Introduction to Graham Greene
Graham Greene, a renowned Canadian First Nations actor, passed away at the age of 73, as announced by his manager. The news was reported by CBC News, stating that he died of natural causes. Greene was a member of the Oneida-Nation, part of the Six Nations Reserve in Southern Ontario.
Early Life and Career
Before becoming an actor, Greene worked as a draftsman, civil engineer, steel worker, and rock band crew member. He began his career in theater in Great Britain in the 1970s. In a 2012 interview, he attributed his theater experience to giving him a foundation for acting. He stated, "It helps you build a character. If you go into film, you don’t have that luxury. The discipline of theater is what I recommend to all actors."
Breakthrough and Notable Roles
Greene’s breakthrough role came in 1990 when he played Kicking Bird, a Lakota medicine man, in the film "Dances with Wolves." He gained widespread recognition for this role, which earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He also appeared in other notable films, including "Thunderheart" (1992), "The Green Mile" (1999), "Maverick" (1994), "Die Hard with Vengeance" (1995), "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" (2009), and "Wind River" (2017).
Awards and Honors
Throughout his career, Greene received numerous awards and honors. In 2004, he was awarded the Earle Gray Award for lifetime achievement by the Academy of Canadian Film and Television. In 2016, he was appointed to the Order of Canada, the country’s second-highest civilian honor.
Personal Life
In the same 2012 interview, Greene mentioned that marrying his wife, Hilary Blackmore, was an important moment in his life, leading to "the best time of my life." His experiences and achievements have left a lasting impact on the film industry and his community.
Legacy
Graham Greene’s passing has been met with sadness, but his legacy lives on through his remarkable body of work. His contributions to film and theater have inspired many, and his achievements continue to be celebrated. As a proud member of the Canadian First Nations, Greene’s career has paved the way for future generations of indigenous actors and artists.
