Oscar-Nominated ‘Dances With Wolves’ Star Dies at 73

Oscar-nominated actor Graham Greene has died at the age of 73.

His agent, Michael Greene, confirmed that the veteran actor passed away on Sunday at a hospital in Toronto. His wife, Hilary Blackmore, was by his side. Michael described Greene as a man of strong character who cared deeply for his people and for the world.

In a message directed to the late actor, Michael said, “You are finally free,” adding that Greene’s former agent Susan Smith would meet him at Heaven’s gate. No cause of death was given, though it was reported he had been battling a long illness.

Greene began his acting career in the early 1980s with smaller roles before landing his breakout part in Dances With Wolves. He played Kicking Bird, a Sioux medicine man, a role that earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He ultimately lost that award to Joe Pesci in Goodfellas.

Across his career, Greene built a wide-ranging filmography. He appeared in The Green Mile, Snow Dogs, The Twilight Saga: New Moon, Wind River, and Molly’s Game. He also took on television work, including appearances in American Gods and Riverdale.

Greene leaves behind his wife Hilary, daughter Lilly Lazare-Greene, and son Tarlo Greene.

After news of his passing, tributes from fellow actors and fans poured in online. Lou Diamond Phillips shared on X, “Heartbroken. Terribly saddened to hear of the passing of Graham Greene at only 73. From Wolf Lake to Longmire, we had a beautiful friendship. An Actor’s Actor. One of the wittiest, wiliest, warmest people I’ve ever known. Iconic and Legendary. RIP, My Brother.”

Cinelinx co-founder Jordan Maison also remembered him, writing, “RIP Graham Greene. Every time he popped up on screen when I was a kid, my mom would excitedly point him out for being an actual Native on the screen. Able to be deadly serious and infinitely hilarious (even in smaller roles like Last of Us), he ate up the screen. Nʌki’wah brother.”

Fans around the world also expressed their sadness and appreciation for Greene’s work, remembering him as both a powerful actor and a symbol of representation on screen.

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