The groundbreaking Indigenous actor David Dalaithngu AM has died at the age of 68.
South Australian Premier Steven Marshall shared the news of the star’s passing in a statement. “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 Dalaithngu AM,” the statement read. “An actor, dancer, singer and painter, he was also one of the greatest artists Australia has ever seen.”
The actor had recently been diagnosed with stage four lung cancer, and was informed he only had months to live. “I was lucky enough to meet David Dalaithngu on a number of occasions – most recently in March this year at the premiere of a documentary about his life — in which he tells his own story, directed by Molly Reynolds,” Marshall’s statement continued.
“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 Yolŋgu 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.”
Dalaithngu was from the Mandhalpuyngu clan of the Yolŋgu people and was raised in Arnhem land. Wityana Marika, Dalaithngu’s son by lore and Higher Ground actor from the Rirritjingu clan, said the actor left a vital legacy.
“We are grieving the loss of our famous Yolŋgu man who started a great journey on his own. That name he carried, speaks for itself. That name he carried he was born powerful,” he said. “He came from the bush and became our biggest and brightest star for all Yolŋgu people and all races. I thank him, love him, rest in peace my father.”
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Marika explained that plans will be made to return Dalaithngu to his homeland. “The ceremony will be held in his homeland (Marwuyu). Every actor who wants to come the name will call them to his homeland,” he revealed. “All the clan is going to come around and celebrate the connection, celebrate the spirituality and celebrate him.”
Dalaithngu leaves behind one of the best legacies in Australian film. He starred in Walkabout back in 1971, becoming one of the first Aboriginal characters portrayed in cinema. In 1987, he was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia.
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Watch a clip of David Dalaithngu in Walkabout:
