Oscar-nominated actor Graham Greene, known for Dances with Wolves and decades of groundbreaking roles, has died at 73.
The Zoobly Editor 
Toronto, Canada — September 2, 2025 — The film world is mourning the loss of Graham Greene, the celebrated Canadian actor whose nuanced performances and trailblazing career reshaped the portrayal of Indigenous characters in Hollywood. Greene, best known for his Oscar-nominated role as Kicking Bird in Dances with Wolves (1990), died on Monday in Toronto at the age of 73 after a prolonged illness.
Greene’s passing was confirmed by his longtime agent, who described him as “a great man of morals, ethics, and character” and said he would be “eternally missed”. He is survived by his wife, Hilary Blackmore, daughter Lilly Lazare-Greene, and grandson Tarlo.
A Career That Broke Barriers
Born on June 22, 1952, in Ohsweken on Canada’s Six Nations Reserve, Greene began his career in theatre during the 1970s before making his television debut in The Great Detective (1979) and his film debut in Running Brave (1983).
His breakthrough came with Dances with Wolves, where his portrayal of the wise and compassionate Sioux medicine man earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in 1991. The film went on to win seven Oscars, including Best Picture.
Greene’s versatility shone in a wide range of roles, from Maverick (1994) and Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995) to The Green Mile (1999), The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009), Molly’s Game (2017), and the acclaimed series Reservation Dogs. His recent work included roles in Taylor Sheridan’s 1883 and Tulsa King.
Honours and Legacy
Over his decades-long career, Greene received numerous accolades, including:
- Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album for Children (Listen to the Storyteller)
- Earle Grey Lifetime Achievement Award
- Order of Canada and Governor General’s Award
- Honorary Doctor of Law from Sir Wilfrid Laurier University (2008)
In a 2024 interview, Greene reflected on the early challenges of Indigenous representation in film, recalling how scripts often demanded stereotypes: “You gotta look stoic. Don’t smile… you gotta grunt a lot. I don’t know anybody who behaves like that. Native people have an incredible sense of humour”.
An Enduring Influence
Beyond his awards and filmography, Greene’s legacy lies in his ability to bring authenticity, dignity, and humanity to roles that had too often been reduced to caricature. His work opened doors for Indigenous actors and storytellers, leaving an indelible mark on both Canadian and international cinema.
As tributes pour in from colleagues and fans worldwide, one thing is clear: Graham Greene’s voice, presence, and artistry will continue to inspire for generations to come.
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