Hollywood has been rocked by heartbreaking news: Graham Greene, the Oscar-nominated actor whose unforgettable performances brought depth, dignity, and humanity to some of cinema’s greatest stories, has died at the age of 73.

Greene, best known for his iconic role as Kicking Bird in Dances with Wolves and as Arlen Bitterbuck in The Green Mile, passed away Monday afternoon at a Toronto hospital. His wife, Hilary Blackmore, was at his side during his final moments. The cause of death has not yet been released.

A Beloved Star, Gone Too Soon

News of Greene’s passing was confirmed by his agent, Michael Greene, who shared a heartfelt tribute. “Graham loved all he did for his people and for the world,” Michael said. “He was a man of great moral character and will be missed.”

In a touching personal message meant for the late actor, Michael added, “You are finally free,” and noted that Greene’s former agent, Susan Smith, “will meet him at Heaven’s gate.”

The emotional farewell has left fans, colleagues, and fellow actors reeling, as the entertainment world struggles to process the loss of one of its most respected character actors.

The Breakout Role That Changed Everything

Born in Ontario, Canada, in 1952, Graham Greene began his acting career in the early 1980s, appearing in films such as Running Brave and Al Pacino’s Revolution. But it was his role in the 1990 Kevin Costner epic Dances with Wolves that catapulted him into Hollywood history.

Greene played Kicking Bird, the Sioux medicine man who becomes a confidant and friend to Costner’s Lt. John Dunbar. His sensitive, soulful performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, making him one of the few Indigenous actors recognized by the Academy at the time.

Although he lost the Oscar to Joe Pesci’s fiery turn in Goodfellas, Greene’s performance left an indelible mark. To this day, Dances with Wolves remains a landmark in film history, due in no small part to Greene’s nuanced portrayal.

A Career Spanning Generations

Following his breakout, Greene became a fixture in both film and television. His range was extraordinary—moving seamlessly from drama to comedy, from thrillers to fantasy.

He terrified and touched audiences alike as Arlen Bitterbuck in The Green Mile (1999), played alongside Cuba Gooding Jr. in Disney’s Snow Dogs (2002), and even appeared in blockbuster franchises such as The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009).

Greene’s versatility extended to television, where he took roles in American Gods, Defiance, Riverdale, and more. His commanding presence and ability to bring authenticity to every character made him a favorite among directors and fans alike.

Even in his seventies, Greene showed no signs of slowing down. He had multiple projects in the pipeline, including Ice Fall, starring Joel Kinnaman and Danny Huston. Tragically, those films will now serve as bittersweet reminders of his enduring talent.

A Man of Integrity and Spirit

Beyond the screen, Greene was admired for his advocacy and his commitment to representing Indigenous voices in Hollywood. Throughout his career, he was vocal about the importance of authentic storytelling and used his platform to shed light on underrepresented communities.

His friends and colleagues often described him as both humble and humorous, a man who never allowed Hollywood fame to change his core values. For Greene, acting wasn’t just a career—it was a way to connect cultures, tell meaningful stories, and inspire future generations.

Tributes Pour In

As news of his death spread, tributes flooded social media. Fellow actors, fans, and filmmakers shared memories of working with him, praising not only his skill but also his kindness.

Kevin Costner, his Dances with Wolves co-star, reportedly shared a private message of grief, calling Greene’s performance “a gift that changed cinema forever.” Fans across the world echoed that sentiment, remembering the profound impact Greene’s roles had on them.

One fan wrote: “Graham Greene was more than an actor—he was a storyteller who brought dignity to every character. Hollywood has lost a legend.” Another added: “Rest in peace to one of the greatest Native actors of all time. You will never be forgotten.”

A Legacy That Will Endure

Greene’s death leaves a void in Hollywood that cannot easily be filled. He wasn’t just a supporting actor—he was the beating heart of every project he touched, elevating scenes with quiet strength and emotional resonance.

He is survived by his wife, Hilary Blackmore, his daughter, Lilly Lazare-Greene, and his grandson, Tarlo Greene. To them, and to his countless fans, he leaves behind not only a body of work but a legacy of integrity, artistry, and courage.

Final Curtain Call

For decades, Graham Greene brought to life characters that embodied wisdom, resilience, and humanity. From the medicine man who bridged two cultures in Dances with Wolves to the death row inmate whose dignity lingered long after The Green Mile ended, Greene’s characters reflected the depth of his soul.

Now, as Hollywood mourns his passing, one truth is undeniable: Graham Greene may be gone, but his spirit will live on through his films, his advocacy, and the stories he told with such grace.

A legend has left the stage—but the echoes of his performances will continue to inspire for generations.

Rest in peace, Graham Greene.