A Respected Indigenous Voice in Film and Television
Canadian actor Graham Greene, widely recognized as one of the most influential Indigenous performers of his generation, passed away at the age of 73 in Stratford, Ontario, of natural causes. His representative confirmed the news.
Born on the Six Nations of the Grand River reserve near Brantford, Ontario, Greene was a member of the Oneida Nation. He rose to international acclaim for his role as Kicking Bird, a Lakota warrior in Dances With Wolves (1990), which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
A Career Spanning Film, Television, and Stage
Greene appeared in more than 200 film and television productions. For his performance in Dances With Wolves, he dedicated months to learning the Lakota language, studying it up to eight hours a day. He later shared that this challenge was one of the most defining aspects of his acting journey.
Beyond this acclaimed role, Greene contributed to major productions including The Green Mile, Die Hard with a Vengeancey The Twilight Saga, where he portrayed a tribal chief. His television credits included appearances in American Gods, The Last of Us, Tulsa Kingy Reservation Dogs.
A Legacy in Theater and Indigenous Representation
Greene was also an accomplished stage actor, performing at Canada’s renowned Stratford Festival and at Native Earth Performing Arts, recognized as the country’s oldest professional Indigenous theater company.
His career reflected a lifelong dedication to representation, artistry, and cultural storytelling. Graham Greene leaves behind a legacy that influenced film, television, and theater across generations.
