WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this story contains images of a person who is deceased.
David Dalaithngu, a "once-in-a-generation" artist who became an Australian film icon over a decades-long career, has died.
The passing of the Yolŋu actor, dancer, singer and painter, who starred in dozens of films, including his renowned debut Walkabout, Storm Boy, Crocodile Dundee, Australia and Ten Canoes, was confirmed last night by the South Australian Premier's office.
Dalaithngu was born in 1953 and raised in Arnhem Land, where he learned the traditional skills and knowledge of the Mandhalpingu clan of the Yolŋu people.
Some of those, such as traditional dancing, he would later take to the screen and the world.
He was just 16 when British film director Nicholas Roeg cast him in Walkabout.
"His haunting, moving performance was equal parts devastating as it was electric," Premier, Mr Marshall said, before noting that it was Storm Boy that truly made him a star.
Dalaithngu was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1987, recognised for his services to the arts.
"His breakthrough performance in Walkabout remains one of the most iconic and compelling performances of all time," the committee noted.
Another movie with Rolf De Heer, 2013's Charlie's Country, where played Charlie, saw him win Best Actor at the AACTA Awards. He also won Best Actor at Dalaithngu the Cannes Film Festival for his role in the movie.
As well as his acting work, Dalaithngu was an acclaimed storyteller. He wrote two children's books and mentored indigenous youth.
Dalaithngu was outspoken about political issues including land rights and government recognition for the Stolen Generation.
The Indigenous actor was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2017, and had not been expected to survive until the premiere of his last film, My Name is Gulpilil, let alone attend the premiere, Mr Marshall said.
"Yet it was no surprise to anyone that he was front and centre on opening night, where he would receive his final standing ovation," the premier said of the Member of the Order of Australia.
He received a NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019, recognition of his "outstanding contribution to the representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people nationally and internationally".
The award was collected by daughters Phoebe Marson and MaKia McLaughlin.
"Thank you very much for watching me," he said as part of his video acceptance speech.
"I will still remember you, even when I am gone forever, I will still remember. Never forget me."
Marson noted her father was soon bound for the Dreamtime.
"He was a man who loved his land and his culture, and he was a man who took it to the world.
"My thoughts are with his family, and his dear friend and carer Mary Hood."
Mr Marshall described Dalaithngu as an "iconic, once-in-a-generation artist who shaped the history of Australian film and Aboriginal representation on screen".
"An actor, dancer, singer and painter, he was also one of the greatest artists Australia has ever seen," the premier said.
But the famed life of the famed actor, who would eventually move to the SA town of Murray Bridge, was "not without its struggles".
"He encountered racism and discrimination, and lived with the pressures of the divide between his traditional lifestyle and his public profile," Mr Marshall said.
The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia describes Dalaithngu as a "screen legend", crediting him with changing the way the Australian screen represents Indigenous peoples and cultures.
"In Walkabout (1970), Dalaithngu embodied the stereotypical image of a 'traditional' Aborigine, untainted by western civilisation," Barnba woman Liz McNiven writes in an NFSA "portrait".
"Over the course of his career, he transformed this constructed identity into a more nuanced and accurate representation of Aboriginality."
The Dalaithngu family had advised his name and image may continue to be used following his passing, in line with his wishes.
His death was covered by most news papers and TV channels in Australia and many overseas news outlets.
David Dalaithngu, a "once-in-a-generation" artist who became an Australian film icon over a decades-long career, has died.
The passing of the Yolŋu actor, dancer, singer and painter, who starred in dozens of films, including his renowned debut Walkabout, Storm Boy, Crocodile Dundee, Australia and Ten Canoes, was confirmed last night by the South Australian Premier's office.
Dalaithngu was born in 1953 and raised in Arnhem Land, where he learned the traditional skills and knowledge of the Mandhalpingu clan of the Yolŋu people.
Some of those, such as traditional dancing, he would later take to the screen and the world.
He was just 16 when British film director Nicholas Roeg cast him in Walkabout.
"His haunting, moving performance was equal parts devastating as it was electric," Premier, Mr Marshall said, before noting that it was Storm Boy that truly made him a star.
Dalaithngu was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1987, recognised for his services to the arts.
"His breakthrough performance in Walkabout remains one of the most iconic and compelling performances of all time," the committee noted.
Another movie with Rolf De Heer, 2013's Charlie's Country, where played Charlie, saw him win Best Actor at the AACTA Awards. He also won Best Actor at Dalaithngu the Cannes Film Festival for his role in the movie.
