Legendary Canadian Actor Graham Greene Passes Away at 73
ONTARIO — The world of film and entertainment is mourning the loss of Graham Greene, the iconic Canadian First Nations actor known for his roles in acclaimed movies such as Dances With Wolves. Greene passed away at the age of 73, as confirmed by his manager Gerry Jordan.
“It is with deep sadness we announce the peaceful passing of award-winning legendary Canadian actor Graham Greene,” Gerry Jordan said in a statement to CBC News. The outlet reported he died of natural causes.
Greene’s talent and dedication to his craft earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Kicking Bird in Kevin Costner’s 1990 epic western, Dances With Wolves.
Originally from the Oneida Nation, part of the Six Nations Reserve in southern Ontario, Greene’s journey to stardom was far from conventional. He held various jobs, ranging from draftsman to rock-band crew member, before pursuing a career in theatre in the UK in the 1970s.
In a 2012 interview with Canadian publication Playback, Greene emphasized the importance of theatre in shaping his acting skills, stating, “It helps you build a character. When you get into film you don’t have that luxury. The discipline of theatre is what I recommend to all actors.”
Greene’s personal life also played a significant role in his success, with his marriage to Hilary Blackmore marking a turning point for him. He described this period as “the best time of my life.”
His breakthrough moment came in 1990 with his role as Kicking Bird in Dances With Wolves, where he portrayed a Lakota medicine man. Greene’s performance garnered widespread acclaim and opened doors to numerous other roles in Hollywood.
Throughout his career, Greene showcased his versatility by appearing in a variety of films, including Thunderheart (1992), The Green Mile (1999), Die Hard With A Vengeance (1995), and The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009).
His contributions to the entertainment industry did not go unnoticed, as he received multiple awards, including the prestigious Earle Grey Award for Lifetime Achievement by the Academy of Canadian Film and Television in 2004.
In recognition of his outstanding achievements, Greene was inducted into the Order of Canada in 2016, a testament to his lasting impact on Canadian cinema and culture. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of actors and filmmakers. — BBC
