The entertainment world said goodbye to a true talent and a groundbreaking figure in Hollywood, Graham Greene. The actor, who etched his name into movie history with his Oscar-nominated role as Kicking Bird in Dances with Wolves, passed away at 73.
Greene’s agent, Michael Greene (no relation), shared the sad news. He confirmed that the actor died on Monday, September 1, after a long illness. He was in a Toronto hospital at the time. "He was a great man of morals, ethics, and character, and we will miss him forever," Michael Greene said in a statement. "Finally, you are free." He also mentioned that Greene’s former agent, Susan Smith, who passed in 2013, would greet him at the gates of heaven, a touching tribute reported by Deadline.
Many knew Greene for his powerful presence, especially in his big break with Kevin Costner’s 1990 epic, Dances with Wolves. His portrayal of Kicking Bird earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. The film itself was a massive success, landing 12 Oscar nominations and taking home seven awards in 1991, including Best Picture and Best Director for the then 70-year-old Costner.
Greene wasn’t just an actor; he was a pioneer. He paved the way for Indigenous actors in Hollywood, opening doors for many who followed. Beyond the sweeping plains of Dances with Wolves, he graced the screen in many memorable films. He starred in 1992’s Thunderheart alongside the late Val Kilmer. Fans also remember him from 1995’s Die Hard with a Vengeance, where he shared scenes with Bruce Willis, and the much-loved 1999 drama The Green Mile. He also appeared in the 2004 film Transamerica. More recently, he had a key role in Marvel Studios’ Echo, which hit Disney+ last year, and FX’s critically acclaimed series Reservation Dogs.
In a March 2017 chat with Reader’s Digest Canada, Greene gave a peek into his life before fame. He joked that he might have ended up as a welder if acting hadn’t called. He listed a string of jobs he had, from carpenter to roadie. "I stumbled into acting and thought, ‘These people keep me in the shade, give me food and water, take me where I’m supposed to say what I’m supposed to say, and then take me back. Wow! This is a dog’s life!’” he chuckled, showing his down-to-earth personality.
During the same interview, he shared a heartwarming memory from the set of Dances with Wolves. He talked about bonding with the horse he rode in the movie. "He and I got along great," Greene said. "On the last day of filming, a guy came up to me and told me it had been his; it turned out he had had to sell it." Greene’s compassion shone through as he explained what he did next. "After filming, I went to see the producers and told them, ‘Make sure this guy gets his horse back. Deduct it from my salary if necessary.’" That story truly shows the kind of man he was.
Graham Greene leaves behind his wife, Hilary Blackmore, his daughter, Lilly Lazare-Greene, and his grandson, Tarlo. He will be deeply missed, but his work and his spirit will continue to inspire.