Hollywood has lost a true titan with the passing of Graham Greene, an actor whose talent and gravitas left an indelible mark on cinema.
The Daily Caller reported that the Oscar-nominated star, best known for his role in "Dances With Wolves," passed away at 73 on September 1, 2025, in a Toronto hospital following a long battle with illness.
Born on a reserve with a humble start, Greene’s early life was far from the glitz of Tinseltown. He worked odd jobs before stepping into the spotlight, a testament to the grit and determination that defined his journey. It’s a reminder that real talent doesn’t need a silver spoon—just hard work and heart.
Greene’s first brush with acting came in 1979 on the television show "The Great Detective." His big-screen debut followed in 1983 with "Running Brave," laying the groundwork for a career that would soon soar.
The turning point arrived in 1990 when Kevin Costner cast him as Kicking Bird in "Dances With Wolves," a film that garnered 12 Academy Award nominations and clinched seven, including Best Picture. Greene’s performance earned him an Oscar nod, proving that authentic storytelling still matters in an industry often obsessed with flash over substance.
His role in that iconic film wasn’t just a personal triumph; it became a cultural touchstone for the First Nations community.
Greene was deeply respected for inspiring young people to chase their dreams, showing that representation on screen can be more than just a buzzword—it can change lives.
Greene’s resume reads like a who’s who of Hollywood hits, from "Maverick" in 1994 alongside Mel Gibson and Jodie Foster to "Die Hard with a Vengeance" in 1995 with Bruce Willis. He brought depth to every character, never phoning it in, even in blockbuster fare.
By 1999, he captivated audiences as Arlen Bitterbuck in "The Green Mile" with Tom Hanks, a performance dripping with dignity and heartbreak.
He later joined the teen craze in "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" with Kristen Stewart and showed his range in "Molly’s Game" alongside Jessica Chastain, Idris Elba, and Costner again.
Greene didn’t stop there, starring opposite Val Kilmer in "Thunderheart" and Felicity Huffman in "Transamerica," while also delivering powerful turns in "Wind River" with Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olsen, and the series "Tulsa King."
His versatility was a quiet rebuke to an industry that often pigeonholes talent based on progressive casting quotas rather than merit.
Even in his later years, Greene remained a visible presence, attending high-profile events like the Steven Tyler Grammy Awards Viewing Party in April 2022 at the Hollywood Palladium.
He also spoke at the D23 Expo in September 2022 in Anaheim, engaging fans with the same warmth he brought to his roles.
His agent, Michael Greene, paid tribute, saying, “He was a great man of morals, ethics, and character.” Greene’s body of work suggests this wasn’t just empty flattery; he walked the walk.
Michael Greene added, “You are finally free.” It’s a poignant sentiment, hinting at relief from a lengthy illness, though one wonders if freedom in Hollywood ever truly comes without strings.
The agent also noted, “Susan Smith is meeting you at the gates of heaven,” referencing Greene’s long-time agent who passed in 2013. It’s a touching image, though in today’s hyper-secular culture, such spiritual nods might draw eye-rolls from the coastal elite. Yet, for many, it captures the hope of reunion beyond this life.
The entertainment world mourns Greene’s loss, and rightly so, as he infused every role with depth and heart that transcended the screen.
His characters weren’t just parts—they were windows into the human condition, something modern cinema often sacrifices for agenda-driven narratives.