Graham Greene was born on June 22, 1952, on the Six Nations Reserve in Ohsweken, Ontario, Canada. The son of Lillian Greene and John Greene, who worked as a paramedic and maintenance man, Graham grew up in a close-knit Indigenous community. Before his acting career began, he worked as a welder, steelworker, and draftsman, building a modest life through hard work. While working as an audio technician for bands in Newfoundland and Labrador, he was encouraged by musician Kelly Jay to audition for a play, a decision that set him on a path toward international recognition. By the mid-1970s, Greene was already active in professional theater productions across Toronto and England, where his talent quickly stood out.
Age, Family, and Personal Life
At the time of his passing on September 1, 2025, Graham Greene was 73 years old. He had been married to Hilary Blackmore since December 20, 1990, and together they raised four children. Greene was known as a family-oriented man, balancing his demanding career with his responsibilities at home. In his personal time, he enjoyed golf, boat building, and writing. Though his life was not without struggle, including a public battle with depression in the late 1990s, Greene received strong support from friends in the industry such as Samuel L. Jackson and Bruce Willis. His resilience not only helped him recover but also allowed him to continue acting for decades.
Breakthrough in Acting
Greene made his television debut in 1979 on “The Great Detective” and his film debut in 1983’s “Running Brave.” However, his breakthrough role came in 1990 with the blockbuster “Dances with Wolves.” Playing Kicking Bird, a thoughtful and wise Lakota medicine man, Greene’s performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. This role made him one of the most prominent Indigenous actors in Hollywood and opened doors to dozens of high-profile projects.
Career Highlights in Film
Over his long career, Graham Greene appeared in more than 160 projects. Some of his most memorable roles came in films like “Thunderheart” (1992), “Maverick” (1994), “Die Hard with a Vengeance” (1995), “The Green Mile” (1999), “Skins” (2002), and “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” (2009). He continued to take on impactful roles well into the 2010s and 2020s, with appearances in “Wind River” (2017), “The Shack” (2017), “Molly’s Game” (2017), “Astronaut” (2019), and “The Performance” (2023). His versatility as an actor allowed him to transition seamlessly between drama, action, and family films, proving his wide-ranging talent.
Success on Television
In addition to film, Greene found great success on television. He played Leonard on “Northern Exposure” (1992–1993), Red Hawk on “Lonesome Dove: The Series” (1994), and Mr. Crabby Tree on “The Adventures of Dudley the Dragon” (1994–1997). He also became well-known as Edgar K. B. Montrose on “The Red Green Show” (1994–2006). Greene starred as Mr. Sherman Blackstone on “Wolf Lake” (2001–2002) and later took on recurring roles in shows like “Being Erica” (2010–2011), “Longmire” (2014–2017), “The Detour” (2018), and “Goliath” (2019). In recent years, he appeared in “The Last of Us” (2023), “Reservation Dogs” (2023), and the Marvel miniseries “Echo” (2024), showing that his presence in the industry never diminished.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Greene was widely recognized for his contributions to film and television. He was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 2015, one of the nation’s highest civilian honors. He earned an Academy Award nomination for “Dances with Wolves,” a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album for Children in 2000, and numerous other accolades, including Gemini Awards, American Indian Film Festival honors, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Red Nation Film Festival in 2009. His performances in “The Green Mile” and “Wind River” further showcased his talent, with critics often praising his ability to bring depth and dignity to his roles.
Net Worth and Legacy
At the time of his death in September 2025, Graham Greene had an estimated net worth of $1 million. While this figure may seem modest compared to other Hollywood actors, it reflects a career built more on meaningful performances than financial extravagance. Greene consistently chose roles that highlighted his heritage and expanded representation of Indigenous people in film and television. His wealth primarily came from decades of steady acting work, voice performances, and occasional hosting roles, such as his time on “Exhibit A: Secrets of Forensic Science” from 1997 to 2001.
Later Life and Passing
In his later years, Greene remained active in acting while balancing a quieter lifestyle with his family. Despite health struggles in the past, he continued working well into his 70s, proving his resilience and love for storytelling. Sadly, on September 1, 2025, he passed away at the age of 73. His death marked the end of a remarkable career that spanned over four decades.
Remembering Graham Greene
Graham Greene leaves behind a legacy as one of Canada’s most celebrated Indigenous actors. His career was defined not only by his performances but also by the dignity with which he represented his community on screen. From “Dances with Wolves” to “The Green Mile” and beyond, he brought authenticity to every role he took on. His family, fans, and colleagues remember him as a trailblazer who used his talent to create change in Hollywood.
