Gulpilil was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2017, and his
death was announced Monday in a statement by South Australian Premier Steven
Marshall. “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),” he said.
Gulpilil introduced the world to his culture in his breakout
role in Nicolas Roeg’s Walkabout.
But he made his mark in the 1986 blockbuster Crocodile
Dundee as Neville Bell, an indigenous Australian who meets Paul Hogan’s Mick
Dundee on his way to a corrobboree, or meeting.
His character showed off a dry sense of humour, which was
rarely seen in indigenous roles.
The legendary actor and internationally acclaimed dancer,
who never went to school, also starred in Storm Boy, The Tracker, Ten Canoes
and Charlie’s Country.
He was recognised for his services to the arts in the 1987
Queen's Birthday Honours List - being awarded the Member of the Order of
Australia.
A documentary called My Name is Gulpilil about his life was
created following his lung cancer diagnosis - a film about the actor’s journey.
The pioneering actor made his final public appearance at
this year’s Adelaide Festival for the premiere of the film.
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| David Gulpilil pictured with Paul Hogan, Crocodile Dundee, in 1986Credit: Alamy |
But Mr Marshall said the star's life 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," he said.
"I was lucky enough to meet David Gulpilil on a number
of occasions – most recently in March this year at the Premiere of his last
film My Name is Gulpilil, in which he tells his own story, directed by Molly
Reynolds.
"This final film, 50 years after his breakthrough on screen,
saw Gulpilil credited for the first time in his career as a producer —
alongside Reynolds, filmmaker Rolf de Heer and Yolŋu filmmaker Peter Djigirr.
"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."
Jason Di Rosso, who presents The Screen Show at Australia's
ABC Radio National, paid tribute to Gulpilil's "immense magnetism".
He said: "Sad news that one of Australia’s greatest
actors David Gulpilil Ridjimiraril Dalaithngu has died.
"He possessed immense magnetism, skill &
intelligence - in long shot or in close up he commanded the frame. As a
storyteller, he also helped change the narrative of this country."
Australian journalist Peri Strathearn added: "One of
the great lights of Australian cinema has gone out."
Human rights lawyer Kon Karapanagiotidis, who works to
advocates for the rights of indigenous Australians, described Gulpilil as
"one of the greatest our nation has ever seen".
He said: "A giant of cinema. A once in a century
talent. An incredible actor, painter, singer dancer.
"His extraordinary talent forced us to face into our
nations history of genocide and racism."
The family of Gulpilil advised that his name and image may
be used in accordance with his wishes following his death.