Discover the life and legacy of Graham Greene, the Oscar-nominated Canadian actor from Dances with Wolves. Explore his age, death, net worth, wife, children, career highlights, awards, books, and key facts in this detailed biography.
Graham Greene was a trailblazing Canadian actor who became one of the most recognizable Indigenous performers in Hollywood. Best remembered for his Oscar-nominated role as Kicking Bird in Kevin Costner’s Dances with Wolves (1990), Greene left behind a remarkable career spanning over four decades.
From groundbreaking film roles to celebrated television appearances and stage performances, his contribution to cinema and Indigenous representation was both profound and inspiring.
Graham Greene’s Early Life
Graham Greene was born in June 1952 in Ohsweken, on Canada’s Six Nations Reserve. He grew up with strong ties to his Indigenous roots, which shaped much of his identity and career choices later in life.
Greene began his acting journey in the theater during the 1970s before transitioning into television and film. His early appearances included roles in The Great Detective (1979) and Running Brave (1983).
Career Breakthrough in Hollywood
Greene’s breakthrough came with his role as Kicking Bird in Dances with Wolves (1990). The performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in 1991, cementing his place in Hollywood history.
Following this, Greene appeared in a wide variety of high-profile films including:
- Maverick (1994)
- Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995)
- The Green Mile (1999) as Arlen Bitterbuck
- The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 (2012)
- Molly’s Game (2017)
His versatility allowed him to transition seamlessly from dramas to action blockbusters, gaining recognition as both a character actor and a pioneer for Indigenous representation in Hollywood.
Television Roles
Beyond film, Greene became a household name through television. His credits include:
- Northern Exposure
- Murder She Wrote
- Lonesome Dove: The Series
- Defiance
- Longmire
- Goliath
- Reservation Dogs
- Echo
- The Last of Us
- Tulsa King
These roles showcased his adaptability and his ability to bring authenticity and depth to every character.
Awards and Recognitions
Graham Greene’s career earned him numerous accolades, including:
- Academy Award nomination for Dances with Wolves (1991)
- Grammy Award (2000) for Best Spoken Word Album for Children (Listen to the Storyteller)
- Gemini Award and Canadian Screen Award wins
- Independent Spirit Award nomination for Skins (2002)
- Star on Canada’s Walk of Fame (2021)
These awards highlight his artistic range and his dedication to storytelling in all its forms.
Books and Storytelling
Though Greene was best known as an actor, he also contributed to literature and narration. His storytelling work, particularly in children’s spoken word projects, earned him a Grammy Award, further showcasing his diverse talents.
Personal Life and Family
Greene was married to Hilary Blackmore, with whom he shared a daughter, Lilly Lazare-Greene. Despite his fame, he was known for keeping his personal life private, preferring to focus public attention on his craft and cultural advocacy.
Death
Graham Greene passed away on Monday, in Toronto, at the age of 73, after a long illness. His death marks a significant loss to the entertainment industry and to Indigenous representation on screen.
Net Worth
At the time of his passing, Graham Greene’s net worth was estimated to be between $4 million and $6 million, accumulated through his long and successful career in acting, stage performances, narration, and endorsements.
Quick Facts about Graham Greene
- Full Name: Graham Greene
- Date of Birth: June 1952
- Place of Birth: Ohsweken, Six Nations Reserve, Ontario, Canada
- Date of Death: 2025 (age 73)
- Nationality: Canadian
- Profession: Actor, Narrator
- Net Worth: Estimated $4–6 million
- Spouse: Hilary Blackmore
- Children: Lilly Lazare-Greene
- Notable Awards: Grammy Award, Gemini Award, Academy Award Nomination
Legacy
Graham Greene’s legacy lies not only in his memorable film and television roles but also in his pioneering role for Indigenous actors in Hollywood. His ability to bring authenticity, dignity, and humanity to every character has left an indelible mark on world cinema.
“He was more than an actor—he was a storyteller, a cultural ambassador, and a trailblazer who opened doors for Indigenous representation in Hollywood.”
Conclusion
Graham Greene’s passing leaves a void in the film industry, but his influence will continue to inspire generations of actors and storytellers. From Dances with Wolves to The Green Mile and beyond, his career is a testament to the power of resilience, authenticity, and representation in entertainment.
FAQs about Graham Greene Biography
1. Who was Graham Greene?
Graham Greene was a Canadian actor best known for his Oscar-nominated role in Dances with Wolves.
2. How old was Graham Greene when he died?
He passed away at the age of 73 in Toronto.
3. What awards did Graham Greene win?
He won a Grammy Award, Gemini Award, Canadian Screen Award, and received an Academy Award nomination.
4. Was Graham Greene married?
Yes, he was married to Hilary Blackmore and had one daughter, Lilly Lazare-Greene.
5. What is Graham Greene’s legacy?
His legacy is his pioneering contribution to Indigenous representation in Hollywood, along with his remarkable body of work in film, television, and stage.
