Graham Greene, “Dances With Wolves” Star, Passes Away at 73

The film world is mourning the loss of Graham Greene, the acclaimed Canadian actor whose unforgettable role in Dances With Wolves left an indelible mark on Hollywood. Greene died on September 1 in Stratford, Ontario, at the age of 73.

“It is with deep sadness we announce the peaceful passing of award-winning, legendary Canadian actor Graham Greene,” his longtime manager Gerry Jordan confirmed to CBC News.

From Carpenter to Hollywood Spotlight

Greene’s journey to stardom was anything but ordinary. Before he ever stepped in front of a camera, he worked countless jobs — carpenter, welder, draftsman, steelworker, even a roadie for a rock band. It wasn’t until the mid-1970s that theatre in the UK helped him discover the discipline and craft that would shape his future.

His big break came in 1990 with Kevin Costner’s Dances With Wolves, where he portrayed the wise Sioux leader Kicking Bird. The performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, making him only the second Indigenous Canadian to receive such recognition, after Chief Dan George in 1971.

Greene later recalled the life-changing moment:

“I called my wife, Hilary, and said, ‘You won’t believe this. I’ve just been nominated for an Oscar.’ Two minutes later, the phone started ringing nonstop.”

A Versatile and Respected Career

Greene’s career spanned film, television, and stage, with standout performances in The Green Mile, Wind River, and more recently, Tulsa King and The Last of Us. Critics often praised his ability to bring warmth, wisdom, and humanity to every role, no matter how small. Variety described him as “a pioneer for Indigenous actors in Hollywood.”

In a 2012 interview, Greene reflected on how theatre shaped his career:

“It helps you build a character. When you get into film you don’t have that luxury. The discipline of theatre is what I recommend to all actors.”

Cause of Death and Legacy

Greene passed away after what Variety reported as a “long illness.” His manager later clarified that he died of natural causes.

He was a proud member of the Oneida Nation, part of the Six Nations of the Grand River in Ontario. Beyond his acting, Greene was celebrated as a trailblazer who opened doors for Indigenous representation in Hollywood.

Actor Matty Cardarople, who worked with him on Reservation Dogs, paid tribute:

“He was lighthearted, wise, hilarious. I spent little time with him, but it felt like I knew him for lifetimes… He lived with a light heart. No ego. Not jaded. Graham, thanks for everything. You made an impact on so many lives. You’ll be missed.”

A Life Well Lived

Greene often joked about how he stumbled into acting:

“I’d probably be a welder. I started out as a carpenter, a welder, a draftsman, a carpet layer, a roadie, and an audio tech. I stumbled into acting and thought, They keep me in the shade, give me food and water, tell me where to stand—this is the life of a dog!”

At the time of his passing, Greene’s wife of many years, Hilary Blackmore, was by his side in a Toronto hospital. The two first met on the set of Dances With Wolves in 1990.

He is survived by Hilary, their daughter Lilly Lazare-Greene, and grandson Tarlo.

Graham Greene leaves behind not only a legacy of remarkable performances but also a lasting impact on Hollywood’s recognition of Indigenous voices. His presence, both on and off the screen, will be deeply missed.