Graham Greene, Celebrated Actor from 'Dances with Wolves', Passes Away at 73
Graham Greene's Legacy
Graham Greene, the esteemed Canadian First Nations actor renowned for his Oscar-nominated role in the 1990 film 'Dances with Wolves', passed away on September 1, 2025, in Toronto after a prolonged illness. He was 73 years old.
His agent, Michael Greene (unrelated), confirmed the news, stating, 'He was a man of great morals, ethics, and character, and he will be deeply missed.' He also mentioned, 'You are finally free. Susan Smith is waiting for you at the gates of heaven,' referring to Greene’s long-time agent who died in 2013.
A Glimpse into Graham Greene's Life
Born on June 22, 1952, in Ohsweken, Ontario, Greene began his artistic journey on stage during the 1970s before transitioning to film and television. His breakthrough came in 1990 with 'Dances with Wolves', where he portrayed Kicking Bird, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. The film won seven Oscars, including Best Picture, solidifying Greene's status as one of Hollywood's most prominent Indigenous actors.
Career Highlights
Throughout his impressive four-decade career, Greene made significant contributions to both film and television. His notable works include 'Thunderheart' (1992), 'Maverick' (1994), 'Die Hard with a Vengeance' (1995), 'The Green Mile' (1999), 'Wind River' (2017), and 'Molly’s Game' (2017). He also had key roles in popular TV series such as 'Northern Exposure', 'Longmire', 'American Gods', '1883', and 'Tulsa King'. His final appearance was in FX’s 'Reservation Dogs'.
Greene's accolades include a Grammy Award, Gemini Award, Canadian Screen Award, and a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame. In early 2025, he received the prestigious Governor General's Performing Arts Award, one of the highest cultural honors in Canada.
Family and Survivors
He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Hilarie Blackmore, their daughter Lily Lazare-Green, and grandson Tarlow.
