Graham Greene, Acclaimed Actor from Defiance and Echo, Dies at 73

Hollywood Mourns as Celebrated Actor Graham Greene Passes Away at 73

Award-winning actor Graham Greene, best known for his powerful performances in Defiance, Echo, Dances with Wolves, and The Green Mile, has passed away at the age of 73. Greene died on September 1, 2025, in Ontario, Canada, following a long illness. His death marks the end of an era for Indigenous representation in Hollywood and leaves behind a remarkable legacy that spanned more than four decades.

Born on June 22, 1952, in Ohsweken on the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario, Graham Greene was a proud Oneida actor who brought authenticity and strength to every role he played. He began his acting career in theater in the 1970s and quickly transitioned into television and film. His breakout role came in 1990 as Kicking Bird in Dances with Wolves, a performance that earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

From there, Greene became a go-to presence in Hollywood for complex, grounded Indigenous characters. His work in television shows like Defiance and the Marvel series Echo showcased his range and deepened his reputation as a powerful actor who brought integrity and nuance to every role.

Greene appeared in a wide variety of acclaimed films and TV series, including:

• The Green Mile

• Thunderheart

• Longmire

• Wind River

• Reservation Dogs

• 1883

• Tulsa King

He also voiced Chief Rains Fall in the blockbuster video game Red Dead Redemption 2, further expanding his impact on modern media.

Over the course of his career, Greene received multiple awards and recognitions. He was a recipient of the Order of Canada in 2015 and was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2021. In 2024, he won a Canadian Screen Award for his role in the indie film Seeds.

His final film, Ice Fall, is set to release posthumously in late 2025.

Graham Greene's passing is a profound loss for the global film and television industry. He was more than an actor. He was a cultural ambassador and a pioneer for Indigenous voices in mainstream media. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of performers and storytellers.

As tributes continue to pour in from around the world, fans and colleagues alike celebrate a life of artistic excellence and cultural pride. Greene is survived by his wife Hilary Blackmore, daughter Lilly Lazare Greene, and grandson Tarlo.