Graham Greene, Pioneering Indigenous Actor, Passes Away at 73
Graham Greene, a legendary Canadian First Nations actor renowned for his role in the Oscar-winning film Dances With Wolves, passed away on September 1, 2023, at the age of 73. He died following a prolonged illness in a hospital in Toronto. Greene’s contribution to cinema and his advocacy for Indigenous representation made him a trailblazer in Hollywood.
Greene’s agent, Michael Greene, expressed deep sorrow in a statement, highlighting Greene’s moral character and stating, “You are finally free. Susan Smith is meeting you at the gates of heaven.” This reference was made to Greene’s long-time agent, who passed away in 2013.
A Journey from Ohsweken to Hollywood
Born on June 22, 1950, in Ohsweken on the Six Nations Reserve, Greene initially worked various odd jobs before pursuing a career in acting. His journey began on stage, with performances in Canadian and English theatre throughout the 1970s. Greene made his screen debut in 1979 with an episode of the Canadian drama series The Great Detective and starred in his first film, Running Brave, in 1983.
Greene’s prominent breakthrough occurred when he was cast by Kevin Costner as Kicking Bird (Ziŋtká Nagwáka) in the 1990 Western Dances With Wolves. The film received 12 Academy Award nominations, winning seven, including Best Picture. Greene’s performance earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor, solidifying his status in Hollywood.
Legacy and Enduring Impact
Following his success in Dances With Wolves, Greene featured in notable films such as Maverick (1994), Die Hard With a Vengeance (1995), The Green Mile (1999), and The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009). His versatility extended to roles in Transamerica (2005) and Wind River (2017), showcasing his range as an actor.
Greene’s television credits include regular roles in series such as Wolf Lake, Defiance, and Marvel’s Echo, along with recurring appearances in popular shows like Northern Exposure and Longmire. He also collaborated with filmmaker Taylor Sheridan in two Paramount+ series, 1883 and Tulsa King.
In addition to his Oscar nomination, Greene received accolades including a Grammy Award, Gemini Award, and a Canadian Screen Award. He was also nominated for an Independent Spirit Award and honored with a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame. Earlier this year, Greene received the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award, recognizing his achievements in the performing arts.
In what became one of his final roles, Greene appeared in the acclaimed FX series Reservation Dogs, which continues to highlight Indigenous stories and talent in Hollywood. He remained active in the industry until his passing, with a thriller titled Ice Fall, featuring Joel Kinnaman, awaiting release.
Greene is survived by his wife, Hilary Blackmore, their daughter, Lilly Lazare-Greene, and grandson Tarlo. His legacy as a pioneering Indigenous actor will continue to inspire future generations of performers in the film industry.
