Trailblazing Canadian Actor Graham Greene Remembered as “Iconic”
Graham Greene, the trailblazing Canadian First Nations actor whose career spanned five decades and reshaped the representation of Indigenous people on screen, has died at the age of 73 after a long illness. Born in 1952 in Ohsweken, on Ontario’s Six Nations Reserve, Greene rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most admired and respected actors of his generation.
His defining role came in 1990, when he portrayed the wise and compassionate Kicking Bird in Dances with Wolves. The performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, a milestone that not only brought Greene international acclaim but also broke barriers for Indigenous actors in Hollywood. It was a role that resonated far beyond the screen, offering nuance and humanity where stereotypes had too often prevailed.
Over the years, Greene built a remarkably varied career. His film appearances included Thunderheart, Maverick, Die Hard with a Vengeance, The Green Mile, Wind River, and even The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2. On television, he brought depth and presence to series such as Northern Exposure, Reservation Dogs, 1883, Tulsa King, and The Last of Us. He also lent his distinctive voice to the acclaimed video game Red Dead Redemption 2, reaching yet another generation of audiences.
Greene’s achievements were recognized with some of Canada’s highest honors. He was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2016 and received the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for lifetime achievement in 2025. Throughout his career he also collected numerous awards, including a Grammy, Gemini, and Canadian Screen Awards, underscoring his remarkable versatility and impact.
Yet it was not only his artistry that drew admiration, but also the doors he opened. Fellow Indigenous performers often cited him as an inspiration. Lily Gladstone, reflecting on his influence, described him as a “legend” whose work was “unparalleled and expansive.” Actor Gil Birmingham remembered him as a guiding presence for Native actors striving to find authentic representation on screen. Ethan Hawke, who worked alongside him in 2025, praised the grace, wit, and wisdom Greene carried into every role.
His Dances with Wolves co-star Kevin Costner offered a moving tribute, recalling Greene’s dedication to authenticity — particularly his determination to learn the Lakota language for the role. Costner described him as “a master at work and a wonderful human being,” words that echo the sentiments of many who encountered Greene’s artistry and kindness.
Greene is survived by his wife, Hilary Blackmore, his daughter Lilly Lazare-Greene, and his grandson Tarlo. Beyond his family, he leaves behind an enduring legacy: a body of work that not only entertained but also shifted perceptions, enriched storytelling, and made space for voices too long overlooked.
In remembering Graham Greene, one recalls not just the films and television roles, but the dignity, humanity, and quiet trailblazing spirit that defined him. He was, as many have said, truly iconic — and his influence will continue to resonate for generations.