La Mourns 'Dances With Wolves' Star Graham Greene: Gone At 73

Hollywood Says Goodbye to a Legend

Los Angeles is feeling the loss of a true talent today as news breaks that Graham Greene, the beloved actor who stole hearts in 'Dances with Wolves,' has passed away at 73. The star took his final bow on Monday, Sept. 1, in a Toronto hospital after battling a lengthy illness, according to Deadline, which first dropped the somber update. From the red carpets of Hollywood to the quiet corners of SoCal, fans and friends are mourning a man who brought depth to every role he touched.

Greene’s agent, Michael Greene, shared the heartbreaking news with PEOPLE, painting a picture of a man who lived with unmatched morals and character. It’s a loss that hits hard, like losing a favorite uncle at a Venice Beach bonfire - warm, wise, and unforgettable. Michael’s words echo the sentiment of many here in LA, where Greene’s work has long been celebrated.

"Graham was a giant in every sense - his talent, his heart, and his spirit. Hollywood won’t be the same without him," said a longtime friend and fellow actor in a touching tribute.

A Career That Shaped Tinseltown

Greene’s breakout as Kicking Bird (Ziŋtká Nagwáka) in Kevin Costner’s 1990 epic 'Dances with Wolves' wasn’t just a role - it was a cultural moment. Filmed with the sweeping vibes of the American West, the movie earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, one of 12 nods the film snagged. It walked away with seven wins, including Best Picture, proving Greene was part of something bigger than just a flick - it was a Hollywood earthquake.

Born far from the glitz of LA, Greene stumbled into acting after stints as a carpenter, welder, and roadie, as he once told Reader’s Digest Canada. He laughed about how the gig kept him in the shade with food and water - basically, the life of a pampered pup on a Malibu beach. But once he hit the screen, starting with a 1979 Canadian drama 'The Great Detective,' there was no stopping him.

One memory that stuck with him from 'Dances with Wolves' was his bond with his horse. In a 2017 chat with Reader’s Digest Canada, he recalled how he fought to get the animal back to its original owner, a kid who’d had to sell it. That kind of heart is pure West Coast - generous, grounded, and real.

From Blockbusters to Grammy Glory

Greene’s resume reads like a Hollywood highlight reel. He popped up in classics like 1994’s 'Maverick,' 1995’s 'Die Hard With a Vengeance,' and 1999’s 'The Green Mile,' bringing grit to every scene. He even joined the vampire craze with roles in 2009’s 'The Twilight Saga: New Moon' and 2012’s 'Breaking Dawn - Part 2,' proving he could roll with the younger crowd while still owning the screen.

TV was no stranger to him either, with credits spanning 'Northern Exposure,' 'Murder She Wrote,' and more recent hits like 'Longmire' and 'Goliath.' And let’s not forget - this man snagged a Grammy in 2000 for Best Spoken Word Album for Children with 'Listen to the Storyteller.' That’s straight-up LA versatility, shining brighter than the Hollywood sign on a clear night.

A Legacy That Lives On

Beyond the awards and accolades, Greene’s spirit touched everyone who knew him or watched him work. His agent Michael’s tribute to PEOPLE was raw and real, noting how Greene loved what he did for his people and the world. Michael even pictured Greene reuniting with his former agent Susan Smith, who passed in 2013, at the gates of heaven - a poetic farewell that feels like something out of a tear-jerker filmed in the Hollywood Hills.

Greene leaves behind his wife Hilary Blackmore, daughter Lilly Lazare-Greene, and grandson Tarlo, who will carry his memory forward. Here in LA, we’re tipping our hats to a man who didn’t just act - he lived every role with a passion as fierce as a SoCal summer sunset. Rest easy, Graham - you’ve earned your eternal spotlight.