Graham Greene, a celebrated Canadian Indigenous actor, has died at the age of 73 after a lengthy illness. His passing was confirmed by his agent, who said Greene died “peacefully” in Stratford, Ontario. Born in Ohsweken on the Six Nations Reserve, Ontario, Greene rose from humble beginnings—working as a draftsman, welder, and carpenter—before turning to acting in the late 1970s.
Greene gained international recognition for his role as Kicking Bird in Dances with Wolves (1990), a performance that earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. That role helped propel him into a prolific career spanning film, television, and theatre. Over the seasons, he appeared in notable films such as The Green Mile, Die Hard with a Vengeance, Maverick, and Twilight Saga entries. On television, he earned acclaim for roles on Reservation Dogs, The Last of Us, Northern Exposure, 1883, and more.
Beyond his acting work, Greene was a committed advocate for Indigenous representation in media, often addressing stereotyping and pushing for more authentic portrayals of Native peoples. In Canada, he was honored with a star on the Canadian Walk of Fame, appointed to the Order of Canada, and was a 2025 recipient of the Governor General’s Award for lifetime artistic achievement.
He is survived by his wife, Hilary Blackmore, his daughter Lilly Lazare‑Greene, and his son Talo (sometimes reported as grandson in earlier accounts). Colleagues, fans, and the Indigenous artist community have paid tribute to Greene as a trailblazer and mentor whose integrity, talent, and quiet strength left a lasting legacy on screen and beyond.