Graham Greene, Oscar-nominated star of "Dances With Wolves," dies at 73
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Actor Graham Greene, whose rich body of work helped reshape Indigenous representation in film and television, has died at the age of 73.
Best known for his Oscar-nominated role as Kicking Bird in Dances With Wolves, Greene passed away in Toronto after a long illness, with his wife by his side.
His death has prompted heartfelt tributes from fans, colleagues, and fellow artists around the world.
Greene's decades-spanning career included unforgettable turns in The Green Mile, Die Hard with a Vengeance, and countless other classics.
For many, he was more than a performer—he was a groundbreaking figure who used his voice to tell powerful stories and open doors for others.
Greene was born in 1952 on the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario, Canada.
He began his career in theater during the 1970s, eventually making his television debut on The Great Detective in 1979 and appearing in his first film, Running Brave, in 1983.
His breakthrough came in 1990 with Dances With Wolves, where his portrayal of the thoughtful Lakota elder Kicking Bird earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
At the time, it was a rare honor for an Indigenous actor and marked a turning point in how Native characters were portrayed on screen.
Greene's performance helped bring authenticity and dignity to a role that might have once relied on stereotype.
After Dances With Wolves, Greene continued to build a remarkably diverse résumé.
He appeared opposite Mel Gibson in Maverick (1994), shared the screen with Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson in Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995), and moved audiences in The Green Mile (1999) as a death-row inmate with quiet wisdom.
Greene also appeared in Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009), starred in the sci-fi series Defiance (2013–2015), and made guest appearances on shows like Longmire.
He never shied away from complex or unconventional parts, once telling Salon, “I don’t like to be pigeonholed as one thing because you get stuck in one role.”
His final film, Sweet Summer Pow Wow, was released earlier this year and won the Audience Favourite Feature award at the Victoria Film Festival.
Greene’s influence reached far beyond his filmography.
As one fan put it, “He helped pave the way for all of the incredible Indigenous Canadian and Native American actors we have today.”
His success inspired new generations to pursue acting, while his push for accurate representation changed how Indigenous communities were portrayed in media.
Greene was honored with an honorary degree from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2008 and was named a Member of the Order of Canada in 2015—recognition of both his artistic contributions and his cultural impact.
News of Greene’s passing has brought an outpouring of grief and admiration.
Social media has been filled with stories, memories, and appreciation from those who admired his work:
Greene’s ability to bring warmth, wisdom, and quiet strength to every role made him a favorite for many viewers.
For fans of The GrayVine, his performances weren’t just entertainment—they were emotional touchstones.
Whether portraying a medicine man, a prisoner, or a detective, he brought humanity and truth to every part he played.
His legacy reminds us of the power of storytelling, the importance of visibility, and the role that art can play in reshaping the world.
Rest in peace, Graham Greene. Your presence, your stories, and your influence will not be forgotten.
Read next: Sports world mourns as beloved NHL icon passes away at 89
Did you first see Graham Greene in Dances With Wolves? Was there a role that stuck with you or changed how you saw Indigenous stories on screen? Share your reflections in the comments and help celebrate the life of a man who left an enduring mark on generations of film lovers.
Best known for his Oscar-nominated role as Kicking Bird in Dances With Wolves, Greene passed away in Toronto after a long illness, with his wife by his side.
His death has prompted heartfelt tributes from fans, colleagues, and fellow artists around the world.
Greene's decades-spanning career included unforgettable turns in The Green Mile, Die Hard with a Vengeance, and countless other classics.
For many, he was more than a performer—he was a groundbreaking figure who used his voice to tell powerful stories and open doors for others.
Graham Greene, known for his powerful and dignified performances, leaves behind a legacy that shaped generations of film and television. Image Source: YouTube / ليستات.
From humble beginnings to Hollywood acclaim
Greene was born in 1952 on the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario, Canada.
He began his career in theater during the 1970s, eventually making his television debut on The Great Detective in 1979 and appearing in his first film, Running Brave, in 1983.
His breakthrough came in 1990 with Dances With Wolves, where his portrayal of the thoughtful Lakota elder Kicking Bird earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
At the time, it was a rare honor for an Indigenous actor and marked a turning point in how Native characters were portrayed on screen.
Greene's performance helped bring authenticity and dignity to a role that might have once relied on stereotype.
Also read: A heartbreaking loss: "American Idol" music supervisor and her husband found dead in their home
A career filled with memorable and varied roles
After Dances With Wolves, Greene continued to build a remarkably diverse résumé.
He appeared opposite Mel Gibson in Maverick (1994), shared the screen with Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson in Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995), and moved audiences in The Green Mile (1999) as a death-row inmate with quiet wisdom.
Greene also appeared in Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009), starred in the sci-fi series Defiance (2013–2015), and made guest appearances on shows like Longmire.
He never shied away from complex or unconventional parts, once telling Salon, “I don’t like to be pigeonholed as one thing because you get stuck in one role.”
His final film, Sweet Summer Pow Wow, was released earlier this year and won the Audience Favourite Feature award at the Victoria Film Festival.
Also read: Legendary bassist Phil Lesh dies at 84—The Grateful Dead icon's untold legacy revealed
A lasting impact beyond the screen
Greene’s influence reached far beyond his filmography.
As one fan put it, “He helped pave the way for all of the incredible Indigenous Canadian and Native American actors we have today.”
His success inspired new generations to pursue acting, while his push for accurate representation changed how Indigenous communities were portrayed in media.
Greene was honored with an honorary degree from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2008 and was named a Member of the Order of Canada in 2015—recognition of both his artistic contributions and his cultural impact.
Also read: Remembering Cindy Pritzker: The legacy of the Hyatt heiress who passed away at 101
Tributes from around the world
News of Greene’s passing has brought an outpouring of grief and admiration.
Social media has been filled with stories, memories, and appreciation from those who admired his work:
- “Rest in peace Graham Greene. You are a legend and your work will stand out and impress people for many, many decades to come.”
- “He brought so much depth to every role he played. His performances will definitely be remembered.”
- “He will be missed. He helped pave the way for so many Indigenous actors we admire today.”
Also read: A soulful voice leaves behind decades of memories—the legendary voice of The Whispers, Walter Scott Jr., passes away at 81
More than just a performer
Greene’s ability to bring warmth, wisdom, and quiet strength to every role made him a favorite for many viewers.
For fans of The GrayVine, his performances weren’t just entertainment—they were emotional touchstones.
Whether portraying a medicine man, a prisoner, or a detective, he brought humanity and truth to every part he played.
His legacy reminds us of the power of storytelling, the importance of visibility, and the role that art can play in reshaping the world.
Rest in peace, Graham Greene. Your presence, your stories, and your influence will not be forgotten.
Read next: Sports world mourns as beloved NHL icon passes away at 89
Did you first see Graham Greene in Dances With Wolves? Was there a role that stuck with you or changed how you saw Indigenous stories on screen? Share your reflections in the comments and help celebrate the life of a man who left an enduring mark on generations of film lovers.
