Hollywood is in mourning, and so is one of its biggest icons. Kevin Costner, the star and director of the Academy Award–winning epic Dances With Wolves, has paid a moving tribute to his co-star Graham Greene, whose performance as the wise and dignified Kicking Bird remains one of the most memorable in cinema history.

Costner’s words, filled with both admiration and sorrow, have struck a deep chord with fans across the globe.

A Bond Forged in Film History

“When I think of Graham Greene and our time together on Dances With Wolves, a few things come to mind,” Costner reflected. “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 Academy Award nomination.”

Released in 1990, Dances With Wolves became an instant classic — winning seven Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director for Costner. But it was Greene’s performance as Kicking Bird that gave the film its soul. His nuanced portrayal of a Lakota holy man brought dignity, authenticity, and emotional power to the story, helping the film break barriers in Hollywood representation.

The Power of Greene’s Performance

Critics at the time hailed Greene’s role as groundbreaking. At a moment when Native American characters were too often relegated to stereotypes, Greene’s Kicking Bird was wise, compassionate, and deeply human. His presence gave weight to every scene, and his chemistry with Costner elevated the film to unforgettable heights.

“He didn’t just play the role,” Costner said. “He lived it. He gave audiences a chance to see a culture with humanity, respect, and grace.”

A Legacy Beyond the Screen

Greene’s Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor was a watershed moment, not just for him, but for Indigenous representation in mainstream cinema. It opened the door for more complex portrayals and gave visibility to stories long overlooked.

For Costner, Greene’s legacy is more than just a role. It’s a reminder of collaboration, respect, and shared history. “I’ll always be grateful for his talent, his spirit, and the mark he left on the world,” Costner said.

Fans Moved to Tears

The tribute has sparked an outpouring of emotion online. Fans of Dances With Wolves have flooded social media with clips of Greene’s performance, calling it “one of the greatest in film history” and thanking Costner for honoring his memory.

“This is more than nostalgia,” one fan wrote. “It’s about remembering a man who gave so much to storytelling and to history.”

A Farewell That Resonates

For Kevin Costner, the memory of Graham Greene is inseparable from one of the most defining moments of his career. For audiences, it is a reminder of how one performance can shape an entire generation’s understanding of history and humanity.

As Costner so eloquently put it: “I think of my joy when I heard his work was recognized — and I know that joy will stay with me always.”