Kevin Costner, Gov. Gen. Mary Simon pay tribute to Indigenous actor Graham Greene
Canadian actor Graham Greene, known for his roles in films such as “Dances With Wolves” and TV series like “Northern Exposure,” passed away on Monday at the age of 73. His co-star Kevin Costner paid tribute to him on social media, remembering Greene as a “master at work and a wonderful human being.” Costner shared a favorite scene from their time together on “Dances With Wolves,” where Greene played the role of Kicking Bird, the Sioux medicine man.
Costner praised Greene’s dedication to learning the Lakota language for the film and expressed his joy at Greene’s Academy Awards nomination for Best Supporting Actor. The adaptation of Michael Blake’s novel received 12 Academy Award nominations, with Greene’s performance earning him recognition in the industry.
Following his iconic role in “Dances With Wolves,” Greene continued to impress audiences with his talent in various movies and TV shows. His work on “Northern Exposure” and recent projects like “Reservation Dogs” showcased his versatility as an actor. His colleagues, including Rob Morrow and Ethan Hawke, shared their fond memories of working with Greene and praised his improvisational skills and sense of humor.
The entertainment industry mourns the loss of Greene, with fellow actors and producers honoring his legacy and impact on Indigenous representation in media. Sterling Harjo, one of the executive producers on the upcoming FX series “The Lowdown,” remembered Greene as a talented and generous collaborator. Lily Gladstone, an Indigenous American actress, described Greene as one of the best in the industry, highlighting his unparalleled impact on storytelling.
The news of Greene’s passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes from the entertainment community and fans alike. The Stratford Festival in Ontario, where Greene performed in 2007, remembered him as a dramatic actor of extraordinary power and a beloved colleague. His performances in Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice” and John Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men” left a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike.
Greene’s contributions to Canadian culture and Indigenous representation have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. His recent honor with the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement reflects his lasting impact on the industry. Governor General Mary Simon praised Greene for breaking barriers for Indigenous actors and setting an example for future generations.
Greene is survived by his wife, Hilary Blackmore, and his daughter Lilly Lazare-Greene. His legacy as a trailblazing actor and advocate for Indigenous storytelling will continue to inspire generations to come.
