Graham Greene, Trailblazing First Nations Actor, Dies at 73
Graham Greene, Trailblazing First Nations Actor, Dies at 73
A Fallen Native Icon: Who Was Graham Greene?
Early Life and Roots
Greene was born in 1952 in Ohsweken on the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario, rooted deeply in his Indigenous heritageThe GuardianThe Sun.
Stumbling into Stardom
He didn’t start with glamorous ambitions—he “stumbled into acting” after working in various jobs. His career began on stage during the 1970s and leapt to the screen in 1979, appearing in The Great DetectiveThe GuardianPeople.comVulture.
The Role That Changed Everything
** Dances with Wolves and the Oscar Nod**
In 1990, Greene’s role as Kicking Bird in Dances with Wolves catapulted him to Hollywood, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting ActorThe GuardianPeople.com.
Cultural Impact and Breaking Barriers
Greene’s portrayal defied stereotypes. He insisted Indigenous characters be painted with nuance—not just the stoic clichés Hollywood had peddled. As he said, “My people are very funny”—wisdom that guided his career and inspired othersThe GuardianVulture.
Those Roles That Kept Him in Our Hearts
Blockbuster Highlights
- Maverick (1994)
- Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995)
- The Green Mile (1999)
Each role displayed his ability to adapt across genres—from Westerns to action to dramaThe GuardianYahoo NewsThe Sun.
Recent TV Projects
Later, Greene shined in:
- Reservation Dogs
- The Last of Us
- Tulsa King
- Additionally in Riverdale and 1883, proving his versatility yet againThe GuardianVultureYahoo News.
Awards, Honors & Lifetime Achievements
Grammys, Geminis, Canadian Screen Awards
Greene’s list of accolades includes a Grammy, multiple Gemini and Canadian Screen Awards, recognizing both his on-screen and voice workThe GuardianYahoo News.
Governor General’s Performing Arts Award & Walk of Fame
In 2024, he received the prestigious Governor General’s Performing Arts Award, and he had previously been honored with a star on Canada’s Walk of FameThe GuardianinklThe Sun.
A Life Beyond the Set
Personal Passions
According to biographical snippets, Greene enjoyed building boats, writing, playing golf, and was notoriously surrounded by cats with his wife, Hilary BlackmoreWikipedia.
Thoughts on Identity and Humor
He championed authentic portrayal of Indigenous people, often pushing for scripts and roles that reflected humor, family, and everyday life—not just suffering and solemnityThe GuardianVulture.
Final Act: His Illness and Passing
When and How He Passed
Graham Greene passed away on September 1, 2025, in a Toronto hospital, after enduring a prolonged illnessThe GuardianmintPeople.com.
What Family, Friends, and Agents Said
Michael Greene, his agent, honored him as “a great man of morals, ethics and character,” adding poignantly: “You are finally free.” His wife was by his side when he died, leaving behind their daughter Lilly Lazare-Greene and grandson TarloThe GuardianPeople.comNew York Post.
Legacy That Will Echo On
Graham Greene’s legacy is a tapestry—woven from multiple threads: groundbreaking representation, masterful performances across film and TV, and a fierce belief in the vibrancy and humor of Indigenous people. His presence enriched storytelling in Hollywood and Indigenous communities alike.
Conclusion
Graham Greene’s passing is more than the end of a storied career; it’s the farewell to a groundbreaker who carried his heritage with grace and warmth, while reframing how Indigenous actors could exist and flourish in mainstream cinema. At 73, he leaves behind not just roles—but a legacy that’ll continue to laugh, inspire, and perhaps still nudge storytellers to capture the fullness of humanity.
FAQs
- When did Graham Greene pass away?
He died on September 1, 2025, in a Toronto hospital after a long illnessThe GuardianPeople.com. - Which role earned him an Oscar nomination?
His portrayal of Kicking Bird in Dances with Wolves secured him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting ActorThe GuardianPeople.com. - What awards did he win during his career?
Greene received a Grammy, Gemini Awards, Canadian Screen Awards, and the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award, plus a star on Canada’s Walk of FameinklThe Sun. - What projects was he involved in later in life?
He appeared in Reservation Dogs, The Last of Us, Tulsa King, and earlier hit films like The Green Mile, Maverick, and Die Hard with a VengeanceThe GuardianVulture. - Who survives him?
Greene is survived by his wife of 35 years, Hilary Blackmore, his daughter Lilly Lazare-Greene, and his grandson TarloThe GuardianPeople.com.
