Actor Graham Greene Dies at 73 | Dances with Wolves Star & First Nations Trailblazer Remembered
Canadian First Nations actor Graham Greene, best known for his Oscar‑nominated performance as Kicking Bird in Dances with Wolves, has passed away at the age of 73 after battling a prolonged illness. He died peacefully on Monday, September 1, 2025, in Stratford, Ontario
Born on June 22, 1952, in Ohsweken on the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario, Greene was a member of the Oneida Nation. He launched his career in theater and made his film debut in Running Brave (1983), before earning international acclaim for Dances with Wolves (1990), which garnered him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor
Over five decades, Greene built a prolific career with more than 200 credits across film, television, and theater. His memorable roles included appearances in The Green Mile, Maverick, Die Hard with a Vengeance, and The Twilight Saga, as well as acclaimed TV series like Reservation Dogs, The Last of Us, Goliath, and 1883
In addition to his acting achievements, Greene was a recipient of numerous honors recognizing his contributions to the arts and Indigenous representation. Among his accolades were the Order of Canada (2015), the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award (2025), a Grammy, a Gemini, and multiple Canadian Screen Awards
Co‑star Kevin Costner paid tribute on social media, calling Greene “a master at work and a wonderful human being.” He remembered working alongside Greene on Dances with Wolves, praising his dedication to mastering the Lakota language and the depth he brought to the role with minimal dialogue
Greene’s passing signifies more than the loss of a gifted performer — it marks the departure of a cultural trailblazer who opened doors for Indigenous talent in mainstream cinema. His integrity, range, and advocacy have left an enduring influence
He is survived by his wife, Hilary Blackmore, their daughter Lilly Lazare‑Greene, and his grandson Tarlo
In remembering Graham Greene, the world honors a man whose talents and humanity transcended the screen — a storyteller, an advocate, and a legacy that will endure.