Hollywood and Indigenous communities are mourning the loss of legendary actor Graham Greene, who passed away on Monday at a Toronto hospital after a long illness. Greene, 73, was widely celebrated for his groundbreaking work in film and television, particularly for his unforgettable portrayal of Kicking Bird in the 1990 Kevin Costner epic Dances With Wolves.

Greene’s representative shared a heartfelt statement with Deadline, saying: “He was a great man of morals, ethics, and character, and will be eternally missed. You are finally free. Susan Smith is meeting you at the gates of heaven,” referencing Greene’s longtime agent, who passed away in 2013.

A Trailblazer for Indigenous Actors

Born on the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario, Graham Greene was of Oneida First Nation and Canadian descent. Before pursuing acting, he held jobs as a welder, draftsman, and steelworker, reflecting his strong work ethic and determination. Greene’s rise to Hollywood stardom marked a major milestone for Indigenous representation in mainstream cinema, inspiring countless actors who followed in his footsteps.

Greene’s career began in television with an appearance in The Great Detective in 1979, and he made his film debut in 1983’s Running Brave. However, it was his role as Kicking Bird in Dances With Wolves that catapulted him to international recognition.

The film, directed by and starring Kevin Costner, earned critical acclaim and multiple Academy Awards. Greene’s performance was so powerful that he received a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination for the role.

Behind the Scenes of Dances With Wolves

In interviews, Greene spoke candidly about the challenges of filming Dances With Wolves. He recalled being thrown from a horse during production, humorously remarking that he wanted “payback on the animal” rather than take a break from filming. He also described the difficulty of learning the Lakota language, saying:

“I couldn’t figure out how they ordered their language. Its structure is totally foreign to English or French.”

Despite these challenges, Greene’s portrayal of Kicking Bird remains iconic, blending wisdom, empathy, and strength. He later showed his lighter side by revisiting the role in a comedic context on The Red Green Show, joking about the character:

“The native guy [Kicking Bird] was OK. Should have gotten the Oscar. But the rest of it was a yawn!”

Career Highlights Beyond Dances With Wolves

Greene continued to build an impressive career across film and television. In 1999, he starred as Arlen Bitterbuck, a Native American death row inmate, in a gripping performance alongside Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan. Bitterbuck was convicted of a violent bar fight, and Greene’s nuanced portrayal drew praise for its depth and sensitivity.

He appeared in the Oscar-nominated Transamerica (2005) alongside Felicity Huffman and took on roles in popular franchises such as The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009). On television, Greene made memorable appearances in series like Tulsa King, starring Sylvester Stallone, and the critically acclaimed The Last of Us.

Personal Life and Legacy

Greene married Hillary Blackmore in 1990, and the couple shared four children. Beyond his professional achievements, he was known as a man of strong morals, ethics, and character, dedicated to his family and community.

His influence extended far beyond Hollywood. As one of the first prominent Indigenous actors in major films, Greene helped pave the way for Native representation in cinema, opening doors for future generations of actors. His work not only entertained but also educated audiences about Indigenous culture and perspectives, breaking stereotypes and encouraging more authentic portrayals on screen.

Remembering Graham Greene

Tributes from fans, colleagues, and cultural organizations poured in following news of his passing. Social media was filled with stories of Greene’s generosity, humor, and dedication to craft, reflecting the lasting impact he had on everyone he worked with.

For many, Graham Greene will always be remembered as the wise and compassionate Kicking Bird, a character whose quiet strength left a permanent mark on film history. His career serves as a testament to resilience, talent, and the power of representation, making him a true icon both on and off the screen.

Looking Back at His Impact

Graham Greene’s death at 73 reminds the world of the importance of diverse voices in media. He proved that storytelling could be inclusive without compromising artistic integrity. Today, the legacy of Greene’s performances continues to inspire actors, filmmakers, and audiences worldwide, ensuring that his contributions to Hollywood and Indigenous representation will not be forgotten.

As fans and colleagues celebrate his life, Greene’s work remains a powerful reminder of the enduring influence of talent, courage, and authenticity.

You also might be interested