TRAILBLAZING ACTOR GRAHAM GREENE, OSCAR-NOMINATED FOR ‘DANCES WITH WOLVES,’ PASSES AWAY AT 73 AFTER LONG ILLNESS
- Graham Greene, a First Nations trailblazer in Hollywood, died on Monday in Toronto after a long illness, leaving behind a legacy of over 180 film and TV credits.
- The Canadian actor, best known for his Oscar-nominated role as Kicking Bird in the 1990 Academy Award-winning film ‘Dances With Wolves,’ was 73.
- Greene’s agent described him as “a great man of morals, ethics and character” who will be “eternally missed.”
Beloved Canadian actor Graham Greene, a trailblazing figure in Hollywood for Indigenous actors, has died at the age of 73. The Oscar-nominated star, known for his powerful performances in films like ‘Dances With Wolves’ and ‘The Green Mile,’ passed away on Monday in Toronto after a long illness.
Born on the Six Nations Reserve in Ohsweken, Greene’s Hollywood profile skyrocketed after his breakout role as Kicking Bird (Ziŋtká Nagwáka) in Kevin Costner’s 1990 epic ‘Dances With Wolves.’ The film’s Academy Award for Best Picture and Greene’s own Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor cemented his status as a rising star.
With a career spanning over four decades, Greene accumulated an impressive array of credits, including roles in ‘Maverick,’ ‘Die Hard With a Vengeance,’ and ‘The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn — Part 2.’ He also made a significant impact on the small screen, starring in popular shows like ‘Riverdale’ and ‘Reservation Dogs.’
At the time of his passing, Greene had eight upcoming projects in the pipeline, including the highly anticipated thriller ‘Ice Fall,’ set for release in October. His agent, Michael Greene, paid tribute to the late actor, saying, “He was a great man of morals, ethics and character and will be eternally missed.”
In addition to his acting accomplishments, Greene was a Grammy winner for Best Spoken Word Album for Children and a Canadian Screen Award winner. He was also immortalized with a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2021 and received the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award earlier this year.
Greene is survived by his wife of 35 years, Hilary Blackmore; daughter Lilly Lazare-Greene; and grandson Tarlo. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of Indigenous actors and actresses in the entertainment industry.