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Legendary Indigenous Actor Graham Greene Passes Away
Canadian actor Graham Greene, best known for his Oscar-nominated role as Kicking Bird in the 1990 film Dances with Wolves, has died at the age of 73. The Oneida actor passed away from natural causes, according to his manager.
Accidental Start to an Illustrious Career
Greene's journey into acting began unexpectedly in the 1970s while working as a roadie for a rock band. When someone suggested he try acting, he discovered his true calling. "I put on a costume and they placed me in a nice chair in the shade," he told CBC earlier this year. "They brought me food and water and I thought: wow, this is great! I don't have to carry amplifiers for anyone anymore, no more lighting work, and no more crossing the country without it paying off."
Breakthrough Role and International Recognition
Greene's portrayal of the Lakota medicine man Kicking Bird in Kevin Costner's Dances with Wolves earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in 1991. The film became a cultural phenomenon and brought Indigenous representation to mainstream cinema.
Prolific Film and Television Career
Over his nearly 50-year career, Greene appeared in numerous acclaimed films including Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995), The Green Mile (1999), Thunderheart (1992), and more recently in the HBO series The Last of Us. His diverse filmography showcased his remarkable range as an actor.
Recent Honors and Legacy
Earlier this year, Greene received the prestigious Governor General's Performing Arts Award for lifetime achievement. When initially notified of the honor, he thought it was a prank, responding with "Yeah yeah. Who is this?" before realizing the significance of the recognition from his home country.
Born on June 22, 1952, on the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario, Greene was a proud member of the Oneida Nation. His groundbreaking work paved the way for greater Indigenous representation in Hollywood and inspired countless aspiring actors from First Nations communities.
