Veteran actor Graham Greene, whose career helped pave the way for greater Indigenous representation in Hollywood, has died at the age of 73. The Oscar-nominated star of “Dances With Wolves” passed away on September 1 in a Toronto hospital after a prolonged illness, Deadline reported.
Throughout his decades-long trajectory, Greene became a celebrated figure in film and television, earning widespread respect for his talent and dedication to portraying complex, authentic characters. In a statement to Deadline, his agent Michael Greene remembered him as “a great man of morals, ethics and character,” adding that hewill be “eternally missed.”
A Trailblazing Career: Graham Greene’s Impact on Hollywood
Graham Greene’s career spanned more than four decades, leaving a lasting mark on film, television, and theatre. Born on the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario, Greene initially worked in trades like steelwork and welding before pursuing a career in the arts.
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Encouraged by musicians and mentors in the Canadian theatre scene, he began performing professionally in the 1970s, eventually becoming one of the first Indigenous actors to gain international recognition. His breakthrough came with Kevin Costner’s “Dances With Wolves,” where his portrayal of Kicking Bird earned him an Academy Award nomination and introduced global audiences to his commanding presence.
Beyond his iconic role in “Dances With Wolves,” Greene built a versatile career across genres and mediums. He appeared in films such as “Thunderheart,” “Maverick,” “Die Hard with a Vengeance,” and “The Green Mile,” consistently bringing depth and authenticity to each character.
His television work was equally impressive, with memorable roles in “Northern Exposure,” “Longmire,” and “Reservation Dogs,” among many others. Greene also remained committed to theatre, performing with companies like Native Earth Performing Arts and taking on challenging roles such as Shylock in “The Merchant of Venice.”
Greene’s contributions were recognized with numerous awards, including a Grammy, Gemini, Canadian Screen, and Dora Mavor Moore Awards, and in 2025 he received the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award. He was known not only for his skill on screen but also for his dedication to representing Indigenous peoples authentically and breaking stereotypes in Hollywood.
Despite personal challenges, including a major depressive episode in 1997, Greene remained an influential figure, mentoring younger actors and advocating for the arts in Canada.
Off-screen, Greene lived a life grounded in family and personal passions. He and his wife, Hilary Blackmore, raised four children near Toronto, sharing their home with a large collection of cats. He enjoyed writing, building boats, and golf, and remained committed to living in Canada rather than relocating to Hollywood, proving that a successful acting career could flourish outside the traditional industry hubs. Greene’s legacy is defined not just by his roles but by his trailblazing efforts to elevate Indigenous voices in the entertainment world.
