Introduction to Graham Greene
Graham Greene, a renowned Canadian actor of the First Nations, passed away on September 1 at the age of 72, after a long illness in a hospital in Toronto. His performance in the film Dances with Wolves earned him an Oscar nomination and played a significant role in changing the conversation around indigenous representation in Hollywood.
A Life of Morality and Character
Greene’s agent, Michael Greene, described him as "a great man of morality, ethics, and character" who will be deeply missed. He added, "You are finally free. Meet Susan Smith at the gates of the sky," referring to Greene’s long-time agent who died in 2013.
Early Life and Career
Born on June 22, 1952, in Ohsweken, on the Six Nations Reserve, Greene did not initially pursue a career in acting. Instead, he worked various jobs before trying his hand at acting on stage in Canada and England in the 1970s. He made his television debut in The Great Detective and his film debut in Running Brave (1983).
Notable Film Appearances
Breakthrough Role in Dances with Wolves
Greene’s life changed for the better in 1990 when he was cast in Kevin Costner’s Dances with Wolves. His outstanding performance earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. The film won the Best Picture award and six other Oscars.
Other Notable Roles
Greene went on to work consistently, appearing in studio hits like Maverick (1994), Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995), The Green Mile (1999), and The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009). He also established a fruitful relationship with Taylor Sheridan, who cast him in Wind River (2017), 1883, and Tulsa King.
Television Career
Television was another constant in Greene’s career. He regularly appeared in shows like Wolf Lake, Despite, Marvel’s Echo, Northern Exposure, Longmire, American Gods, and more. One of his last appearances was on Reservation Dogs, a show that showcased indigenous stories, which Greene had campaigned for throughout his career.
Awards and Legacy
Greene’s work earned him numerous awards, including a Grammy, a Gemini, a Canadian Screen Award, and an Independent Spirit Award nomination. He was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame and received the Earle Grey Award earlier this year. His last performance, the thriller Ice, alongside Joel Kinnaman, has already been completed.
Personal Life
Greene is survived by his wife of 35 years, Hilary Blackmore, his daughter Lilly Lazare Greene, and grandson Tarlo. His passing has left a void in the lives of his fans and loved ones, and he will be deeply missed.
