Celebrity
Hollywood Mourns An Unforgettable Legend: Gil Birmingham’s Heart-Wrenching Tribute To Graham Greene
With the world still reeling from the loss of a truly remarkable soul, Graham Greene, Hollywood mourns one of its most dedicated, fiercely talented, and undeniably human stars.
The 73‑year‑old Canadian actor passed away on September 1, 2025, following a long illness, and the tributes from peers—particularly from his close friend and frequent co‑star Gil Birmingham—have laid bare just how deeply Greene touched hearts both on and off‑screen.
Gil Birmingham—a towering presence in Yellowstone and a performer whose integrity shines through in every role—took to social media to share a tribute that felt like both a confession and a love letter. They may not have shared a scene in Yellowstone proper, but they were bound by the stories they told, rooted in Native heritage and human connection.
In his post, Birmingham wrote with a raw honesty that stopped scrollers cold:
“My heart is broken. 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, R.I.P.”
This was not just a eulogy—it was an unveiling of shared history. They’d navigated the Wild West of Hollywood together in projects like Into the West (2005), the Twilight Saga: New Moon, and Wind River (2017)—some of the richest stories celebrating Indigenous perspectives in the modern era.
Who Was Graham Greene?
Long before the world knew him as Kicking Bird from Dances with Wolves, Graham Greene was a man deeply rooted in his Oneida heritage—raising a family, living quietly in Ontario with his wife Hilary Blackmore, and pursuing diverse passions like writing, boat building, and golf.
When Dances with Wolves catapulted him into global recognition, it wasn’t just for the Academy Award–nominated performance that garnered him respect—it was the dignity, authenticity, and depth he brought to Kicking Bird. Kevin Costner himself later reflected on Greene’s willingness to learn Lakota for the role, and lauded him as “a master at work and a wonderful human being.”
That role was just the beginning. Over the decades, Greene starred in Thunderheart, Maverick, The Green Mile, Reservation Dogs, The Last of Us, and beyond—roles that displayed range, depth, and an ability to carry humanity across genres.
Greene’s accolades spanned a Grammy for Best Spoken Word Album for Children (Listen to the Storyteller), a Canadian Screen Award, and culminated in the prestigious Governor General’s Lifetime Artistic Achievement Award in 2025.
His legacy was more than awards. Lou Diamond Phillips called him “one of the wittiest, wiliest, warmest people I’ve ever known,” while Robert Patrick shared that working with Greene was “a privilege.”
A Legacy That Echoes
Gil Birmingham’s tribute wasn’t just grief—it was gratitude. He recognized Greene’s role in forging a path for Indigenous actors, proving that there is strength in vulnerability, power in representation, and beauty in storytelling that honors heritage. Birmingham’s words, tender and piercing, remind us that Greene wasn’t just an actor to admire—he was a beacon.
“To inspire a new generation of Native actors,” Birmingham wrote, “his great heart was only matched by his wickedly funny sense of humor.” These aren’t just words—they are an invitation to remember Greene as an artist, a storyteller, a mentor, and a man who lived with gentle ferocity.
Want to Read Gil’s Full Tribute—and Share Yours?
The full tribute is waiting in the comments below. Read Birmingham’s emotional words, and be part of a space honoring a legend who changed how we see stories, and how stories see us.
Want to add your own memories or condolences? Leave a comment and let’s celebrate the legacy of Graham Greene together.
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