Hollywood icon Kevin Costner has offered a moving tribute to his late Dances With Wolves co‑star Graham Greene, who passed away on September 1, 2025, at the age of 73 after a long illness
Taking to Instagram on September 2, Costner reflected with admiration on Greene’s dedication—especially his commitment to learning the Lakota language for his role as Kicking Bird. Costner expressed joy at Greene’s Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor and highlighted a particular scene that epitomized Greene’s ability to convey profound connection between Lieutenant Dunbar and the Lakota Tribe with subtlety and few words.
“He was a master at work and a wonderful human being,” Costner wrote. He concluded his message with heartfelt gratitude: “I’m grateful to have been witness to this part of his lasting legacy. Rest in peace, Graham.”
Graham Greene was a groundbreaking Indigenous actor whose career spanned more than five decades. Born on the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario, he achieved international acclaim for his portrayal of Kicking Bird in the 1990 Oscar-winning film Dances With Wolves, earning an Academy Award nomination.
Beyond this standout role, Greene amassed over 200 film and television credits, featuring in notable productions such as The Green Mile, Die Hard with a Vengeance, The Twilight Saga, Reservation Dogs, 1883, and The Last of Us. He received numerous honors, including a Grammy, Gemini, Canadian Screen Award, and the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award in 2025.
Graham Greene is survived by his wife Hilary Blackmore, their daughter Lilly Lazare‑Greene, and grandson Tarlo