As well as his acting work, Dalaithngu was an acclaimed storyteller. He wrote two children's books and mentored indigenous youth.
Dalaithngu was outspoken about political issues including land rights and government recognition for the Stolen Generation.
The Indigenous actor was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2017, and had not been expected to survive until the premiere of his last film, My Name is Gulpilil, let alone attend the premiere, Mr Marshall said.
"Yet it was no surprise to anyone that he was front and centre on opening night, where he would receive his final standing ovation," the premier said of the Member of the Order of Australia.
He received a NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019, recognition of his "outstanding contribution to the representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people nationally and internationally".
The award was collected by daughters Phoebe Marson and MaKia McLaughlin.
"Thank you very much for watching me," he said as part of his video acceptance speech.
"I will still remember you, even when I am gone forever, I will still remember. Never forget me."
Marson noted her father was soon bound for the Dreamtime.
"He was a man who loved his land and his culture, and he was a man who took it to the world.
"My thoughts are with his family, and his dear friend and carer Mary Hood."
Mr Marshall described Dalaithngu as an "iconic, once-in-a-generation artist who shaped the history of Australian film and Aboriginal representation on screen".
"An actor, dancer, singer and painter, he was also one of the greatest artists Australia has ever seen," the premier said.
But the famed life of the famed actor, who would eventually move to the SA town of Murray Bridge, was "not without its struggles".
"He encountered racism and discrimination, and lived with the pressures of the divide between his traditional lifestyle and his public profile," Mr Marshall said.
The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia describes Dalaithngu as a "screen legend", crediting him with changing the way the Australian screen represents Indigenous peoples and cultures.
"In Walkabout (1970), Dalaithngu embodied the stereotypical image of a 'traditional' Aborigine, untainted by western civilisation," Barnba woman Liz McNiven writes in an NFSA "portrait".
"Over the course of his career, he transformed this constructed identity into a more nuanced and accurate representation of Aboriginality."
The Dalaithngu family had advised his name and image may continue to be used following his passing, in line with his wishes.
His death was covered by most news papers and TV channels in Australia and many overseas news outlets.
WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this story contains images of a person who is deceased.
David Dalaithngu, a "once-in-a-generation" artist who became an Australian film icon over a decades-long career, has died.
The passing of the Yolŋu actor, dancer, singer and painter, who starred in dozens of films, including his renowned debut Walkabout, Storm Boy, Crocodile Dundee, Australia and Ten Canoes, was confirmed last night by the South Australian Premier's office.
Dalaithngu was born in 1953 and raised in Arnhem Land, where he learned the traditional skills and knowledge of the Mandhalpingu clan of the Yolŋu people.
Some of those, such as traditional dancing, he would later take to the screen and the world.
He was just 16 when British film director Nicholas Roeg cast him in Walkabout.
"His haunting, moving performance was equal parts devastating as it was electric," Premier, Mr Marshall said, before noting that it was Storm Boy that truly made him a star.
Dalaithngu was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1987, recognised for his services to the arts.
"His breakthrough performance in Walkabout remains one of the most iconic and compelling performances of all time," the committee noted.
Another movie with Rolf De Heer, 2013's Charlie's Country, where played Charlie, saw him win Best Actor at the AACTA Awards. He also won Best Actor at Dalaithngu the Cannes Film Festival for his role in the movie.
As well as his acting work, Dalaithngu was an acclaimed storyteller. He wrote two children's books and mentored indigenous youth.
Dalaithngu was outspoken about political issues including land rights and government recognition for the Stolen Generation.
The Indigenous actor was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2017, and had not been expected to survive until the premiere of his last film, My Name is Gulpilil, let alone attend the premiere, Mr Marshall said.
"Yet it was no surprise to anyone that he was front and centre on opening night, where he would receive his final standing ovation," the premier said of the Member of the Order of Australia.
He received a NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019, recognition of his "outstanding contribution to the representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people nationally and internationally".
The award was collected by daughters Phoebe Marson and MaKia McLaughlin.
"Thank you very much for watching me," he said as part of his video acceptance speech.
"I will still remember you, even when I am gone forever, I will still remember. Never forget me."
Marson noted her father was soon bound for the Dreamtime.
"He was a man who loved his land and his culture, and he was a man who took it to the world.
