Kevin Costner has shared a heartfelt tribute to actor Graham Greene, remembering their time together on the landmark film Dances With Wolves. Greene, a celebrated Canadian First Nations actor, passed away on September 1, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking performances across film and television.
Costner, who both directed and starred in the 1990 Academy Award-winning film, reflected on Greene’s dedication and artistry in a message posted on social media. He recalled Greene’s commitment to learning the Lakota language for his role and the subtle strength he brought to scenes that required few words. Costner noted that Greene’s performance not only earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor but also helped deepen the emotional impact of the story.
“He was a master at work and a wonderful human being,” Costner wrote, adding that he felt grateful to have witnessed Greene’s craft firsthand.
Greene’s role as Kicking Bird in Dances With Wolves marked the beginning of a distinguished Hollywood career. He went on to appear in a wide range of notable films, including Maverick alongside Mel Gibson and Jodie Foster, Die Hard with a Vengeance with Bruce Willis, The Green Mile with Tom Hanks, and The Twilight Saga: New Moon. In more recent years, Greene appeared in Aaron Sorkin’s Molly’s Game, sharing the screen once again with Costner, as well as Jessica Chastain and Idris Elba.
Throughout his decades-long career, Greene became one of the most visible and respected Indigenous actors in Hollywood, known for bringing authenticity, dignity, and depth to every role. His passing marks a profound loss for both the film industry and audiences who admired his work.
