Kevin Costner has paid tribute to his Dances With Wolves co-star Graham Greene, who just pᴀssed away. Dances With Wolves is a 1990 epic Western film directed by and starring Costner. Adapted from Michael Blake’s novel, the movie follows Union Army Lieutenant John Dunbar, who befriends a group of Lakota Sioux during the American Civil War, embracing their way of life.

A key part of the award-winning film’s emotional resonance came from Greene’s portrayal of Kicking Bird, a Lakota Sioux medicine man, a role that earned Greene a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination and launched a distinguished career. Following Graham Greene’s pᴀssing on September 1, 2025, Costner spoke about his late co-star, highlighting his dedication and talent.

Via Instagram, Costner shared a heartfelt post to remember Greene and reflect on their time together during Dances With Wolves. The actor posted a clip from the movie and praised Greene’s commitment and performance in the caption, stating he was “grateful to have been witness to this part of his lasting legacy.” Check out the post below:

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What Kevin Costner’s Tribute To Graham Greene Means

Graham Greene’s role in Kevin Costner’s Dances With Wolves remains a landmark for Indigenous representation in Hollywood, portraying a character deeply rooted in history and culture. As Costner states, Greene’s dedication to learning the Lakota language and embodying Kicking Bird authentically helped elevate the 1990 film, setting a standard for Indigenous American roles in cinema.

Despite the defining nature of thispart, Greene resisted being typecast and consciously sought diverse roles across genres. Greene also appears in The Green Mile, Twilight Saga: New Moon, Reservation Dogs, and Marvel’s Echo. Greene’s career path reflects a broader push to be seen beyond stereotypical parts, advocating for complex and varied representation, which he achieved.

Our Take On Kevin Costner’s Tribute

Costner’s tribute beautifully encapsulates the admiration and respect Greene inspired, not just as a gifted actor, but as a collaborator and a person. Dances With Wolves was more than a film; it was a milestone in bringing Indigenous stories to mainstream audiences, and Greene’s performance remains at its heart, so it makes sense that Costner best remembers him for that.

Furthermore, despite his Oscar nomination for Dances With Wolves, Greene’s insistence on different roles throughout his career demonstrated a dedication to growth and authenticity. In an industry that often boxes Indigenous talent into narrow roles, Greene’s legacy is one of breaking boundaries and opening doors. For many, Graham Greene‘s work continues to resonate, reminding us of the legacy of storytelling.