"My thoughts are with his family, and his dear friend and carer Mary Hood."
Mr Marshall described Dalaithngu as an "iconic, once-in-a-generation artist who shaped the history of Australian film and Aboriginal representation on screen".
"An actor, dancer, singer and painter, he was also one of the greatest artists Australia has ever seen," the premier said.
But the famed life of the famed actor, who would eventually move to the SA town of Murray Bridge, was "not without its struggles".
"He encountered racism and discrimination, and lived with the pressures of the divide between his traditional lifestyle and his public profile," Mr Marshall said.
The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia describes Dalaithngu as a "screen legend", crediting him with changing the way the Australian screen represents Indigenous peoples and cultures.
"In Walkabout (1970), Dalaithngu embodied the stereotypical image of a 'traditional' Aborigine, untainted by western civilisation," Barnba woman Liz McNiven writes in an NFSA "portrait".
"Over the course of his career, he transformed this constructed identity into a more nuanced and accurate representation of Aboriginality."
The Dalaithngu family had advised his name and image may continue to be used following his passing, in line with his wishes.
His death was covered by most news papers and TV channels in Australia and many overseas news outlets.
David Dalaithngu, a "once-in-a-generation" artist who became an Australian film icon over a decades-long career, has died.
The passing of the Yolŋu actor, dancer, singer and painter, who starred in dozens of films, including his renowned debut Walkabout, Storm Boy, Crocodile Dundee, Australia and Ten Canoes, was confirmed last night by the South Australian Premier's office.
Dalaithngu was born in 1953 and raised in Arnhem Land, where he learned the traditional skills and knowledge of the Mandhalpingu clan of the Yolŋu people.
Some of those, such as traditional dancing, he would later take to the screen and the world.
He was just 16 when British film director Nicholas Roeg cast him in Walkabout.
"His haunting, moving performance was equal parts devastating as it was electric," Premier, Mr Marshall said, before noting that it was Storm Boy that truly made him a star.
Dalaithngu was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1987, recognised for his services to the arts.
"His breakthrough performance in Walkabout remains one of the most iconic and compelling performances of all time," the committee noted.
Another movie with Rolf De Heer, 2013's Charlie's Country, where played Charlie, saw him win Best Actor at the AACTA Awards. He also won Best Actor at Dalaithngu the Cannes Film Festival for his role in the movie.
As well as his acting work, Dalaithngu was an acclaimed storyteller. He wrote two children's books and mentored indigenous youth.
Dalaithngu was outspoken about political issues including land rights and government recognition for the Stolen Generation.
The Indigenous actor was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2017, and had not been expected to survive until the premiere of his last film, My Name is Gulpilil, let alone attend the premiere, Mr Marshall said.
"Yet it was no surprise to anyone that he was front and centre on opening night, where he would receive his final standing ovation," the premier said of the Member of the Order of Australia.
He received a NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019, recognition of his "outstanding contribution to the representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people nationally and internationally".
The award was collected by daughters Phoebe Marson and MaKia McLaughlin.
"Thank you very much for watching me," he said as part of his video acceptance speech.
"I will still remember you, even when I am gone forever, I will still remember. Never forget me."
Marson noted her father was soon bound for the Dreamtime.
"He was a man who loved his land and his culture, and he was a man who took it to the world.
"My thoughts are with his family, and his dear friend and carer Mary Hood."
Mr Marshall described Dalaithngu as an "iconic, once-in-a-generation artist who shaped the history of Australian film and Aboriginal representation on screen".
"An actor, dancer, singer and painter, he was also one of the greatest artists Australia has ever seen," the premier said.
But the famed life of the famed actor, who would eventually move to the SA town of Murray Bridge, was "not without its struggles".
"He encountered racism and discrimination, and lived with the pressures of the divide between his traditional lifestyle and his public profile," Mr Marshall said.
The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia describes Dalaithngu as a "screen legend", crediting him with changing the way the Australian screen represents Indigenous peoples and cultures.
"In Walkabout (1970), Dalaithngu embodied the stereotypical image of a 'traditional' Aborigine, untainted by western civilisation," Barnba woman Liz McNiven writes in an NFSA "portrait".
"Over the course of his career, he transformed this constructed identity into a more nuanced and accurate representation of Aboriginality."
The Dalaithngu family had advised his name and image may continue to be used following his passing, in line with his wishes.
His death was covered by most news papers and TV channels in Australia and many overseas news outlets.
