‘Dances with Wolves’ actor Graham Greene dead at 73

Graham Greene, the Oscar-nominated actor who starred alongside Kevin Costner in the award-winning film “Dances with Wolves,” has died, according to reports. He was 73.

In statement to Deadline, Greene’s agent,  Michael Greene, confirmed the Canadian actor died Monday in a Toronto hospital after battling a “lengthy illness.” No further details on the matter were provided.

“He was a great man of morals, ethics and character and will be eternally missed,” the statement continued. “You are finally free. Susan Smith is meeting you at the gates of heaven,” he added, referencing the actor’s longtime agent, who died in 2013.

Kevin Costner, left, and Graham Greene are pictured on the set of “Dances With Wolves,” 1990. (Orion Pictures / Courtesy of Everett Collection)

Greene was born on June 22, 1952 in Ohsweken, on the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario, Canada, according to Deadline. He worked a series of odd jobs before trying his hand at acting, first giving the stage a go before transitioning to film and television.

His screen debut came in 1979 during an episode of the Canadian drama series “The Great Detective;” while his first movie was 1983’s “Running Brave.” But his big break came just a few years later, when he was cast as Kicking Bird in “Dances with Wolves.”

Celebrities read from the Declaration of Independence in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art during Fourth of July festivities on July 4, 2001, in Philadelphia. Left to right are Mel Gibson, Benicio Del Toro, and Whoopi Goldberg; right rear to front, Kevin Spacey, Michael Douglas and Graham Greene. (Pool Photo/Getty Images)

The 1991 film follows Costner’s journey as Union army Lieutenant John J. Dunbar as he connects with a the local Sioux tribe and embraces their way of life. It was nominated for 12 Oscars, including best supporting actor for Greene. In the end, “Dances with Wolves” won seven of those trophies, among them Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Greene has also appeared in other beloved films such as 1994’s “Maverick,” 1995’s “Die Hard With a Vengeance,” and 1999’s “The Green Mile,” in addition to 2009’s “The Twilight Saga: New Moon.”

https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/09/02/graham-greene-dead-dances-with-wolves-actor/