Kevin Costner Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Graham, His ‘Dances With Wolves’ Co-Star

Western legend Kevin Costner has paid a heartfelt tribute to Graham Greene, the Oscar-nominated actor and fellow star of the Yellowstone universe, who passed away this week at 73 after a long illness.

Greene first gained widespread acclaim for his role as Kicking Bird in Costner’s 1990 Western masterpiece Dances with Wolves, a performance that earned him an Academy Award nomination. On Tuesday, Costner took to Instagram to honor his friend and former co-star by sharing the iconic “Tatanka” scene—where his character Dunbar pretends to be a buffalo to communicate with Wind In His Hair (Rodney A. Grant) and Kicking Bird (Greene).

In an emotional caption, Costner reflected on their time together:
“A few things come to mind when I think of Graham Greene and our time on Dances with Wolves. His dedication to learning the Lakota language. The joy I felt when his work was recognized with an Oscar nomination. And especially this scene, where he conveyed so much about Dunbar’s relationship with the natives through just a few words. He was a master of his craft and a truly wonderful person.”

A Legacy Beyond Dances with Wolves
A proud Canadian First Nations actor, Greene openly spoke about the challenges of learning Lakota for the film. His powerful performance shifted Hollywood’s approach to telling Native American stories. Beyond Dances with Wolves, Greene built a rich and diverse career, appearing in films like Thunderheart, Die Hard with a Vengeance, Wind River, and 1883, as well as in the Twilight Saga, often collaborating with Taylor Sheridan.

In the days before his passing, Greene reportedly tried to reach out to Costner to express his gratitude to the filmmaker who helped shape his career. Although they couldn’t connect in time, Greene’s agent, Michael Greene (no relation), assured that the message would be passed on.

Costner’s tribute emphasized the deep bond and respect they shared:
“I’m grateful to have witnessed this chapter of his remarkable legacy. Rest in peace, Graham.”