Graham Greene Biography – Discover the life and legacy of Canadian actor Graham Greene, the Oscar-nominated star of Dances with Wolves. Learn about his age, death, family, career highlights, net worth, and lasting impact on Indigenous representation in Hollywood.
Graham Greene was a celebrated Canadian actor whose career spanned more than four decades across film, television, and theatre. Widely admired for his groundbreaking role in Dances with Wolves (1990), which earned him an Academy Award nomination, Greene became a pioneering figure for Indigenous actors in Hollywood.
His passing at the age of 73 marked the end of a remarkable journey that left an indelible impact on the entertainment industry and the representation of First Nations voices on screen.
Graham Greene’s Death and Age
Graham Greene passed away on Monday in Toronto after a long illness. He was 73 years old at the time of his death. Born in June 1952 in Ohsweken, located on Canada’s Six Nations Reserve, Greene’s death was deeply mourned across the film industry, Indigenous communities, and among global audiences who admired his talent and contributions.
Early Life and Family Background
Greene was born into a First Nations family in Ontario, Canada. His upbringing on the Six Nations Reserve shaped his early understanding of Indigenous identity and culture, which he later brought into his professional work as an actor.
He is survived by his wife, Hilary Blackmore, and his daughter, Lilly Lazare-Greene, who were central figures in his personal life.
Career Achievements and Breakthrough Role
Greene’s acting journey began in the 1970s with professional theatre productions before moving into film and television. His first on-screen appearances came in Canadian projects such as The Great Detective (1979) and Running Brave (1983).
His defining breakthrough arrived in 1990 when he portrayed Kicking Bird in Dances with Wolves. The role earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, making him one of the few Indigenous actors at the time to receive such recognition. The film itself became a Hollywood landmark, winning seven Oscars including Best Picture.
From there, Greene’s career flourished, with memorable roles in Maverick, Die Hard with a Vengeance, The Green Mile, Molly’s Game, and The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2. On television, he had a prolific presence, appearing in series like Northern Exposure, Lonesome Dove: The Series, Longmire, Defiance, Reservation Dogs, Riverdale, 1883, The Last of Us, and Tulsa King.
Awards and Recognition
Greene’s remarkable performances earned him recognition well beyond Hollywood. Some of his notable honours include:
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Academy Award Nomination (1991) – Best Supporting Actor for Dances with Wolves
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Grammy Award (2000) – Best Spoken Word Album for Children (Listen to the Storyteller)
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Canadian Screen Award & Gemini Award – Honouring his contributions to Canadian entertainment
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Independent Spirit Award Nomination (2002) – For Skins
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Canada’s Walk of Fame Star (2021) – Celebrating his lasting legacy
Net Worth
At the time of his passing in 2024, Graham Greene’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million, accumulated through his decades-long career in film, television, theatre, and voice work.
Lesser-Known Facts About Graham Greene
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Greene once recalled auditioning for Crimson Tide, where director Tony Scott initially questioned the idea of a Native American working on a submarine. Greene famously responded by referencing his uncles who had served and died on submarines during World War II.
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Beyond acting, Greene was admired for lending his voice to cultural projects, including narration and spoken word albums.
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He was not only a Hollywood star but also a strong advocate for Indigenous representation, ensuring authentic voices were heard in mainstream cinema.
Wiki Overview
| Full Name | Graham Greene |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 1952 |
| Place of Birth | Ohsweken, Six Nations Reserve, Ontario, Canada |
| Date of Death | 2024 (aged 73) |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Net Worth | $5 million (approx.) |
| Spouse | Hilary Blackmore |
| Children | Lilly Lazare-Greene |
| Notable Work | Dances with Wolves, The Green Mile, Maverick, Die Hard with a Vengeance |
Conclusion
Graham Greene’s passing marks the loss of a true pioneer in cinema. His journey from theatre stages in Canada to global recognition in Hollywood is a testament to his immense talent, resilience, and trailblazing spirit. As an Oscar-nominated actor, Grammy winner, and proud representative of Indigenous culture, Greene’s legacy continues to inspire future generations of actors and storytellers.
FAQs about Graham Greene Biography
1. What was Graham Greene best known for?
He was best known for his role as Kicking Bird in Dances with Wolves, which earned him an Academy Award nomination.
2. How old was Graham Greene when he died?
He was 73 years old at the time of his death in 2024.
3. Did Graham Greene win any major awards?
Yes, he won a Grammy in 2000, received Canada’s Walk of Fame star in 2021, and earned multiple nominations, including an Academy Award nomination in 1991.
4. Who is Graham Greene’s wife?
He was married to Hilary Blackmore.
5. What was Graham Greene’s net worth?
His estimated net worth was around $5 million.