David Gulpilil, the iconic Australian actor who has most recently starred in a biographical documentary about his extraordinary life, has died at age 68. Gulpilil has succumbed to lung cancer after being diagnosed four years ago according to Variety.
David Gulpilil’s Career
The indigenous performer’s talents included acting, singing, and painting. His first debut was in the 1971 Walkabout. From there, he appeared in The Last Wave, Crocodile Dundee, The Track and Rabbit-Proof Fence. He also was featured in Ten Canoes, Goldstone, and Charlie’s Country. Additionally, Gilpilil’s TV credits include Pine Gap and Timeless Land.
Furthermore, his incredible story documented in My Name is Gulpilil was nominated for this year’s Best Documentary by the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards.
“This final film, 50 years after his breakthrough on screen, saw David Dalaithngu credited for the first time in his career as a producer. Alongside Reynolds, filmmaker Rolf de Heer and Yolŋu filmmaker Peter Djigirr,” South Australia’s Premier Steven Marshall shared in a statement. “He was a man who loved his land and his culture, and he was a man who took it to the world.”
David Gulpilil’s Legendary Life
“It is with deep sadness that I share with the people of South Australia the passing of an iconic, once-in-a-generation artist who shaped the history of Australian film and Aboriginal representation on screen – David Gulpilil Ridjimiraril Dalaithngu (AM),” Marshall said.
“David Gulpilil was from the Mandhalpingu clan of the Yolŋu people. And he was raised in the traditional ways in Arnhem Land. In his later years he was a resident of Murray Bridge. He was a brother, son, friend, father, grandfather and husband. An actor, dancer, singer and painter. He was also one of the greatest artists Australia has ever seen.”
“David Gilpilil’s life was not without its struggles. He encountered racism and discrimination. He also lived with the pressures of the divide between his traditional lifestyle and his public profile.” Marshall added.
