VERY SAD NEWS: Graham Greene, Beloved Voice of Rains Fall and Acclaimed Actor, Dies at 73
TORONTO, CANADA — The world of film and television is mourning the loss of Graham Greene, the acclaimed Canadian actor whose voice, presence, and unforgettable performances made him one of the most respected Indigenous actors in Hollywood and beyond. Greene, who was best known to international audiences for his Academy Award–nominated role in “Dances With Wolves” and more recently as the voice of Rains Fall in the celebrated video game Red Dead Redemption II, has died at the age of 73 after a long illness.
Born on June 22, 1952, on the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario, Greene’s career spanned decades, cutting across film, television, stage, and voice acting. His ability to embody characters with dignity and authenticity made him a trailblazer, opening doors for Indigenous representation in mainstream entertainment.
Greene’s breakout came in 1990 with Kevin Costner’s “Dances With Wolves”, where his portrayal of Kicking Bird, a thoughtful and compassionate Lakota holy man, earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. The role not only brought him critical acclaim but also changed the way Indigenous characters were depicted on screen, moving away from stereotypes and toward more nuanced, respectful storytelling.
His filmography included a wide range of roles in productions such as “Thunderheart” (1992), “Maverick” (1994), “Die Hard With a Vengeance” (1995), “The Green Mile” (1999), and “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” (2009). On television, he appeared in series including “Northern Exposure,” “Defiance,” “Longmire,” and more recently, “1883.” His voice acting work, especially as Rains Fall in Red Dead Redemption II, introduced him to a new generation of fans who admired the wisdom and gravitas he brought to the character.
In June 2025, just months before his passing, Greene was honored with the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement, Canada’s highest honor for contributions to the arts. The recognition reflected not only his body of work but also his role as a mentor and inspiration for Indigenous performers who followed in his footsteps.
Friends and colleagues have remembered him as a man of humor, warmth, and quiet strength. While Greene could deliver deeply serious performances, he was also known for his wit and comedic timing, which he displayed in numerous television roles and stage productions across North America.
Tributes have poured in from across the entertainment industry. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called Greene “a national treasure who gave voice to stories that needed to be told,” while actor Kevin Costner described him as “a true partner in storytelling whose spirit will live on through the characters he brought to life.” Fans worldwide have echoed these sentiments, flooding social media with memories of how Greene’s performances touched their lives.
Despite his fame, Greene often spoke about staying grounded. In interviews, he said his proudest achievements were not the awards or accolades, but the chance to represent his people with honesty and to inspire younger generations to follow their artistic dreams.
Graham Greene’s passing leaves a profound void in film, television, and Indigenous storytelling. His voice — whether on screen, stage, or through the character of Rains Fall — carried wisdom, dignity, and humanity. Though he is gone, his legacy will continue to inspire, reminding the world that true greatness is not only measured by fame, but by the integrity and heart behind the performance.