The entertainment world mourns the loss of Graham Greene, the celebrated Canadian First Nations actor who passed away at 73 in a Toronto hospital after battling illness.

Greene’s agent, Michael Greene (no relation), poignantly remarked, "He was a great man of morals, ethics, and character who will be eternally missed. You are finally free."

Born in 1952 in Ontario's Six Nations Reserve, Greene’s journey into acting was serendipitous. Initially a recording engineer, a friend's encouragement to perform led him to stage productions in Canada and the UK throughout the 1970s. His screen debut came in 1979 with a role in the Canadian series "The Great Detective," followed by his first film in 1983's "Running Brave."

Greene's breakthrough came in 1990 when Kevin Costner cast him as Kicking Bird, a Lakota Sioux medicine man, in the Oscar-winning western "Dances with Wolves." This role earned him an Academy Award nomination, marking the beginning of a dynamic career that featured memorable performances in films like "Thunderheart," "Maverick," "Die Hard with a Vengeance," "The Green Mile," and "The Twilight Saga: New Moon."

In recent years, Greene showcased his talent in acclaimed series such as Taika Waititi's "Reservation Dogs," HBO's gripping "The Last Of Us," and Taylor Sheridan's "1883" and "Tulsa King." Even at the time of his passing, he had multiple projects awaiting release, demonstrating his relentless commitment to his craft.

An award-winning artist, Greene’s accolades include Grammy, Gemini, and Canadian Screen awards, along with a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame. He received the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement earlier this year, highlighting his profound impact on the industry.

Reflecting on his journey in a 2024 interview, Greene discussed the stereotypes that plagued early roles for Indigenous actors. He candidly shared that initial scripts often depicted Native characters in a clichéd, stoic manner, a stark contrast to the vibrant lives he recognized within his community. He emphasized the joy and humor prevalent among Native people, stating, "Family is family, no matter what. Fun is 50% of how they live and enjoy things."

Greene leaves behind his beloved wife of 35 years, Hilary Blackmore, daughter Lilly Lazare-Greene, and grandson Tarlo. His legacy as a pioneering actor and a voice for Indigenous representation will be cherished and remembered.