The world mourns the loss of Graham Greene, the celebrated Canadian actor whose career spanned over four decades and left a lasting impact on Hollywood and Indigenous representation in media. Greene, best known for his Academy Award–nominated performance as Kicking Bird in Dances with Wolves (1990), passed away peacefully on September 1, 2025, at the age of 73 in Stratford, Ontario. He was surrounded by loved ones, including his wife, actress Hilary Blackmore.
Greene’s manager, Gerry Jordan, confirmed that his death was due to natural causes. While his passing marks the end of an era, Greene’s work and the path he paved for Indigenous performers continue to inspire audiences worldwide.
From Humble Beginnings to Hollywood
Born on June 22, 1952, in Ohsweken, Ontario, Greene was a proud member of the Oneida Nation of the Six Nations Reserve. Before pursuing acting, he worked as a carpenter, steelworker, welder, and even a rock band roadie. These early experiences shaped his resilience and grounded perspective, which later defined his acting career.
In the 1970s, Greene began exploring acting more seriously, starting with theater work in the United Kingdom. He often credited stage acting for teaching him discipline and focus. “The discipline of theatre is what I recommend to all actors,” he said in a 2012 interview.
Breakthrough in Dances with Wolves
Greene’s breakout role came in 1990 as Kicking Bird, a compassionate Lakota holy man in Kevin Costner’s epic western Dances with Wolves. His performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, making him only the second Canadian Indigenous actor to receive such recognition after Chief Dan George in 1971.
The role was a cultural milestone, offering authenticity and dignity at a time when Indigenous characters were often reduced to stereotypes. Greene recalled calling his wife Hilary immediately after learning of his nomination, cherishing the moment with his family.
A Career of Versatility
Following his breakthrough, Greene appeared in films including The Green Mile (1999), Thunderheart (1992), Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995), and Wind River (2017). On television, he brought warmth and humor to series such as Northern Exposure, Longmire, The Last of Us, Tulsa King, and Reservation Dogs, a show celebrated for its focus on Indigenous voices.
Greene seamlessly transitioned between drama, action, and comedy, earning acclaim for his quiet intensity, wit, and humanity.
Humor, Humility, and Heart
Despite his success, Greene remained humble and approachable. Known for his dry humor, he often joked about how acting seemed easier than his previous labor jobs. Colleagues praised him for his lightheartedness and genuine interest in others, making him both an inspiring actor and a deeply kind individual.
Champion for Indigenous Representation
Greene’s work went beyond acting. He opened doors for Indigenous performers in Hollywood and helped challenge stereotypes. He advocated for authentic representation and encouraged future generations of Indigenous talent to tell their own stories with pride and dignity.
Legacy of Family and Love
Greene was a devoted family man. He is survived by his wife Hilary, daughter Lilly Lazare-Greene, and grandson Tarlo. In interviews, he often emphasized the importance of family in keeping him grounded despite his demanding career.
A Lasting Influence
Graham Greene’s legacy lives on in the roles he played and the barriers he broke. He will be remembered not only as a talented actor but also as a trailblazer who expanded opportunities for Indigenous talent in Hollywood. His life journey—from the steel mills of Ontario to the Academy Awards stage—serves as a testament to perseverance, authenticity, and courage.
Honoring Graham Greene means celebrating a life dedicated to storytelling, representation, and the belief that everyone deserves to see themselves reflected on screen. His spirit endures in every performance and every door he helped open for future generations.
