He will forever be remembered for his unforgettable performance in Dances With Wolves.
Now, the world is mourning the loss of beloved actor Graham Greene, who has passed away at the age of 73.
“It is with deep sadness we announce the peaceful passing of award-winning legendary Canadian actor Graham Greene,” his manager Gerry Jordan said in a statement to CBC News.
Stared as a carpenter
Graham Greene was a powerhouse of talent, known for bringing a rare depth and empathy to every role he took on. Many remember his breakout performance as the Sioux leader Kicking Bird in Kevin Costner’s epic Dances With Wolves — a role that earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
At 38, Graham Greene became the first Canadian to earn an acting nomination since fellow Indigenous performer Chief Dan George was recognized in 1971 for Little Big Man.
“I called my wife, Hilary, and said, ‘You won’t believe this. I’ve just been nominated for an Oscar,’” Greene recalled. “Two minutes later the phone started ringing.”
Before his Hollywood career took off, Greene worked a variety of jobs — from c and carpenter to civil technologist to steelworker and even part of a rock-band crew.
It wasn’t until the 1970s that he found his way onto the stage in the UK, where theatre laid the foundation for his craft.
In a 2012 interview with the Canadian outlet Playback, Greene reflected on how vital those early years were. “It helps you build a character. When you get into film you don’t have that luxury. The discipline of theatre is what I recommend to all actors,” he said.
Over the years, Greene went on to deliver powerful performances in films such as The Green Mile and Wind River. His talent also reached the small screen, with roles in hit shows like Tulsa King and The Last of Us.
Graham Greene cause of death
He died on September 1 in Stratford, Ontario, after what Variety described as a “long illness,” though the exact details were not shared. His manager later told CBC that the actor died of “natural causes.”
The Canadian actor was a member of the Oneida Nation, part of the Six Nations Reserve in southern Ontario. Greene, remembered for bringing wisdom, humor, and heart to his roles, was celebrated not only for his talent but also for paving the way for Indigenous representation on screen.
Variety called him “a pioneer for Indigenous actors in Hollywood.”
Actor Matty Cardarople, who worked alongside Greene on Reservation Dogs, shared a moving tribute:
“Rip Graham Greene. I had the honor of working with him on @rezdogsfx. I spent long van rides with him to set he was always cracking everyone up, including me, he was lighthearted, wise, hilarious, I’m tearing up as I write this. I spent little time with him but it felt like I knew him lifetimes. He felt so familiar probably from seeing all his films growing up. He lived the way you should. With a light heart. No ego. Not jaded. Interested. Graham thanks for everything. Truly. You made an impact on so many people’s lives. You’ll be missed. Much love.”
In an interview with Reader’s Digest, Graham Greene was asked what path he might have taken if acting hadn’t been his career. His response was:
“I’d probably be a welder. I started out as a carpenter, a welder, a draftsman, a carpet layer, a roadie and an audio tech. I stumbled into acting and I thought, These people keep me in the shade, give me food and water, take me over to where I say what I’m supposed to say, then they take me back. Wow — this is the life of a dog!”
Wife by his side
At the time of his passing, Greene’s wife, Hilary Blackmore, was by his side at a Toronto hospital. His representative told the New York Post that the beloved actor was “finally free.”
According to Greene’s grandson, Tuko, Graham first crossed paths with Hilary Blackmore while working on the set of his 1990 film Dances With Wolves.
Greene is survived by his wife Hilary, his daughter Lilly Lazare-Greene, and his grandson Tarlo, according to People.
