LEGEND GONE – Graham Greene dead aged 73: Oscar-nominated Dances With Wolves actor who also starred in The Green Mile dies

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Graham Greene, the celebrated Canadian First Nations actor best known for his Oscar-nominated role as the wise medicine man Kicking Bird in Dances With Wolves, has died at the age of 73. His passing was confirmed on September 1, 2025, in Stratford, Ontario, after a long illness.

Greene’s breakout came in 1990 with Dances With Wolves, for which he earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. The Kevin Costner epic went on to win the Oscar for Best Picture, cementing Greene’s place in film history as one of the first Indigenous actors to achieve that level of recognition.

Over the course of his five-decade career, Greene appeared in dozens of acclaimed films and television series. His credits include The Green Mile, Maverick, Die Hard with a Vengeance, and the Twilight saga. On television, he had memorable roles in Northern Exposure, Longmire, The Last of Us, and Goliath. His distinctive voice also made him a sought-after narrator and voice actor.

Awards and Recognition

Greene’s contributions were honored with numerous awards:

• A Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album for Children

• Gemini Awards and Canadian Screen Awards

• The Dora Mavor Moore Award for theater

• And in 2025, the prestigious Governor General’s Performing Arts Award, Canada’s highest artistic honor

Tributes

His Canadian agent, Gerry Jordan, said:

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of this legendary, award-winning actor.”

His U.S. agent, Michael Greene, added:

“He was a man of morals, ethics, and character. He will be eternally missed. Finally free. Susan Smith is welcoming him at heaven’s gates.”

Personal Life

Greene is survived by his wife of 35 years, Hilary Blackmore, their daughter, Lilly Lazare-Greene, and his grandson, Tarlo.

Final Work

His last film, the thriller Ice Fall, is expected to be released posthumously, adding one more chapter to his extraordinary legacy.

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Legacy

Graham Greene wasn’t just a brilliant actor—he was a cultural pioneer. His success helped pave the way for Indigenous actors in Hollywood and inspired countless performers around the world. Known for his warmth, wit, and professionalism, Greene leaves behind a legacy of powerful performances and groundbreaking representation that will endure for generations.