Kevin Costner, the award-winning actor and director, has paid heartfelt tribute to his Dances With Wolves co-star Graham Greene, calling him both “a master at work” and “a wonderful human being.”

The two actors shared the screen in the groundbreaking 1990 epic, which earned seven Academy Awards, including a nomination for Best Supporting Actor for Greene.

Remembering a Legendary Collaboration

In a recent tribute, Costner reflected warmly on their time filming Dances With Wolves, a landmark film that helped reshape the portrayal of Native American characters in mainstream cinema.

“A few things come to mind when I think of Graham Greene and our time together on Dances With Wolves,” Costner shared. “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 Awards nomination. And I think of this scene in particular, when he was able to establish so much about the relationship between Dunbar and the natives with so few words.”

The scene Costner refers to is one of the most memorable moments in the film, where Greene’s character, Kicking Bird, begins to build trust with Costner’s character, Lt. John Dunbar.

With minimal dialogue, Greene conveys a wealth of emotion, dignity, and complexity—an ability that defined much of his celebrated career.

Graham Greene, a member of the Oneida Nation, brought authenticity and depth to his role as Kicking Bird, the spiritual elder of the Lakota tribe.

His performance was pivotal in the film’s success and its respectful depiction of Native American culture.

Greene’s Academy Award nomination marked a significant moment in Hollywood history, highlighting an Indigenous actor’s contribution to a major film not just as a supporting character, but as a co-architect of its emotional core.

His portrayal helped Dances With Wolves transcend the typical boundaries of a Western, turning it into a cultural milestone that continues to resonate today.

Costner’s Ongoing Respect and Admiration

Kevin Costner’s tribute underlines not just the professional respect between the two actors but a personal admiration that has lasted decades.

“He was a master at work and a wonderful human being,” Costner added, summing up what many fans and colleagues have felt about Greene over the years.

The bond between Costner and Greene, forged during the production of a film that broke new ground, clearly left a lasting impression. As Costner revisits the legacy of Dances With Wolves, it’s clear that Greene’s contributions remain central to the story both on and off screen.

While Dances With Wolves may be the most widely recognized work in Graham Greene’s filmography, his career spans decades of powerful performances in both film and television. From Thunderheart and The Green Mile to TV roles in Longmire and Northern Exposure, Greene consistently brought humanity and depth to every role.

As conversations around Indigenous representation in Hollywood continue, Graham Greene’s legacy remains a shining example of how authentic storytelling and deeply committed performances can shift perspectives.