wind River (2017). He also made his mark on television, with standout roles in Reservation Dogs, 1883, and Tulsa King.
Greene’s talent was recognized with numerous awards, including multiple Gemini Awards, a Grammy, and the Earle Grey Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2008, he received an honorary Doctor of Law degree from Sir Wilfred Laurier University.
He was also named to the Order of Canada and honored with the Governor General’s Award for his contributions to the arts.
His agent, Michael Greene, remembered him as “a great man of morals, ethics and character,” adding that he will be “eternally missed.”
Greene is survived by his wife, Hilary Blackmore; daughter, Lilly Lazare-Greene; and grandson, Tarlo. Plans for a remembrance celebration will be announced in the coming days.
