Graham Greene Dead at 73: Oscar-Nominated ‘Dances with Wolves’ Actor’s Life, Legacy, and Obituary

Graham Greene, that incredible Canadian actor who really shook things up for Indigenous folks in Hollywood with his raw, unforgettable roles, sadly left us on September 1, 2025. He was 73 and had been battling a long illness in a Toronto hospital. His work touched so many lives across movies, TV shows, and even stage plays—it’s hard to imagine the industry without him. His agent, Michael Greene (they weren’t related, by the way), put out this emotional statement, praising him as someone with rock-solid morals, ethics, and just an all-around great personality.

Michael’s words hit hard: “You’re finally free. Susan Smith’s waiting for you at heaven’s gates,” nodding to Graham’s old agent who’d passed away earlier. He came into the world on June 22, 1952, right in Ohsweken on Ontario’s Six Nations Reserve, and he always carried that Oneida Nation pride with him. Life started simple—his dad juggled jobs as a paramedic and maintenance guy—and acting wasn’t even on young Graham’s radar.

He bounced around doing whatever paid the bills, like being a roadie for bands, until fate stepped in. Not long ago, in an interview, he shared this funny story about lugging gear when someone casually suggested, “Ever thought about acting?” He admitted he had zero clue about theater or scripts back then, but hey, he dove in headfirst and swapped those heavy amps for the thrill of the stage lights.

Things really took off for him in 1990 playing Kicking Bird, this thoughtful Lakota holy man, in Kevin Costner’s massive hit “Dances with Wolves.” That movie cleaned up at the Oscars, snagging seven awards including Best Picture, and it landed Graham a nod for Best Supporting Actor—the very first for an Indigenous actor in that spot. He used to crack jokes about wrestling with the Lakota language, saying it was nothing like English or French in how it flowed. That part changed everything, paving the way for real, honest depictions of Native people on screen.

Man, his resume was stacked—over 180 credits in total. In films, he nailed it as a sharp cop in “Thunderheart” back in ’92, teamed up with Bruce Willis in the explosive “Die Hard with a Vengeance” in ’95, and brought real heart to Arlen Bitterbuck, the death row guy in “The Green Mile” with Tom Hanks in ’99. He added layers to stuff like “Wind River” in 2017, “Transamerica” from 2005, and yeah, even popped up in “Twilight: New Moon” in 2009. On TV, he was a standout in shows such as “Northern Exposure,” “Longmire,” “Reservation Dogs,” “Echo,” and “Tulsa King,” always mixing in that perfect blend of wit and seriousness.

But Graham was more than just an actor; he was a pioneer, guiding others and pushing for better Indigenous stories in media. He grabbed a Grammy in 2000 for a kids’ spoken-word project, plus Gemini and Canadian Screen Awards. Right before he passed, he got the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award—and get this, he first figured it was a joke call. People who worked with him adored the guy; Lou Diamond Phillips described him as a true “Actor’s Actor,” full of humor and kindness.

He’s survived by Hilary Blackmore, his wife of 35 years, daughter Lilly Lazare-Greene, and grandson Tarlo. Losing him feels like closing a chapter, but his films and shows keep his spirit alive, showing how stories can connect us all and smash old prejudices. In an industry that loves its boxes, Graham showed talent can break free every time.