Tribute to Graham Greene: Dances With Wolves Star Dies at 73

Graham Greene, the celebrated Canadian First Nations actor known for his quiet strength and profound performances, has passed away at the age of 73. His manager confirmed the news, stating that the actor, a member of the Oneida Nation, died peacefully of natural causes. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy, most notably his iconic role as Kicking Bird in the 1990 epic western Dances With Wolves, which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

From the Oneida Nation to Hollywood Stardom

Born on the Six Nations Reserve in southern Ontario, Greene’s journey to the silver screen was far from traditional. Before finding his calling in acting, he worked a variety of jobs, including as a draftsman, a steelworker, and even a rock-band crew member. He began his acting career in the UK theatre scene in the 1970s, a foundation he credited with shaping his craft.

In a 2012 interview, Greene emphasized the importance of his early training, stating, “The discipline of theatre is what I recommend to all actors. It helps you build a character.” It was this rigorous approach to his work that would later make his performances so compelling and authentic, earning him the respect of his peers and critics alike.

The Breakthrough Role and Lasting Legacy

Greene’s breakthrough came with his powerful portrayal of Kicking Bird, the Lakota medicine man in Kevin Costner’s Dances With Wolves. His performance was universally acclaimed, capturing the wisdom and dignity of the character with a quiet grace that resonated with audiences worldwide. The role not only brought him an Oscar nomination but also played a crucial part in changing how Indigenous characters were represented in mainstream Hollywood.

His work helped pave the way for a new generation of First Nations actors and brought a level of authenticity and humanity to Indigenous roles that had often been missing. Greene became a vital figure in promoting and representing his culture on the global stage.

A Storied Career Beyond Dances With Wolves

While Kicking Bird remains his most famous character, Graham Greene built a storied career with dozens of memorable roles. He continued his work in the western genre in the 1992 thriller Thunderheart, playing the wise-cracking tribal police officer Walter Crow Horse. He also delivered a haunting and empathetic performance as Arlen Bitterbuck, a Native American man on death row, in the 1999 fantasy drama The Green Mile.

His filmography is a testament to his versatility, spanning a wide range of genres and roles. He appeared in blockbusters like Die Hard With A Vengeance (1995), the fantasy romance The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009), and the critically acclaimed neo-western Wind River (2017). His contributions were honored throughout his life, including the Earle Grey Award for Lifetime Achievement and, in 2016, his induction into the Order of Canada, the country’s second-highest civilian honor. Graham Greene will be remembered not only as a talented actor but as a cultural pioneer who brought a vital perspective to the world stage.