Hilary Blackmore: The Strong Woman Who Stood by Actor Graham Greene for 35 Years
Hilary Blackmore is a Canadian actress and stage manager who became known to many as the wife of the late Oscar-nominated actor Graham Greene. While her husband gained international fame through films like “Dances with Wolves” and “The Green Mile”, Hilary chose a quieter path. She built her own career in Canadian theatre and film while maintaining a private life away from Hollywood’s spotlight. Her story shows us that strength comes in many forms, and sometimes the most powerful support happens behind the scenes.
Quick Bio Table
| Full Name | Hilary Blackmore |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 8 (year not publicly disclosed) |
| Place of Birth | Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada |
| Age | Believed to be in her late 60s or early 70s |
| Profession | Actress, Stage Manager |
| Spouse | Graham Greene (married December 20, 1990 to September 1, 2025) |
| Children | Two (Lucy Greene and Francis Hugh Greene) |
| Notable Works | The Sleep Room, Love and Human Remains |
| Estimated Net Worth | $500,000 |
| Residence | Outside Toronto, Canada |
Early Life and Creative Beginnings
Born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Hilary grew up in a home filled with art and learning. Her father worked as an artist, and her mother was a teacher. This creative environment shaped her early years and helped develop her love for drama and performance.
Growing up in small-town Saskatchewan gave Hilary strong values about family and community. Her parents encouraged her to explore the arts, which led her to pursue a career in theatre. The mix of her father’s artistic talents and her mother’s dedication to education created a balanced foundation for her future.
Career in Canadian Theatre and Film
Before meeting Graham Greene, Hilary had already built her own career in the Canadian entertainment industry. She worked both in front of and behind the camera, showing her versatility and commitment to the arts.
Stage Management Work
Hilary started her career as a stage manager in Canadian theatre. This work taught her important skills in organization and production. She gained respect for her dedication and professionalism, which made her a valued member of theatre companies across Canada.
Acting Career
As an actress, Hilary appeared in several meaningful projects. Her most notable work includes “The Sleep Room,” a drama about the mistreatment of psychiatric patients. She also acted in “Love and Human Remains,” where she brought depth to her role.
Hilary chose roles that had substance and meaning rather than chasing fame. Theatre critics praised her for bringing subtle intensity to supporting roles. She valued artistic integrity over becoming a household name, which showed her strong principles.
Meeting Graham Greene
Hilary’s life changed when she met Graham Greene around 1990, during the time of the film “Dances with Wolves.” The movie earned Graham an Academy Award nomination and made him internationally famous. Hilary was working in production when their paths crossed.
Their connection grew from their shared love for the arts and Indigenous representation in media. What started as a professional relationship soon developed into a deep personal bond. Despite Graham’s rising fame, they kept their relationship private and low-key.
On December 20, 1990, Hilary and Graham got married. Their wedding marked the beginning of a partnership that would last more than 34 years, making them one of the most enduring couples in the entertainment industry.
Building a Life Together
After their marriage, Hilary and Graham made important choices about how they wanted to live. Instead of moving to California like many actors, they decided to stay in Canada. They built their home just outside Toronto, far from Hollywood’s spotlight.
Graham once said about living in California, “There’s no reason to live there. A working actor can live anywhere as long as you have a phone, a fax, and know where the airport is.” This view matched Hilary’s own preference for a quiet, grounded life.
Their home became known for being filled with cats. Graham described them as having “a small army of cats.” This detail shows the warm, caring environment they created together.
Family Life and Motherhood
Hilary and Graham raised two children together: Lucy Greene and Francis Hugh Greene. Their daughter Francis followed in her mother’s footsteps and studied acting at the National Theatre School of Canada. She has appeared in several plays and films.
Graham also had a daughter from his previous relationship with actress Carol Lazare. Hilary helped create a loving family environment for all the children, keeping their private lives protected from media attention.
Standing Strong During Difficult Times
One of the most important parts of Hilary’s story is the support she gave Graham during his hardest moments. In 1997, Graham faced a major depressive episode. During this difficult time, Hilary stood by his side and helped him through his recovery.
Friends and colleagues noted that Hilary’s steady presence and emotional support were essential to Graham’s healing. She remained a constant source of strength through all the ups and downs of his life and career.
Throughout Graham’s impressive career (including becoming a Member of the Order of Canada in 2015 and receiving an honorary doctorate from Wilfrid Laurier University) Hilary was his rock. She celebrated his successes while keeping their family life stable and private.
A Lasting Love Story
Hilary and Graham’s marriage became known as Hollywood’s rare miracle couple. At a time when celebrity divorces were common, they showed that lasting love was still possible. Their relationship lasted more than 34 years, nearly reaching their 35th anniversary in December 2025.
What makes their marriage work was mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to each other. They supported each other’s careers while putting their family first. They chose substance over celebrity lifestyle, privacy over publicity, and authenticity over image.
Graham Greene’s Passing
On September 1, 2025, Graham Greene passed away at a hospital in Toronto at the age of 73. Hilary was by his side during his final moments. His death was reported to be from natural causes after a prolonged illness.
Graham’s manager confirmed the sad news, describing him as “a great man of morals, ethics, and character.” Tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry, with colleagues remembering his talent, humor, and wisdom.
Hilary faced this loss with the same quiet strength she had shown throughout their marriage. While she grieved privately, the world recognized the incredible partnership they had built together.
Legacy and Impact
Hilary Blackmore’s story teaches us important lessons about what really matters in life. In a world that often values fame and attention, she chose a different path. She built a career based on meaningful work, created a strong family foundation, and supported her husband through every challenge.
Her estimated net worth of $500,000 comes from her work as an actress and stage manager. While modest compared to many in entertainment, it represents her financial independence and dedication to her craft.
Conclusion
Hilary Blackmore represents a different kind of success story. While her husband Graham Greene earned Academy Award nominations and international recognition, Hilary built her own quiet legacy of strength, dedication, and love. For 35 years, she stood by Graham’s side through triumphs and challenges, all while maintaining her own identity and values. Her choice to live privately in a world of publicity reminds us that true strength often works behind the scenes, and that a meaningful life doesn’t require spotlights or red carpets.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Hilary Blackmore?
Hilary Blackmore is a Canadian actress and stage manager, best known as the wife of the late Oscar-nominated actor Graham Greene. She built her own career in Canadian theatre and film before and during their 35-year marriage.
2. How did Hilary Blackmore meet Graham Greene?
Hilary met Graham Greene around 1990 during the production of “Dances with Wolves,” the film that earned Graham an Academy Award nomination. She was working in production when they connected, and they married on December 20, 1990.
3. What movies and shows did Hilary Blackmore appear in?
Hilary appeared in several Canadian productions including “The Sleep Room,” a drama about psychiatric patient mistreatment, and “Love and Human Remains.” She also worked as a stage manager in Canadian theatre.
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