Toronto, Canada — Graham Greene, the acclaimed Canadian First Nations actor best known for his role in “Dances With Wolves,” has passed away at the age of 73. He died Monday in a Toronto hospital after a prolonged illness, according to his agent.

Michael Greene, the actor’s representative, expressed profound sadness at the news of Greene’s death. “He was a great man of morals, ethics, and character,” he said in a statement. “He will be eternally missed.” He also fondly recalled Greene’s late agent, Susan Smith, who passed away in 2013, saying she would be waiting for him at “the gates of heaven.”

Born on the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario in 1952, Greene’s career broke barriers for Indigenous actors in film and television. He began his career on stage before making his television debut in 1979 on Canada’s “The Great Detective.” In 1983, he transitioned to film with “Running Brave,” showcasing his immense talent.

Greene rose to international prominence after starring alongside Kevin Costner in the 1990 film “Dances With Wolves.” His portrayal of Kicking Bird earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, solidifying his place in cinematic history.

Throughout his career, Greene took on a variety of roles that showcased his versatility. He appeared in box office hits such as “Maverick,” alongside Mel Gibson and Jodie Foster, as well as “Die Hard With a Vengeance” with Bruce Willis. He also featured in “The Twilight Saga: New Moon,” sharing the screen with Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson.

In addition to film, Greene’s television credits include notable series like “Murder, She Wrote,” “Northern Exposure,” and “Lonesome Dove: The Series.” More recently, he appeared in the Disney+ miniseries “Echo” and the Paramount+ series “Tulsa King.”

In a 2021 interview, Greene expressed his commitment to diversifying the characters he portrayed, noting his preference for roles that are both unique and challenging. “I don’t like to be pigeonholed,” he stated, highlighting his desire to embrace a range of characters, including judges, police officers, and even God.

The actor leaves behind his wife, Hilary Blackmore, and his daughter, Lilly Lazare-Greene. Greene’s influence on the entertainment industry and his contributions to Indigenous representation will be remembered fondly as fans and colleagues honor his legacy.