Kevin Costner Honors Graham Greene After Co-Star’s Passing at 73
Kevin Costner Pays Tribute to Late Dances With Wolves Co-Star Graham Greene
Kevin Costner has paid heartfelt tribute to his Dances With Wolves co-star Graham Greene, who passed away at the age of 73 following a long illness.
The 70-year-old actor and director honored Greene in an emotional Instagram post, sharing a scene from the iconic 1990 film alongside a moving message.
“A few things come to mind when I think of Graham Greene and our time together on Dances With Wolves,” Costner wrote. “I think of how willing he was to learn the Lakota language. I think of my joy when I heard that his work on the film was recognized with an theacademy Awards nomination. And I think of this scene in particular, when he was able to establish so much about the relationship between Dunbar and the natives with so few words. He was a master at work and a wonderful human being.”
Costner concluded his tribute with gratitude and sorrow: “I’m grateful to have been witness to this part of his lasting legacy. Rest in peace, Graham.”
According to Greene’s representative Michael Greene, the actor had hoped to reconnect with Costner before his passing to thank him for his role in promoting Indigenous representation in Hollywood. Sadly, efforts to contact Costner were unsuccessful.
Graham Greene died Monday at a hospital in Toronto. Best known for his Oscar-nominated role as Kicking Bird in Dances With Wolves, Greene was a groundbreaking figure who helped elevate Indigenous voices in film and television.
Born on the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario, Greene was of Oneida First Nation descent. He had a diverse background, working as a welder and steelworker before turning to acting. His career began in 1979 with a role on The Great Detective, followed by a film debut in Running Brave (1983).
Greene’s portrayal of Kicking Bird launched him to international fame. Despite challenges—such as learning the complex structure of the Lakota language—he delivered a performance that resonated worldwide. He later joked about the role, saying, “The native guy [Kicking Bird] was OK. Should have gotten the Oscar. But the rest of it was a yawn!”
Beyond Dances With Wolves, Greene built a remarkable career, with memorable roles in The Green Mile, Maverick, Die Hard with a Vengeance, Transamerica, Wind River, and Molly’s Game. He also appeared in major series like Tulsa King, The Last of Us, and Reservation Dogs, continuing his legacy of trailblazing Indigenous representation.
His work earned him numerous accolades, including a Grammy, a Gemini, and a Canadian Screen Award. In 2024, he was honored with the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award in Canada, and he holds a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame.
Greene is survived by his wife Hilary Blackmore, daughter Lilly Lazard-Greene, and grandson Talo. His final completed film, Ice Fall, is set to premiere on October 16.
Following the news of his passing, tributes flooded social media. One fan wrote, “Graham Greene was a phenomenally talented actor who brought it in every single role he played.” Another added, “From Thunderheart to Reservation Dogs, all he did was deliver powerful performances.”
A legend of the screen and a voice for his people, Graham Greene leaves behind a profound legacy in cinema and culture.
