Hollywood mourns the death of Indigenous actor Graham Greene, whose Oscar-nominated role in Dances with Wolves transformed representation for Native peoples on screen.
At a Glance
- Graham Greene died September 1, 2025, in Stratford, Ontario, at age 73
- Nominated for an Academy Award in 1990 for Dances with Wolves
- Career spanned five decades across film, television, and stage
- Advocated for authentic portrayals of Indigenous peoples
- Survived by wife Hilary Blackmore and daughter Lilly Lazare-Greene
A Trailblazer’s Final Curtain
The death of Graham Greene on September 1, 2025, closes a chapter in Hollywood history. Greene, a member of the Oneida Nation from Ohsweken, Ontario, began his career on stage in the 1970s before transitioning to television and film. His agent confirmed the passing, describing Greene as a man of “morals, ethics, and character.”
Greene’s life in acting spanned over five decades, bringing Indigenous stories to mainstream audiences with dignity and depth. His loss is being felt across both Hollywood and Indigenous communities, where tributes emphasize his role as a cultural ambassador and mentor for younger performers.
Redefining Representation
Greene’s breakout performance came with Kevin Costner’s 1990 epic Dances with Wolves, where his portrayal of Kicking Bird earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. The role challenged entrenched stereotypes by presenting a layered, humanized Indigenous character in a major Hollywood production.
Watch now: Graham Greene’s Iconic Career Remembered
Following Dances with Wolves, Greene appeared in critically acclaimed films such as The Green Mile while also taking on roles in television series that highlighted his versatility. His consistent rejection of the “stoic” Native stereotype made him a vital figure in shifting industry practices toward more accurate and respectful representation of Indigenous peoples.
Enduring Legacy
Beyond the screen, Greene pushed for systemic changes in how Indigenous stories were told. His advocacy coincided with broader movements demanding visibility and respect for Native voices in media. By embodying complex characters and challenging reductive portrayals, Greene opened the door for new generations of Indigenous actors to claim space in mainstream cinema.
His final project, the film Ice Fall, remains in post-production without a confirmed release date, representing the closing act of a career that brought him international acclaim. Greene’s influence now extends beyond entertainment into policy discussions around diversity and inclusion in media.
Greene leaves behind his wife of 35 years, Hilary Blackmore, and daughter Lilly Lazare-Greene. His body of work continues to inspire casting decisions and creative choices, ensuring his pioneering contributions remain a touchstone for representation in Hollywood.