Graham Greene, the Oscar-nominated Indigenous actor renowned for his powerful performances in Dances With Wolves and Longmire, passed away on September 1, 2025, at age 73. The Canadian First Nations star, born on the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario, died in a Toronto hospital after a long illness, leaving behind a legacy that transformed Indigenous representation in Hollywood. Fans and colleagues are mourning his loss, celebrating his wit, warmth, and trailblazing career.
A Career That Broke Barriers
Greene’s breakthrough came as Kicking Bird in the 1990 epic Dances With Wolves, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. The film, directed by Kevin Costner, won seven Oscars, including Best Picture, and thrust Greene into the spotlight. “Graham was a master at work and a wonderful human being,” Costner wrote on Instagram, sharing a scene from their film together.
His diverse roles spanned films like The Green Mile (1999), Wind River (2017), and The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009), as well as TV shows including Reservation Dogs and The Last of Us. Greene’s portrayal of Whiskey Jack in Longmire earned him a loyal fanbase for his sharp wit and gravitas. “He brought heart and quiet power to every role,” SAG-AFTRA posted on X, honoring his contributions.
Tributes Pour In
Colleagues and fans took to social media to express their grief. Emmy nominee Lou Diamond Phillips, Greene’s Longmire co-star, called him “an actor’s actor” and “one of the wittiest, wiliest, warmest people I’ve ever known” in a heartfelt X post. “RIP, my brother,” he added.
Reservation Dogs actor D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai shared on Instagram, “You showed us it can be done and how to leave your mark. Thank you for seeing something in me.” He credited Greene with mentoring young Indigenous actors, calling him “Uncle.” The Twilight franchise also paid tribute, stating, “Graham Greene inspired countless voices with his comforting presence and dedication to his community.”
On X, fans echoed the sentiment, with @IndigenousCinema writing, “Graham Greene’s roles gave us pride and strength. His legacy will live on.” Another user, @FilmFanatic88, noted, “His wit in Longmire was unmatched. A true legend gone too soon.”
A Life of Resilience and Talent
Born June 22, 1952, in Ohsweken, Ontario, Greene worked as a welder, carpenter, and roadie before stumbling into acting. “I started as a tech, but they put me in the shade with food and water, and I thought, ‘This is the life of a dog!’” he told Reader’s Digest Canada in 2018. His first role came in the 1979 series The Great Detective, followed by steady work in theater and film.
Greene’s impact extended beyond acting. He won a Grammy for the 2000 children’s album Listen to the Storyteller and was inducted into the Order of Canada in 2016. “He opened doors for Indigenous actors when the industry shunned us,” said filmmaker Kaniehtiio Horn, who worked with Greene on Defiance.
A Lasting Legacy
Greene’s manager, Gerry Jordan, confirmed his peaceful passing to CBC News, saying, “It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of this legendary actor.” His agent, Michael Greene, added, “He was a great man of morals, ethics, and character and will be eternally missed.”
As fans and peers reflect on his contributions, Greene’s work continues to inspire. From his iconic roles to his mentorship of young talent, his legacy as a trailblazer endures.
Sources: CBC News, Deadline, PBS News, E! Online
