Graham Greene, the beloved Canadian actor known for his powerful performances and groundbreaking contributions to Indigenous representation in film and television, has died at 73.

His manager, Gerry Jordan, confirmed Greene passed away peacefully on September 1 in Stratford, Ontario, after a long illness. His wife, Hilary Blackmore, was by his side.

Greene rose to fame with his Oscar-nominated role as Kicking Bird in Dances With Wolves (1990), becoming the first Canadian nominated for an Academy Award since Chief Dan George in 1971. Before acting, he worked as a carpenter, steelworker, and roadie. He credited theatre, which he discovered in the 1970s, for instilling the discipline that shaped his craft.

His acclaimed work includes roles in The Green Mile, Wind River, Tulsa King, and The Last of Us. A proud member of the Oneida Nation of the Six Nations Reserve, Greene was widely seen as a pioneer for Indigenous actors in Hollywood.

Friends and fans have shared heartfelt tributes. Actor Matty Cardarople called him “wise, hilarious, and lighthearted,” and praised his impact on others.

Greene is survived by his wife Hilary, daughter Lilly Lazare-Greene, and grandson Tarlo. His legacy endures through the roles he played and the doors he helped open.