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KEY POINTS

  • Oscar-nominated for his role as Kicking Bird in 'Dances With Wolves'.
  • Celebrated Canadian First Nations actor and Order of Canada honouree.
  • Starred in 'The Green Mile', 'Thunderheart', 'Maverick' and 'Wind River'.

Graham Greene, the pioneering Canadian First Nations actor best known for his Oscar-nominated role as Kicking Bird in Kevin Costner's 1990 western Dances with Wolves, has died at the age of 73. He passed away on September 1 in a Toronto hospital after a prolonged illness, his representatives confirmed. Born in 1952 on the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario, Greene worked as a draftsman, steelworker and roadie before finding his calling on stage in the 1970s. His breakthrough in Dances with Wolves brought him global recognition and an Academy Award nomination, paving the way for Indigenous actors in Hollywood.

Over the next four decades, Greene built a remarkable career with memorable roles in Thunderheart, Maverick, Die Hard with a Vengeance, The Green Mile, The Twilight Saga: New Moon, Wind River and Molly's Game. He also appeared in acclaimed television series including Reservation Dogs, Echo, 1883, Tulsa King and The Last of Us.

@canadianmorningcoffee

🇨🇦 First Nations Canadian actor Graham Greene, dead at 73. #firstnations #grahamgreen #indigenouscanada #canadianactors #dancingwithwolves

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@sweets_rhonda

Rest In Peace Graham Greene. #ripgrahamgreene #grahamgreene #nativetiktok #warrior

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@itstherespawn

Graham Greene, the Canadian First Nations actor best known in gaming for voicing Rains Fall in Red Dead Redemption 2, has died at the age of 73. His manager confirmed the news to CBC News, stating that Greene passed away peacefully of natural causes. Born a member of the Oneida Nation, Greene first discovered his passion for acting in the U.K. during the 1970s before breaking through in 1990 with his Oscar-nominated role as Kicking Bird in Dances with Wolves. He went on to appear in films like The Green Mile, Die Hard with a Vengeance, Wind River, and The Twilight Saga: New Moon, while also lending his voice to games including The Last of Us. Fans have praised his heartfelt performance as Rains Fall, noting the emotional depth he brought to Red Dead Redemption 2’s later chapters. His passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes across social media, honoring a legacy that spanned film, television, and games. #gaming #actor #reddeadredemption2 #rockstargames

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Greene's legacy will be remembered not only through his acclaimed performances but also through the opportunities he created for Indigenous talent. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Hilary Blackmore, daughter Lilly Lazare-Greene and grandson Tarlo.

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