Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 2, 2025 · Entertainment

Kevin Costner Honors Late Co-Star Graham Greene in Heartfelt Tribute

Kevin Costner has paid tribute to his Dances With Wolves co-star Graham Greene who died aged 73 after a long illness (the two are seen in the 1990 classic together)

Kevin Costner Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Late Dances With Wolves Co-Star Graham Greene

The entertainment world is still reeling from the shocking news of Graham Greene's passing at the age of 73, but one person who is feeling his loss deeply is none other than Kevin Costner. The actor, known for his iconic roles in Yellowstone and Dances With Wolves, took to Instagram to pay a heartfelt tribute to his late co-star.

A Lasting Legacy

The 70-year-old leading man took to Instagram to honor the talented actor as he posted a scene from the film

Costner's post was filled with fond memories of the time they spent working together on the 1990 epic film, which earned Greene an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. "I think of how willing he was to learn the Lakota language," Costner wrote, highlighting Greene's dedication to authenticity in his role as Kicking Bird.

But what really stood out about Greene's performance, according to Costner, was his ability to convey complex emotions with just a few words. He shared a scene from Dances With Wolves that showcased this skill, and fans were left in awe of Greene's talent.

A Wish Unfulfilled

Costner (seen in LA back in May) concluded his message writing: 'I’m grateful to have been witness to this part of his lasting legacy. Rest in peace, Graham'

What makes the tribute even more poignant is that it was reported that Greene had one final request before passing away – to speak with Kevin Costner and thank him for his portrayal of Native Americans in media. Unfortunately, due to a last-minute attempt to reach out to Costner by Greene's team, this wish went unfulfilled.

But despite the tragic circumstances surrounding his death, Greene's legacy lives on through his body of work. The actor was known as an acting trailblazer who paved the way for Indigenous talent in Hollywood. His impressive resume includes roles in films like Thunderheart, The Green Mile, and Wind River, as well as TV shows like Longmire and Reservation Dogs.

A Prolific Career

Greene died aged 73 after a long illness - pictured 2022

Greene's journey to stardom was far from easy. Born on the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario, he began his career as a welder, draftsman, and steelworker before discovering his passion for acting. His breakthrough role came in 1979 with an episode of The Great Detective, followed by his film debut in Running Brave three years later.

As his career took off, Greene continued to push boundaries and challenge stereotypes on screen. He was nominated for several awards throughout his career, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his work in Dances With Wolves. His dedication to authenticity and representation was evident in every role he played, from Kicking Bird in Dances With Wolves to Arlen Bitterbuck in The Green Mile.

A Lasting Impact

Greene played Marlon in The Last of Us in 2023

Greene's impact on the entertainment industry extends beyond his impressive filmography. He inspired a new generation of Indigenous actors and helped pave the way for greater representation in media. His contributions were recognized with numerous awards, including a Grammy, a Gemini, and a Canadian Screen Award.

In a fitting tribute to his legacy, Greene was honored with the Governor General's Performing Arts Award earlier this year. And just weeks before his passing, he wrapped up filming on Ice Fall, a thriller set to premiere in October.

Fans Mourn His Loss

He shot to worldwide fame as the Sioux Medicine Man in Dances With Wolves - which Costner directed and starred in as Lt. John J. Dunbar

As news of Greene's passing spread, fans took to social media to pay tribute to the beloved actor. "Graham Greene was a phenomenally talented actor who brought it in every single role he played," one fan wrote on X. "I'm so sad to hear he's gone."

Others shared their favorite memories of watching him on screen. "From Thunderheart to Dances With Wolves to The Green Mile to Wind River to Longmire to Reservation Dogs to The Last of Us and so many more – all he did was turn in great performances," another fan wrote.

As the entertainment world says goodbye to this talented actor, one thing is clear: Graham Greene's legacy will live on through his incredible body of work.

Greene was known as an acting trailblazer, who raised the profile of Indigenous actors in Hollywood - pictured 2002

In 1999 he played death row inmate Arlen Bitterbuck alongside Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan

The star is pictured in 1992 film Thunderheart

Greene also starred in Oscar-nominated Felicity Huffman film Transamerica in 2005 as well as 2009's The Twilight Saga: New Moon; Pictured in still from Twilight

He is survived by wife Hilary Blackmore, who he wed in 1990, daughter Lilly Lazard-Greene and grandson Talo; Graham and Hilary pictured at Canada's Walk of Fame Awards Celebration in Toronto in 2022