Hollywood has lost a beloved actor.
Graham Greene, who was Oscar-nominated for his supporting role as Kicking Bird in the 1990 movie Dances With Wolves, died Sept. 1 after an undisclosed “lengthy illness,” his agent said in a statement to NBC News. He was 73.
“We love you, my brother greene,” the statement said. “You are finally free.”
Following the announcement of his death, Greene was honored by those in the entertainment community for his trailblazing representation of Indigenous actors, with SAG-AFTRA writing on X (formerly Twitter) that he “brought heart & quiet power to every role.”
In addition to his Oscar-nominated role, Greene starred in movies like Snow Dogs and the Twilight saga, which celebrated the actor.
“Graham Greene inspired countless voices around the world with his comforting presence and dedication to his community,” the Twilight franchise shared on Instagram. “We were honored to work with him as part of his unparalleled legacy.”
Greene, who was also known for his TV roles, was celebrated by his fellow Reservation Dogs actor D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, too.
“You showed us it can be done and how to leave your mark,” the 23-year-old wrote on Instagram Sept. 1. “Trail blazing for every young native actor just dreaming. Thank you for seeing something in me and sharing your knowledge throughout our friendship. Teaching me everything I know about this industry and more. I could never repay you.”
He added, “I’m grateful to have worked with you, gotten to know you, and call you Uncle.”
Emmy nominee Lou Diamond Phillips, Greene’s costar from multiple projects, also paid tribute to his “brother.”
“Heartbroken. Terribly saddened to hear of the passing of Graham Greene at only 73. From Wolf Lake to Longmire, we had a beautiful friendship,” he wrote on X. “An Actor’s Actor. One of the wittiest, wiliest, warmest people I’ve ever known. Iconic and Legendary.”
Greene is survived by his wife, Hilary Blackmore, daughter Lilly Lazard-Greene and grandson Talo.
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