Canadian First Nations actor Graham Greene, best known for his appearance in The Last of Us and his Oscar-nominated role in Dances With Wolves, has died at the age of 73.
Greene passes away peacefully in Ontario
The beloved actor passed away peacefully in hospital in Ontario after a long illness, according to his representatives. His agent, Michael Greene (no relation), described him as “a great man of morals, ethics, and character,” adding that he would be “eternally missed.” He also praised the actor for everything “he did for his people and for all the world,” per Sky News.
Greene’s passing marks the loss of a groundbreaking talent who opened doors for countless Indigenous performers in the entertainment industry. Deadline called him a “trailblazer” who helped change the face of Hollywood.
Small-screen beginnings to Oscar glory
Born in Ohsweken, Ontario, on the Six Nations Reserve, Greene began his acting career in the late 1970s, making his on-screen debut in an episode of The Great Detective in 1979. His first film role came just a few years later in Running Brave (1983), a biographical sports drama about Olympic runner Billy Mills.
But it was his breakout performance as Kicking Bird in Kevin Costner’s 1990 epic Dances With Wolves that made him an international star. The film earned 12 Academy Award nominations and won seven (including Best Picture) while Greene received his own Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor, according to The Guardian.
The role not only showcased his quiet strength and emotional depth but also brought Indigenous representation to the global stage in a way that had rarely been seen in mainstream cinema.
A diverse and prolific career
Following the success of Dances With Wolves, Greene went on to appear in an impressive range of major films. As per IMDb, his credits include Maverick (1994) alongside Mel Gibson and Jodie Foster, Die Hard With A Vengeance (1995) with Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson, and The Green Mile (1999), where he starred opposite Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan.
He also appeared in The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009) and Wind River (2017), both of which earned praise for his nuanced performances.
On television, Greene’s work was equally expansive. He appeared in Wolf Lake, Defiance, and The Red Green Show, as well as more recent hits like Tulsa King, The Last of Us, and Marvel’s Echo. His range and reliability made him one of the most respected character actors of his generation.
Legacy and lasting impact
Throughout his career, Greene used his platform to advocate for authentic storytelling and better opportunities for Indigenous talent in film and television. His commitment to cultural integrity, paired with his immense screen presence, earned him admiration from peers and fans alike.
Ever the dedicated actor, Greene had several projects in development at the time of his passing.
Greene is survived by his wife, Hilary Blackmore, his daughter, Lilly Lazard-Greene, and his grandson, Talo.
As his agent stated: “He was a great man of morals, ethics and character and will be eternally missed… God bless his beautiful soul.”