Kevin Costner breaks silence on Dances With Wolves co-star Graham Greene’s death at 73

As a die-hard admirer, I can’t help but express my deepest emotions as I pay homage to the remarkable Graham Greene, my esteemed co-star in the iconic “Dances with Wolves.” It is with a heavy heart that I acknowledge his passing at the age of 73, following a long and brave battle with illness. My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time, as we all mourn the loss of an exceptional talent whose spirit will forever be enshrined in our memories. Rest in peace, my friend.

In a heartfelt tribute, the 70-year-old star shared on Instagram a memorable moment from the 1990 timeless film, acknowledging the extraordinary talent of his fellow actor.

Reflecting on the memory, he penned a heartfelt eulogy that mentioned: ‘Several recollections surface when I reminisce about Graham Greene and our shared experience on Dances With Wolves.’

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I can’t help but reflect on the remarkable dedication I’ve witnessed. I marvel at the eagerness he showed in mastering the Lakota language. The passion and perseverance he demonstrated was truly inspiring. And then, the icing on the cake – his work on the film being honored with a nomination at the prestigious Academy Awards! Hearing this news filled me with immense joy and pride, not just for him, but also for the recognition of indigenous culture in mainstream cinema.

What strikes me here is that specific moment, where he managed to convey so much about the bond between Dunbar and the locals using minimal dialogue. He was indeed a skillful storyteller and a genuinely admirable person.

The former Yellowstone star concluded his emotional post in a touching way. 

He expressed gratitude for having seen a piece of Graham’s enduring legacy. Farewell, Graham, may you rest in peace.

In a Toronto hospital, the celebrated actor known for his nomination for the Best Supporting Actor Academy Award for portraying Kicking Bird in the 1990 Kevin Costner movie, sadly passed away on Monday.

The Daily Mail reported that his spokesperson stated, “He was an exceptional individual with strong moral values, ethical standards, and an admirable personality. He will be deeply mourned forever.

Now, you’ve been set free. Susan Smith, your agent who passed away in 2013, will be there to greet you as you enter through the gates of heaven,” he mentioned, making reference to the actor.

Greene was recognized for being a pioneering actor, significantly elevating the visibility of Native American performers within the Hollywood film industry.

He leaves behind his wife Hilary Blackmore, whom he married in 1990, his daughter Lilly Lazard-Greene, and his grandson Talo.

Born with both Oneida First Nation and Canadian heritage, Greene spent his early years on the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario. Prior to embarking on an acting career, he honed various trades such as welding, draftsmanship, and steelwork.

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In 1979, he made his first appearance on TV within an episode of The Great Detective. Later, his first big-screen role came with the movie Running Brave in 1983.

As a connoisseur of global cultural trends, I can’t help but reminisce about the unforgettable moment when actor Graham Greene catapulted onto the international stage, embodying the wise Sioux Medicine Man named Kicking Bird in the epic film “Dances With Wolves.” It was a groundbreaking production directed and led by none other than Kevin Costner, who starred as Lt. John J. Dunbar. This cinematic masterpiece showcased the incredible talent of both Greene and Costner, immersing audiences in a captivating tale of friendship and understanding between the U.S. Army and Native American tribes.

During an earlier conversation with CineMovie, Greene shared that he was unseated from a horse while filming, and in jest, he mentioned his desire for retribution towards the horse instead of taking a brief pause in production.

He noted that it was difficult for him to grasp the Lakota language, explaining that its structure seemed completely alien to English or French.

In the future, he playfully downplayed his part when he showed up on the comedy program The Red Green Show, assuming the character Edgar “K.B.” Montrose.

As a devoted movie enthusiast, when inquired about my opinion on Dances With Wolves, I cheekily remarked, “The character Kicking Bird was commendable, and deserved the recognition an Oscar would bring. However, the remainder left me feeling rather uninspired.

In 1999 he played death row inmate Arlen Bitterbuck alongside Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan. 

A Native American named Bitterbuck stood trial for his role in a fatal altercation, which took place in a rowdy tavern brawl, stemming from a dispute over a pair of footwear.

In 2005, I had the honor of appearing alongside Felicity Huffman in the Academy Award-nominated movie Transamerica, and five years later, I found myself cast in the blockbuster hit, The Twilight Saga: New Moon, in 2009.

In addition to his main role, he has also starred in movies such as Maverick (1994) alongside Mel Gibson and Jodie Foster, Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995) featuring Bruce Willis, Aaron Sorkin’s Molly’s Game (2017) which stars Jessica Chastain, Idris Elba, and Costner as well.

His television appearances include Sylvester Stallone’s Tulsa King and The Last Of Us. 

Apart from being nominated for an Oscar, Greene has been honored with a Grammy, a Gemini, and a Canadian Screen Award. Additionally, he received a nomination for an Independent Spirit Award as well.

This year, I received the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award in my home country.

He also has a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame.

One of Greene’s last acting assignments was on the TV show Reservation Dogs, airing on FX, which appropriately carried on his tradition of shattering boundaries and providing opportunities for Native American performers in the film industry.

Green’s last finished work is the forthcoming thriller titled “Ice Fall,” featuring Joel Kinnaman as a cast member, with its premier slated for October 16.

Following his passing, social media tributes began pouring in for the prolific actor.

As a devoted admirer, I cannot express enough my profound respect for the unparalleled talent that was Graham Greene. His ability to breathe life into each and every character he portrayed was truly astounding. The news of his passing leaves me heartbroken.

Farewell to Graham Greene, an exceptional talent on screen. From his roles in Thunderheart, Dances With Wolves, The Green Mile, Wind River, Longmire, Reservation Dogs, The Last of Us and numerous other productions – he consistently delivered captivating performances.

‘Ah damn…one of the best. RIP Graham Greene,’ another added. 

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2025-09-03 00:04