Kevin Costner Pays Tribute to ‘Dances With Wolves’ Co-Star Graham Greene (2025) – Drama/Legacy/Reflection
In 1990, Dances With Wolves became a landmark film, not only for its sweeping portrayal of the American frontier but also for its sensitive and respectful depiction of Native American culture. Directed by and starring Kevin Costner, the film earned seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, and introduced audiences worldwide to the extraordinary talent of Canadian Indigenous actor Graham Greene.
Costner recently paid heartfelt tribute to Greene, reflecting on their time together on set and the enduring impact of their collaboration. Greene played Kicking Bird, the wise medicine man of the Lakota Sioux tribe, whose measured wisdom and compassion guided Costner’s character, Lt. John Dunbar, on his journey from disillusioned soldier to adopted member of the tribe. Greene’s nuanced performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, making history as one of the first Indigenous actors to receive such recognition.
In his tribute, Costner praised Greene’s artistry and presence, noting how he brought dignity, humor, and emotional truth to the role. He also emphasized Greene’s lasting influence on cinema, helping to shift Hollywood’s portrayal of Indigenous peoples away from stereotypes and toward authenticity and respect. For Costner, Greene was more than just a co-star—he was a collaborator who helped elevate Dances With Wolves into a cultural milestone.
Beyond Dances With Wolves, Greene has enjoyed a remarkable career spanning film, television, and stage, with roles in Thunderheart (1992), The Green Mile (1999), and countless others. Costner highlighted Greene’s continued dedication to storytelling and his role as a trailblazer for Indigenous representation in Hollywood.
For audiences, the tribute serves as a reminder of how Dances With Wolves remains not only a classic film but also a turning point in the way stories of Native peoples are told. Greene’s performance endures as one of the film’s greatest strengths, and Costner’s recognition underscores the bond formed on a project that continues to resonate more than three decades later.
