Kevin Costner Remembers Late “Dances With Wolves” Actor, Graham Greene – “He Was A Master”
on Sep 02, 2025
One day after the death of beloved actor Graham Greene, Kevin Costner paid tribute with a touching post recalling their work together on Dances With Wolves.
Graham Greene died Monday, September 1, at the age of 73 following a lengthy illness. Tributes from fellow actors and co-stars were shared in the hours following his death. Among those who are remembering the beloved actor is Kevin Costner.
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In 1990, Kevin Costner made his directorial debut in Dances With Wolves while also starring in the film. Greene was cast as native American medicine man, Kicking Bird. In preparation for the role, Greene had to learn to speak the Lakota language, a task he found challenging due to not growing up speaking a native language.
“I couldn’t figure out how they ordered their language. Its structure is totally foreign to English or French,” Graham once said.
Kevin Costner Pays Tribute To Graham Greene
In his tribute to Graham Greene, Kevin Costner fondly remembered the actor’s dedication to learning the Lakota language. He also recalled his “joy” when Greene was recognized with an Academy Award nomination for his supporting role in the film.
“A few things come to mind when I think of Graham Greene and our time together on Dances With Wolves,” Costner wrote. “I think of how willing he was to learn the Lakota language. I think of my joy when I heard that his work on the film was recognized with an @theacademy Awards nomination.”
Costner’s tribute included a scene from the movie where his character, John Dunbar, meets Kicking Bird for the first time.
“I think of this scene in particular, when he was able to establish so much about the relationship between Dunbar and the natives with so few words. He was a master at work and a wonderful human being,” Costner said of his co-star. “I’m grateful to have been witness to this part of his lasting legacy. Rest in peace, Graham.”
Graham Greene’s Career
Dances With Wolves put Graham Greene in the national spotlight for the first time and arguably helped launch his incredible career.
The actor starred in or appeared in numerous movies and television shows over the next three decades. His credits include Maverick (1994), Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995), The Green Mile (1999), and The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009).
He most recently appeared in Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone prequel, 1883, and the Sylvester Stallone series Tulsa King.
Graham Greene is survived by his wife, Hilary Blackmore, daughter Lilly Lazare-Greene, and grandson, Tarlo.
