The film world mourns the loss of Graham Greene, the Oscar-nominated Canadian actor who broke barriers for Indigenous talent in Hollywood. Greene passed away on Monday in Stratford, Ontario, at the age of 73 after a courageous battle with illness.

Born in Ohsweken, Ontario, Greene hailed from the Six Nations Reserve and left an indelible mark on film, television, and theater from the late 1970s onwards. He gained critical acclaim for his role as ‘Kicking Bird’ in the 1990 classic, ‘Dances With Wolves,’ co-starring and directed by Kevin Costner, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture.

In 2022, Greene's talent was once again celebrated when he won a Canadian Screen Award for his memorable performance as a fictionalized version of himself in the comedy-thriller ‘Seeds,’ directed by Kaniehtiio Horn.

Horn reminisced about the impact of Greene's early work, recalling how her family would rent the film ‘Clearcut’ during her childhood. She reflected on the significance of his roles: “He portrayed Indigenous characters we could root for, embodying both strength and complexity at a time when representation was sorely lacking.”

Their working relationship blossomed over time, collaborating on projects like the Syfy series ‘Defiance’ and the acclaimed FX series ‘Reservation Dogs.’ Horn described Greene as a supportive mentor, reinforcing her confidence and creativity on set.

“He was a beacon for Indigenous actors, refusing to be pigeonholed into stereotypical roles,” Horn noted. “Graham made every character his own, bringing depth and intrigue.”

Lou Diamond Phillips, Greene's co-star in ‘Wolf Lake,’ expressed his sorrow online, describing Greene as an “actor’s actor” whose warmth and wit left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

His illustrious career garnered numerous accolades, including the Governor General’s Award for lifetime achievement and the Order of Canada in 2015.

Greene's remarkable filmography includes unforgettable roles in titles like ‘Die Hard with a Vengeance,’ ‘The Green Mile,’ and ‘Maverick.’ He also showcased his talent on stage, performing in productions like ‘Of Mice and Men’ and ‘The Merchant of Venice’ at the Stratford Festival.

Graham Greene's legacy as a trailblazer for Indigenous representation in the arts will forever be cherished. His passing marks not just the loss of a talented actor, but a great man of integrity and inspiration, leaving behind a powerful legacy of excellence.