Oscar-nominated actor Graham Greene, a Canadian trailblazer for Indigenous representation in Hollywood, has died at 73. His agent confirmed that Greene passed away on Monday, September 1, at a hospital in Toronto. Variety reported that he died of natural causes after a prolonged illness.
Celebrated as one of Hollywood’s first Indigenous stars, Greene’s career was ground breaking. In a statement shared with Deadline, his representatives said, “He was a great man of morals, ethics and character and will be eternally missed.” The statement also referenced his long time agent, Susan Smith, who passed away in 2013, with the line, “Susan Smith is meeting you at the gates of heaven.” Greene is survived by his wife, Hilary Blackmore, their daughter, and his grandson.
First for Indigenous Representation
Born on June 22, 1952, in Ohsweken on Canada’s Six Nations Reserve, Graham Greene built a remarkable career that spanned more than four decades. He first found his footing in Canadian and English theatre during the 1970s, developing the stage presence and skill that would later define his screen roles.
Greene transitioned to television in 1979 with The Great Detective, marking his first significant on-screen appearance, and made his feature film debut in 1983 with the biographical drama Running Brave. His true breakthrough came in 1990 with Kevin Costner’s epic western Dances with Wolves, where he portrayed Kicking Bird, a wise and spiritual Sioux leader. The performance earned Greene an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, cementing his place in Hollywood history.
Graham Greene has passed away at 73 years old. Greene was a powerhouse actor who elevated projects whenever he was on screen. I’ll remember him most for his outstanding performance in Dances with Wolves. He’s a big reason this film won Best Picture. Rest in Peace to a giant. pic.twitter.com/yUOGdbua8C
— Cinema Tweets (@CinemaTweets1) September 1, 2025
Versatile Film and Television Career
After the success of Dances with Wolves, Graham Greene showcased his range across both blockbuster and independent cinema. He appeared in action hits such as Maverick (1994) and Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995), as well as acclaimed dramas like The Green Mile (1999), where he portrayed death row inmate Arlen Bitterbuck alongside Tom Hanks. His later film credits spanned franchises like The Twilight Saga, Aaron Sorkin’s Molly’s Game (2017), and smaller projects including Chris Eyre’s Skins (2002), which earned him an Independent Spirit Award nomination.
Greene was equally prolific on television, with recurring and guest roles in series across multiple decades. His work included Northern Exposure, Murder, She Wrote, Lonesome Dove: The Series, Defiance, Longmire, Riverdale, 1883, The Last of Us, and Tulsa King.
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Memorable Recognition
Graham Greene often spoke openly about the challenges he faced as an Indigenous actor in Hollywood. Recalling his audition for Tony Scott’s Crimson Tide, he shared how the director once told him, “I can’t really see a Native American working on a submarine.” Greene’s sharp response was, “If you could, I would let you tell my four dead uncles who died in the Pacific on subs. Thanks for the trip to New York. I’m going to Sardi’s for lunch now.”
His career extended well beyond acting, as Greene also earned acclaim as a performer and narrator. In 2000, he won a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album for Children for Listen to the Storyteller. Over the years, he received a Gemini Award, a Canadian Screen Award, and in 2021 was honored with a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame.
May his soul rest in peace.
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