The actor was known for his roles in films such as Walkabout, Storm Boy and Ten Canoes.
Screen Producers Australia (SPA) is saddened to hear of the passing of David Dalaithngu AM, and pay our respect to one of Australia’s pioneering Indigenous actors.
Dalaithngu was from the Mandhalpuyngu clan of the Yolŋgu people and was raised in Arnhem land.
We acknowledge David’s incredible cinematic career and his enormous contribution to First Nations peoples culture being the at forefront of the Australian story telling.
SPA CEO Matthew Deaner said:
“We pass on our condolences on to the friends and family who lost an incredible actor, singer, painter and dancer. David was a titan of Australian screen and helped bring Indigenous culture to the world, for this we are both grateful and thankful.”
Dalaithngu was a titan for Australian cinema, recognised by South Australian premier, Steven Marshall, as one of Australia’s greatest artists.
Sharing the news of his death with the world, Mr Marshall said:
“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.”
Dalaithngu died four years after he was diagnosed with lung cancer, aged 68.
Vale, David Dalaithngu.
