TRIBUTE NEWS: Remembering the Life and Career of Graham Greene, Who Passed Away at 73
ONTARIO, CANADA — The world of film and television is mourning the passing of Graham Greene, the acclaimed Canadian actor whose presence and artistry left a lasting mark on global cinema. Greene died at the age of 73 after a long illness, leaving behind a legacy of roles that reshaped the portrayal of Indigenous characters on screen and inspired generations of performers.
Born on June 22, 1952, on the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario, Greene’s life and career reflected both his heritage and his unshakable commitment to storytelling. His path to international fame was anything but conventional, but his breakthrough performance in “Dances With Wolves” (1990) changed everything. Portraying Kicking Bird, a thoughtful and compassionate Lakota holy man, Greene earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. His performance was hailed for its authenticity and humanity, setting a new standard for how Indigenous people were depicted in film.
That role opened doors that had long been closed. Greene went on to star in a wide range of films, demonstrating extraordinary versatility. In “Thunderheart” (1992), he played tribal police officer Walter Crow Horse, balancing humor and wisdom in a performance that remains one of his most beloved. He showcased his comedic side in “Maverick” (1994) alongside Mel Gibson and Jodie Foster, before bringing intensity to action thrillers like “Die Hard With a Vengeance” (1995). His role in “The Green Mile” (1999), opposite Tom Hanks, once again highlighted his ability to bring quiet dignity and depth to supporting roles.
Greene’s career continued to flourish into the 2000s and beyond, with standout performances in “Skins” (2002), “Transamerica” (2005), “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” (2009), and “Wind River” (2017). Each role, no matter its size, carried his trademark authenticity. Even in smaller parts, Greene elevated the material, grounding it with his steady presence.
His impact was not confined to the big screen. Greene appeared in acclaimed television series such as “Northern Exposure,” “Longmire,” “Defiance,” and “1883.” He also ventured into voice acting, most memorably as Rains Fall in the hit video game Red Dead Redemption II, a performance that resonated deeply with younger audiences.
Beyond his body of work, Greene became a cultural figure whose career helped break barriers for Indigenous actors in Hollywood. His success demonstrated that Indigenous stories and performers could thrive not only in niche films but on the world’s biggest stages. He often spoke about the importance of representation, noting that every role carried responsibility as well as opportunity.
In June 2025, Greene was awarded the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement, Canada’s highest honor in the arts. The award recognized not only his decades of achievement but also his role as a pioneer and mentor for Indigenous artists.
Tributes have poured in from across the entertainment world. Actor Kevin Costner called him “a true partner in storytelling whose voice and spirit were unforgettable.” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described him as “a national treasure whose work changed the way we see ourselves and each other.” Fans around the globe have flooded social media with memories, celebrating the roles that touched their lives.
Though his passing marks the end of a luminous chapter in cinema, Graham Greene’s legacy will endure. His characters, from Kicking Bird to Rains Fall, continue to resonate as symbols of honesty, wisdom, and humanity. For audiences and storytellers alike, he leaves behind not just performances, but a path — one that future generations will follow with gratitude.