The entertainment industry is in mourning today following the announcement of the passing of Graham Greene, the revered First Nations actor who earned international acclaim for his Oscar-nominated performance in Kevin Costner's epic western 'Dances With Wolves'. He was 72 years old.
A Legacy of Powerful Performances
Greene's representatives confirmed the tragic news of his sudden passing, though the specific cause of death has not been disclosed. The Oneida actor from the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario built an extraordinary career spanning over four decades, becoming one of the most respected Indigenous actors in Hollywood history.
His breakthrough role as Kicking Bird in the 1990 masterpiece 'Dances With Wolves' opposite Kevin Costner catapulted him to global recognition and earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor—a rare honour for a Indigenous performer at the time.
Beyond the Oscar Nomination
While many will remember him for his iconic role in Costner's directorial debut, Greene's career encompassed far more. He delivered memorable performances in numerous critically acclaimed projects including:
- 'The Green Mile' (1999) alongside Tom Hanks
- 'Die Hard with a Vengeance' (1995) with Bruce Willis
- 'Maverick' (1994) starring Mel Gibson
- 'Wind River' (2017) with Jeremy Renner
- The acclaimed television series 'Longmire' and 'Northern Exposure'
Tributes Pour In For Beloved Actor
News of Greene's passing has sparked an outpouring of grief and tribute from colleagues, fans, and Indigenous communities across North America. He was widely admired not only for his immense talent but for his dedication to authentic representation of Native American characters on screen.
Throughout his career, Greene brought depth, dignity, and humanity to every role he portrayed, breaking stereotypes and paving the way for future generations of Indigenous performers. His work extended beyond acting to advocacy, using his platform to champion Indigenous rights and representation in the entertainment industry.
Greene's legacy will endure through his extensive body of work that includes over 130 film and television credits. He is survived by his family, including his wife and children, who have requested privacy during this difficult time as the world remembers a true artist and trailblazer.
