Kevin Costner paid tribute to late Canadian actor Graham Greene on Instagram Tuesday, following Greene’s passing on Monday. The post highlighted Costner’s admiration for Greene’s dedication and talent during their collaboration on the 1990 film Dances With Wolves, for which Greene received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. This tribute highlights the significance of Greene’s contributions to film and Native representation.
A Memorable Collaboration and Cultural Commitment
Costner described Greene’s commitment to learning the Lakota language for the film, which added authenticity to his role and demonstrated his dedication. He also celebrated Greene’s achievement of earning an Academy Award nomination for his performance. One scene stood out to Costner specifically, where Greene’s character conveys deep meaning in only a few words, effectively illustrating the bond between his character and Dunbar, Costner’s role in the film.
This exchange occurs as the characters navigate a language barrier when Dunbar observes a herd of buffalo and tries to alert the Native people. Their interaction underscores the sensitive portrayal of Indigenous people in Dances With Wolves, a film praised for presenting Native characters with greater complexity and respect than typical Westerns of its time.
Other Tributes from Peers Celebrate Greene’s Legacy
In addition to Costner, peers such as Lou Diamond Phillips and Gil Birmingham shared heartfelt memories of Greene, honoring his influence and character. Phillips, who worked alongside Greene in the series Longmire and the film Wolf Lake, described him as “an actor’s actor” and praised his wit, warmth, and iconic status in the industry.
Heartbroken. Terribly saddened to hear of the passing of Graham Greene at only 73. From Wolf Lake to Longmire, we had a beautiful friendship. An Actor’s Actor. One of the wittiest, wiliest, warmest people I’ve ever known. Iconic and Legendary. RIP, My Brother. — Lou Diamond Phillips
Gil Birmingham, known for his role in Twilight, recognized Greene’s profound influence on Native representation in film, noting that Greene inspired a new generation of Indigenous actors. Birmingham remembered him as a man with a great heart and a sharp sense of humor.
We have lost a man of incredible talent who made a positive impact on Native representation in film, inspiring a new generation of Native actors. His great heart was only matched by his wickedly funny sense of humor. My prayers are with his family and friends. Journey on, Graham. — Gil Birmingham
Enduring Significance of Graham Greene’s Work
Graham Greene’s passing marks the loss of a pioneering Indigenous actor whose career combined artistic excellence with cultural respect. His role in Dances With Wolves remains a landmark in film history for its respectful depiction of Native peoples. Tributes from Kevin Costner and others emphasize Greene’s lasting impact not only as a talented actor but also as a person dedicated to authenticity and representation.
The continued recognition of Greene’s work signals a growing awareness and appreciation of Native stories in Hollywood. His legacy encourages both audiences and filmmakers to approach Indigenous roles thoughtfully, paving the way for future generations of Native actors to tell their own stories with depth and respect.
