Graham Greene (Actor), Oscar-Nominated Indigenous Canadian Star, Dies at 73
Graham Greene (actor), an Indigenous Canadian and Academy Award nominee, has died at the age of 73 in Stratford, Ontario. Widely respected for his versatility, Greene’s career spanned nearly five decades across film, television, and theater.
His death was confirmed by his Canadian agent, Gerry Jordan.
Early Life and Career of Graham Greene (Actor)
Born on June 22, 1952, in the Oneida Reserve in southwestern Ontario, Graham Greene biography details his roots in the Oneida First Nation. Before entering the entertainment industry, Greene worked as a welder, carpenter, and audio engineer. He graduated from the Center for Indigenous Theater in Toronto in 1974, marking the start of a remarkable career.
Greene made his first television appearance in 1979 on The Great Detective and debuted in film with Running Brave (1983), based on the life of Sioux athlete Billy Mills.
Breakthrough and Graham Greene Movies
Greene’s breakthrough came with his role as Kicking Bird, a medicine man, in Kevin Costner’s Dances With Wolves (1990). This performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. The film went on to win seven Oscars, including Best Picture.
His filmography includes memorable roles in Maverick (1994), Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995), and The Green Mile (1999), where he played Arlen Bitterbuck, a Native American inmate. Fans of Graham Greene movies remember him not just for Hollywood blockbusters but also for his strong presence in Canadian cinema and television.
Later, he appeared in The Twilight Saga (2009, 2012), The Birds Who Fear Death (2024), and popular series such as Reservation Dogs and The Last of Us (2023). His final projects, Ice Fall and Afterwards, are scheduled for release in 2025.
Honors and Achievements
Over the years, Greene earned numerous honors. He won a Gemini Award in 1994, received the Order of Canada in 2016, and was recognized with a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2022. In 2025, he was awarded the Governor General’s Award for lifetime achievement in performing arts.
Despite global fame, Greene remained deeply connected to Canada. “I was born in Canada and I’m here to stay,” he once said, refusing to relocate to Los Angeles or New York.
Graham Greene’s Legacy
Beyond being a celebrated Indigenous Canadian actor, Greene contributed greatly to Indigenous representation in film and theater. He frequently collaborated with Native Earth Performing Arts and performed at the Stratford Festival.
He is survived by his wife, Hilary Blackmore, his daughter, Lilly Lazare-Greene, and his grandson, Tarlo.
Distinction from Graham Greene (Author)
It’s important not to confuse Graham Greene (actor) with Graham Greene (author), the renowned British novelist known for works such as The Power and the Glory and The Quiet American. While the writer’s legacy lies in Graham Greene books and literature, the Canadian actor will be remembered for his powerful on-screen performances and his advocacy for Indigenous storytelling.
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FAQs
Who was Graham Greene (actor)?
Graham Greene was an Indigenous Canadian actor from the Oneida First Nation. He was best known for his Oscar-nominated role in Dances With Wolves and appeared in many popular films and TV shows.
What are some of the best Graham Greene movies?
Some of the most famous Graham Greene movies include Dances With Wolves (1990), Maverick (1994), Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995), The Green Mile (1999), The Twilight Saga (2009, 2012), and The Birds Who Fear Death (2024).
Did Graham Greene win an Academy Award?
Graham Greene was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Dances With Wolves (1990), though he did not win.
What awards and honors did Graham Greene receive?
He received the Order of Canada (2016), a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame (2022), a Gemini Award, and the Governor General’s Award for lifetime achievement in the performing arts (2025).
Is Graham Greene the actor the same as Graham Greene the author?
No. Graham Greene (actor) was a Canadian performer, while Graham Greene (author) was a British novelist known for classic works like The Quiet American and The Power and the Glory.
What was Graham Greene’s last film?
His final films, Ice Fall and Afterwards, are scheduled for release in 2025.
