WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this article contains an image of a person who has died. The media has been granted permission to use his images and name, by family. 

One of Australia’s most prolific and revolutionary actors, David Dalaithngu, has passed away, after losing his battle with lung cancer. 

Hailed as a “once-in-a-generation artist”, Dalaithngu was born in Arnhem Land and grew up among the Yolŋgu people, where he became a skilled tracker, hunter and ceremonial dancer. His rollercoaster acting career spanned over 50 years, transforming Australian cinema both locally and in the eyes of the world. 

The actor appeared in iconic films such as Storm Boy and his debut Walkabout, one of the first Indigenous roles to show international audiences a strong, positive image of Aboriginal Australia. He became, as Rabbit Proof Fence director Phillip Noyce says, “arguably the most experienced and accomplished film actor in Australia”.

Nearly five decades later, the world bids him farewell. 

The ABC reports that Dalaithngu was first diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in 2017, and was told he had only months to live. 

Wityana Marika, Dalaithngu’s son by lore and Higher Ground actor from the Rirritjingu clan, said Dalaithngu left an important legacy.

“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,” he said.

The announcement of his passing was shared in a statement by South Australian Premier Steven Marshall.

“An actor, dancer, singer and painter, he was also one of the greatest artists Australia has ever seen,” his statement reads. 

“He was a man who loved his land and his culture, and he was a man who took it to the world,” Marshall wrote. 

Dalaithngu’s early films were a breakthrough for Aboriginal Australia, in many respects. He offered the world his Yolŋgu culture on the big screen depiction unlike any that audiences had ever seen before. 

The ABC notes that “soon after his experience on Walkabout, the Western world exploded into colour in front of him.” Dalaithngu flew to Europe, where he met Queen Elizabeth II and Bruce Lee, he travelled to France and walked the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival, but he will always be remembered as the man who was planted firmly in his roots. 

Wityana Marika told the ABC that the actor’s family in Ramingining and Melbourne would communicate about plans to bring him back to his homeland for the ceremony.

“The ceremony will be held in his homeland (Marwuyu).  Every actor who wants to come the name will call them to his homeland,” he said.

Swan Song, a documentary about his life, narrated by Dalaithngu himself will air on December 27. 

David Dalaithngu is survived by family in Ramingining, Maningrida and Darwin.