Mourning the Loss of “Dances with Wolves” Star Graham Greene

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The world is mourning the loss of Graham Greene, the acclaimed Canadian First Nations actor best known for his role as Kicking Bird in the 1990 film Dances with Wolves. Greene passed away on September 1, 2025, at the age of 73, following a prolonged illness. His death was confirmed by his agent, Michael Greene, who described him as a man of deep morals and character, adding that he was “a great man of morals, ethics, and character, and will be eternally missed”

Born on June 22, 1952, on the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario, Canada, Greene was a member of the Oneida Nation. He began his acting career in the theater during the 1970s before transitioning to film and television in the 1980s. His breakthrough came in 1990 when he portrayed Kicking Bird, a Lakota Sioux medicine man, in Dances with Wolves. The film, directed by and starring Kevin Costner, was a critical and commercial success, winning seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Greene’s performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, marking a significant milestone in his career.

Following his success in Dances with Wolves, Greene continued to build a diverse and distinguished career. He appeared in notable films such as Thunderheart (1992), Maverick (1994), Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995), The Green Mile (1999), and Wind River (2017). His television credits include roles in Northern Exposure, Longmire, The Last of Us, and Goliath . Greene was also recognized for his contributions to the arts, receiving numerous awards throughout his career, including a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album for Children in 2000, a Gemini Award, and a Canadian Screen Award. In 2025, he was honoured with the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award.

Beyond his acting achievements, Greene was a passionate advocate for Indigenous representation in the arts. He often spoke about the importance of portraying Indigenous characters with depth and authenticity, challenging stereotypes and promoting a more accurate understanding of Indigenous cultures. His work has inspired countless Indigenous actors and filmmakers, paving the way for greater visibility and opportunities in the entertainment industry.

Greene is survived by his wife, Hilary Blackmore, and their daughter, Lilly Lazare-Greene. His passing marks the end of an era for Indigenous representation in Hollywood, but his legacy endures through his extensive body of work and the doors he helped open for future generations of Indigenous artists.