Remembering Graham Greene: A Pioneer of Indigenous Representation in Film

Actor Graham Greene, who famously portrayed the Sioux character Kicking Bird in the iconic film 'Dances with Wolves,' has passed away at the age of 73, as reported by Deadline. Greene died this Monday in a Toronto hospital after a long illness. His agent, Michael Greene, expressed a heartfelt tribute, stating, 'He was a great man with morals, ethics, and character, and we will miss him forever. You are finally free; Susan Smith is waiting for you at the gates of heaven.' This reference honored Greene's former representative, who passed in 2013. Born on the Six Nations reserve in Ontario, Canada, Greene was a groundbreaking figure among Indigenous actors. He began his acting career in the 1970s after exploring various professions. Over the years, he starred in numerous films and television series, including 'Running Brave' (1983) and 'Powwow Highway' (1989). However, it was not until 1990, with the release of Kevin Costner's 'Dances with Wolves,' that Greene captured international acclaim, earning an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. The film was a pivotal moment in cinema, garnering 12 Oscar nominations overall and winning seven, including Best Picture. This marked a historic achievement for Indigenous actors and established Greene as a significant role model in the industry. Following his breakout performance, Greene secured supporting roles in high-profile Hollywood projects, including 'Maverick' (1994) alongside Mel Gibson and Jodie Foster, 'The Green Mile' (1999) featuring Tom Hanks, and in 'The Twilight Saga: New Moon' (2009), where he took on the character of Harry Clearwater, a member of the Quileute council. Throughout his career, Greene's accolades extended beyond his Oscar nomination, as he also received Grammy, Gemini, and Canadian Screen Awards. In recognition of his contributions to Canadian arts, Greene was honored with a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame and was set to receive the Governor General's Award for the Performing Arts in 2025. Graham Greene's legacy as an actor who opened doors for Indigenous representation in Hollywood is invaluable. He leaves behind a rich body of work and an enduring impact on both the film industry and Indigenous communities worldwide. As tributes pour in from colleagues and fans alike, his contributions to cinema and the representation of Indigenous voices will certainly be remembered and celebrated. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2