Kevin Costner Honors ‘Dances with Wolves’ Star Graham Greene — Hollywood Pays Tribute

Hollywood is mourning the loss of acclaimed Canadian actor Graham Greene, best known for his Oscar-nominated role as Kicking Bird in Dances with Wolves. Greene passed away on September 1 at the age of 73 after a lengthy illness, his agent confirmed.

A day later, his longtime friend and Dances with Wolves co-star Kevin Costner shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, remembering the man who brought depth and dignity to one of cinema’s most memorable Native American characters.

“A few things come to mind when I think of Graham Greene and our time together on Dances With Wolves,” Costner, 73, wrote alongside a film clip. “I think of my joy when I heard that his work on the film was recognized with an Academy Award nomination. And I think of this scene in particular, when he was able to establish so much about the relationship between Dunbar and the natives with so few words.”

The clip showed Lieutenant Dunbar (Costner) struggling to communicate with Kicking Bird and his Lakota tribe, using gestures to describe buffalo. It was a defining moment of the 1990 epic — and one that showcased Greene’s quiet power as an actor.

Greene’s performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, making him one of the few Indigenous actors to receive such recognition. Costner called him “a master at work and a wonderful human being,” adding, “I’m grateful to have been witness to this part of his lasting legacy. Rest in peace, Graham.”

A Life Beyond the Screen

Born in Ontario, Canada, Greene never set out to be an actor. In a 2017 interview with Reader’s Digest Canada, he recalled stumbling into the profession after working a string of jobs — carpenter, welder, draftsman, carpet layer, roadie, and audio technician.

His view of acting was characteristically humble and humorous:
“These people keep me in the shade, give me food and water, take me over to where I say what I’m supposed to say, then they take me back,” he joked, comparing the lifestyle to that of a dog.

But Greene’s career proved anything but ordinary. Beyond Dances with Wolves, he appeared in a wide range of films: Maverick (1994), Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995), The Green Mile (1999), and the Twilight Saga films (New Moon in 2009 and Breaking Dawn – Part 2 in 2012). He also left a mark on television with numerous roles, always bringing quiet intensity and authenticity to his characters.

A Legacy That Endures

Greene’s passing leaves behind a grieving family — his wife Hilary Blackmore, daughter Lilly Lazare-Greene, and grandson Tarlo — as well as generations of actors and fans inspired by his work.

For Hollywood, his death marks the loss of a trailblazer whose career helped pave the way for Indigenous representation in film. For Kevin Costner, it was the farewell to a trusted collaborator and friend.

As Costner’s words remind us, Graham Greene’s artistry wasn’t just in the roles he played but in the quiet humanity he brought to them. His legacy will live on, not only in Dances with Wolves but across decades of film and television that continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.