Yellowstone star Gil Birmingham has been left “heartbroken” by the death of iconic actor Graham Greene, who died on Sunday afternoon after a 50-year film and TV career.

Though they didn’t share the screen in the hit Western drama, both starred in the Yellowstone franchise, with Birmingham portraying Thomas Rainwater in the flagship show and Greene guest starring as Spotted Eagle in 1883.

Greene also made a guest appearance in Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan’s Sylvester Stallone-led crime drama Tulsa King and, of course, co-starred with Birmingham in the Twilight Saga.

However, he was arguably best known for his Oscar-nominated performance in Dances With Wolves, the historical epic directed by and starring Yellowstone leading man Kevin Costner.

Birmingham paid tribute to Greene after his death aged 73 with a touching post on Instagram.

He shared a still of them both from the film Wind River, the 2017 thriller set on a Native American Reservation directed by Sheridan and starring Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olsen.

“My heart is broken,” he admitted in the touching caption.

“We have lost a man of incredible talent who made a positive impact on Native representation in film, inspiring a new generation of Native actors.

“His great heart was only matched by his wickedly funny sense of humor. My prayers are with his family and friends. Journey on, Graham, R.I.P. #GrahamGreene.”

No cause of death has been announced just yet, as his agent simply reported he passed in a Toronto hospital over the weekend.

However, it’s understood that Greene has been unwell for some time and his manager Gerry Jordan confirms he passed away “peacefully”.

Countless fans of the actor have used Birmingham’s heartfelt post to respond with tributes of their own.

“I am so sorry you lost your beloved friend. What a talent,” one user replied.

Another commented: “Im heartbroken! I was just watching Wind River the other week. Canada is mourning a legend right now.”

“Loved him in everything he did!” someone else wrote. “Very sorry for the loss of your very special friend, and world-renowned great #GrahamGreene A very sad day indeed! Godspeed to his Great Spirit!”

And a final user shared: “Graham Greene could play any role with excellence and that’s what made him such a great actor. I’ll miss him terribly.”

Yellowstone is available to stream on Paramount+.