Canadian First Nations actor Graham Greene, best known for his Oscar-nominated role in the 1990 epic Dances With Wolves, has died at the age of 73. His manager, Gerry Jordan, confirmed his peaceful passing in a statement to CBC News, saying the award-winning actor died of natural causes. Greene’s death marks the end of a career that spanned more than four decades and left a lasting impact on both Canadian and international cinema.
Born a member of the Oneida Nation on the Six Nations Reserve in southern Ontario, Greene led a varied life before finding success in acting. He worked as a draftsman, steelworker, civil technologist, and even as a rock-band crew member, before pursuing theatre in the United Kingdom during the 1970s. He often credited the discipline of stage work for shaping his craft, saying it gave him the foundation needed to build memorable characters.
Greene’s breakthrough came with his portrayal of Kicking Bird, a Lakota medicine man in Dances With Wolves. The role earned him critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He went on to deliver strong performances in films such as Thunderheart (1992), Maverick (1994), Die Hard With A Vengeance (1995), The Green Mile (1999), The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009), and Wind River (2017). His versatility allowed him to seamlessly move between blockbuster hits and character-driven dramas.
Throughout his career, Greene received numerous accolades. In 2004, he was honored with the Earle Grey Award for Lifetime Achievement by the Academy of Canadian Film and Television, and in 2016, he was inducted into the Order of Canada, the nation’s second-highest civilian honor. His work not only celebrated Indigenous identity but also broadened the representation of First Nations people on screen, earning him widespread respect in the film and television industry.
Away from the spotlight, Greene often spoke of the importance of his personal life. In a 2012 interview, he described marrying his wife, Hilary Blackmore, as one of the defining moments that brought him “the best time” of his life. As tributes pour in from colleagues, fans, and cultural institutions, Greene is being remembered not just as a celebrated actor, but as a trailblazer who opened doors for Indigenous talent and left behind a remarkable legacy in storytelling.
