Oscar-Nominated Actor Graham Greene Passes Away at 73

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oscar-Winner Graham Greene Dies at 73

Legendary Canadian actor Graham Greene, known for his roles in Dances with Wolves, The Green Mile, and the Twilight Saga: New moon, has died. He was 73. His manager confirmed that he passed away peacefully on Monday.

Greene, an Oneida actor from the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario, received an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor for his portrayal of Kicking Bird, a Sioux medicine man in Dances with Wolves. He also appeared in a wide range of productions, including Northern Exposure, Reservation Dogs, and The Last of Us.

Greene spoke on CBC Radio’s Q earlier this year about how he unexpectedly found his way into acting after someone suggested it while he was working as a roadie. “I changed into the costume and they put me in the shade in a nice chair… and I thought, ‘Jeez, I’m living the life of a dog! This is great. I don’t have to carry anybody’s amplifiers anymore…,'” He loved the experience.

Over a nearly five-decade career, Greene’s accolades included two Gemini Awards, a Canadian Screen Award for his work in Seeds, a Grammy Award for best spoken word album for children, Listen to the Storyteller, and most recently, the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement in 2025.

Fellow actor Tom Jackson, who co-starred with Greene in Medicine River and Spirit Bay, remembered him as a generous and multifaceted colleague. “He was a member of the Order of Canada. He didn’t just act, he built sets, he was a stage manager – he did everything,” Jackson recalled.”He was a what an epitome of what it meant to be in the business.”

What impact did Graham Greene have on Indigenous representation in Hollywood?

A Legacy of Powerful Performances

Graham Greene, the acclaimed Canadian actor known for his compelling portrayals of Native American characters and a career spanning decades, has died at the age of 73. The news, confirmed by his representatives on september 2nd, 2025, marks the loss of a notable talent in the film industry. Greene’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow actors, directors, and fans worldwide. He leaves behind a rich filmography and a lasting impact on representation in Hollywood.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born on June 22, 1952, on the Six Nations of the Grand River reserve near Brantford, Ontario, Graham Greene’s heritage was central to his identity and often reflected in his work. He didn’t begin acting professionally until his late 30s, initially working as a teacher and writer.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto.

His early career involved involvement with Native Canadian theater companies.

He initially pursued writing, publishing short stories and poetry.

This unconventional path to acting contributed to the depth and authenticity he brought to his roles.

Breakthrough Roles and Critical Acclaim

Greene’s breakthrough came with his role in Dances with Wolves (1990), directed by Kevin Costner. His performance as Kicking Bird, a Lakota holy man, earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor – a landmark achievement for Indigenous representation in mainstream cinema.

Further cementing his reputation as a versatile and powerful actor, Greene took on diverse roles in films such as:

Thunderheart (1992): A crime thriller exploring Native American activism.

Maverick (1994): A comedic Western alongside Mel Gibson.

The Green Mile (1999): A critically acclaimed drama where he played a Native American inmate.

Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995): Showcasing his range in an action-packed blockbuster.

Notable Filmography & Character Depth

Greene consistently chose roles that challenged stereotypes and offered nuanced portrayals of Indigenous characters. He wasn’t limited to playing solely Native American roles, demonstrating his versatility as an actor.

Hear’s a selection of films highlighting his range:

1. Clearcut (1994): A Canadian drama focusing on environmental issues and Indigenous land rights.
2. Lone Star (1996): A neo-noir mystery exploring racial tensions in Texas.
3. Skins (2002): A powerful drama about the conflict between Native Americans and the FBI.
4. transamerica (2005): A road trip drama where he played a transgender woman’s estranged father.

His ability to embody complex characters with sensitivity and authenticity earned him widespread respect within the industry. He often spoke about the importance of accurate representation and challenging harmful tropes.

Television Roles and Continued success

Beyond film,graham Greene enjoyed a successful television career,appearing in popular series like:

Northern Exposure

Law & Order

Casino Royale (2006)

Longmire

His role as Chief Les Harper in the A&E series Longmire (2012-2017) brought him to a new audience and showcased his ability to anchor a long-running television drama. He continued to work steadily in both film and television, demonstrating his enduring appeal and dedication to his craft.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Graham Greene received numerous accolades for his contributions to the arts.

Academy Award Nomination: Best Supporting Actor for Dances with Wolves (1991).

Gemini Award: Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role for Indian Summer (1993).

National Aboriginal Achievement Award: Lifetime Achievement Award (1996).

* Order of Canada: Appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2002, recognizing his outstanding achievement and service to the nation.

Impact on Indigenous Representation in Film

graham Greene’s legacy extends beyond his individual performances. He paved the way for greater Indigenous representation in hollywood and inspired a new generation of Native actors and filmmakers.He consistently advocated for authentic storytelling and challenged the industry to move beyond stereotypical portrayals. His work helped to raise awareness of Indigenous issues and promote cultural understanding. He was a role model for many,demonstrating that it was possible to achieve success in the entertainment industry while remaining true to one’s heritage.