WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this story contains images of a person who is deceased.

Tributes are pouring in for “once-in-a-generation” YolÅ‹u actor David Gulpilil Ridjimiraril Dalaithngu, who has passed away at the age of 68 following a battle with lung cancer.

Dalaithngu starred in dozens of films during his career, including  Storm Boy, Rabbit Proof Fence, The Tracker, Ten Canoes,  and  Walkabout,  which he was cast in when he was just 16 years old.

Dalaithngu was born in 1953 in Arnhem Land, and in addition to his extraordinary acting abilities, he was an avid dancer, singer, and painter. He was made a member of the Order of Australia in 1987, in recognition for his services to the arts, and received a NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019.

Dalaithngu was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2017, and according to South Australian Premier Steven Marshall, who announced the actor’s passing on Monday night, was not expected to make it to see his final film,  My Name Is Gulpilil,  on the big screen. “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. “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.”

Fellow actors have paid tribute to Dalaithngu, including Hugh Jackman, who worked with him on Baz Luhrmann’s  Australia,  and Sam Neill.

Jackman wrote on Instagram, “One of the great privileges of my life was to work with David on the movie Australia. His contribution to film is immeasurable. From his cheeky laugh, to that mischievous glint in his eye and effortless ease in front of the camera … His humanity is irreplaceable.”

Sam Neill wrote on Twitter on Tuesday morning, “Mr Charisma. Goodbye. This immensely gifted artist. I admired you from afar.”

Olympic icon Cathy Freeman also took to Twitter to pay tribute, writing, “Thank you for the inspiration”.

The Premier’s office said the Dalaithngu family had advised his name and image may continue to be used following his passing, in line with his wishes.

Image: Don Arnold/WireImage