TORONTO – Graham Greene, revered Canadian actor and champion for Indigenous voices, passed away at 73 in Toronto on September 1, 2025, following a lengthy illness.
His work pushed boundaries for First Nations representation in Hollywood, and his influence will echo for years to come. Widely respected for his skill and presence on screen, Greene leaves behind an enduring legacy in film, television, and theatre.
Born on June 22, 1952, in Ohsweken, Ontario, within the Six Nations Reserve, Greene was a proud Oneida. His road to acting was far from ordinary. Before the stage and screen, he worked as a draftsman, steelworker, and audio technician for rock bands.
Toronto’s theatre scene and time spent in London helped shape his unique style. Greene’s first television appearance arrived in 1979 in The Great Detective, with his film debut following in Running Brave (1983).
His role as Kicking Bird in Kevin Costner’s 1990 film Dances with Wolves drew worldwide attention and earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. This moment reshaped the Hollywood spotlight on Indigenous performers.
Graham Greene’s Career
Across more than 180 credits in film and television, Greene showed his wide range. He played Arlen Bitterbuck in The Green Mile (1999) and Walter Crow Horse in Thunderheart (1992), always bringing honesty and depth to his roles.
Big-screen hits like Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995), Maverick (1994), and The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009) featured Graham Greene alongside smaller, critically welcomed projects like Transamerica (2005), Wind River (2017), and Molly’s Game (2017). On TV, he stood out in Northern Exposure as shaman Leonard Quinhagak and later as Malachi Strand in Longmire, with encouragement from friend Lou Diamond Phillips.
His more recent work in Reservation Dogs, Marvel’s Echo, and Tulsa King showed he always stayed connected with audiences. Greene’s last role will be seen in the upcoming thriller Ice Fall.
Graham Greene’s honours reflect a lifetime of achievement. He earned two Gemini Awards, a Canadian Screen Award for his part in Seeds (2025), and a Grammy for Best Spoken Word Album for Children with Listen to the Storyteller (1999). On stage, he picked up a Dora Mavor Moore Award for Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing and took the stage as Shylock in The Merchant of Venice at Stratford in 2007.
In 2015, Canada made him a Member of the Order of Canada, and just this year, Greene received the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement. Speaking to Tom Power on Q, he shared how much national recognition meant to him. His star on Canada’s Walk of Fame, added in 2021, highlights his deep impact.
Graham Greene Honoured
Kind words flooded in from friends, family, and the film industry. Lou Diamond Phillips posted on X, remembering their bond and describing Graham Greene as an actor’s actor with sharp wit and a big heart. Tom Jackson remembered him as a true friend and brother. Director Don McBrearty praised his dedication, pointing out how other actors learned by watching Greene’s preparation and pride in craft.
Michael Greene (no relation), his agent, told Deadline that Greene was known for strong character and morals and would be deeply missed. He spoke movingly of Susan Smith, Greene’s late agent, saying she would greet him at heaven’s gates.
Hilary Blackmore, Graham Greene’s wife since 1990, was with him in his last days, alongside their children. Graham Greene often described his marriage as the best period of his life, something he cherished above career honours.
Fans shared heartfelt tributes across social media. Jordan Maison, co-founder of Cinelinx, recalled his mother’s excitement whenever Greene appeared on screen, calling attention to his genuine Native presence. Maison described Greene as able to be serious or funny, always commanding attention. Greene made First Nations characters real people in Hollywood’s eyes, opening doors for others to follow.
As Canada looks back on Graham Greene’s remarkable journey, his work stands as a celebration of cultural pride and honesty. His legacy in storytelling will keep inspiring others, bridging cultures and sparking important conversations for years to come. Rest in peace, Graham Greene, a lasting Canadian legend.
