Canadian First Nations actor Graham Greene passed away on September 1, 2023, at the age of 73 after a prolonged illness. He died in a hospital in Toronto, leaving behind a legacy that paved the way for Indigenous actors in Hollywood. Greene’s agent, Michael Greene, expressed heartfelt sentiments in a statement to Deadline, stating, “He was a great man of morals, ethics and character and will be eternally missed.”
Greene was born on June 22, 1952, in Ohsweken, located on the Six Nations Reserve. Before embarking on his acting career, he worked various odd jobs. His journey into the performing arts began with stage performances in the 1970s across Canadian and English theater productions. Greene made his screen debut in 1979 with an episode of the Canadian drama series The Great Detective, followed by his first film role in Running Brave in 1983.
Career Breakthrough and Acclaimed Roles
Greene’s significant breakthrough came in 1990 when he was cast as Kicking Bird (Ziŋtká Nagwáka) in Dances With Wolves, directed by Kevin Costner. The film received 12 Academy Award nominations, with Greene nominated for Best Supporting Actor. It won seven Oscars, including Best Picture, and marked the beginning of Greene’s illustrious career in Hollywood.
Following the success of Dances With Wolves, Greene starred in several notable films, including Maverick (1994) alongside Mel Gibson and Jodie Foster, Die Hard With a Vengeance (1995) featuring Bruce Willis, and The Green Mile (1999) with Tom Hanks. His filmography also includes appearances in The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009), Transamerica (2005), and Wind River (2017), directed by Taylor SheridanWolf Lake, Defiance, and Marvel’s Echo. He also had recurring roles on acclaimed shows like Northern Exposure, Lonesome Dove: The Series, and American Gods.
A Lasting Impact on Indigenous Representation
Beyond his acting accomplishments, Greene was recognized for his contributions to the arts. He received several awards, including a Grammy Award, a Gemini Award, and a Canadian Screen Award. Earlier this year, he was honored with the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award in Canada. Greene also received a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame, celebrating his impact on the industry.
One of Greene’s final performances was in the acclaimed FX series Reservation Dogs, which continued his legacy of breaking barriers for Indigenous talent in Hollywood. His commitment to acting did not wane; he had a forthcoming role in the thriller Ice Fall, featuring Joel Kinnaman.
Greene is survived by his wife of 35 years, Hilary Blackmore, their daughter Lilly Lazare-Greene, and grandson Tarlo. His passing marks the loss of a significant figure in the entertainment industry, remembered not only for his talent but also for his role in advocating for Indigenous representation in film and television.
