Family confirms Port Pirie-born actor Lillian Crombie has died, aged 66

A Port Pirie-born actor, known for her landmark roles in TV and film, has died aged 66.

Actor Lillian Crombie has died, aged 66.

Port Pirie-born actor Lillian Crombie is being mourned across the arts world and Indigenous community after she died, aged 66.

Crombie was best known for her roles in landmark Australian screen productions like Baz Luhrmann’s film Australia, as well as the TV series The Secret Life of Us and Mystery Road.

The Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara woman also appeared on stage with some of the country’s most prestigious theatre groups, including the State Theatre Company of SA and Sydney Theatre Company.

She was a member of the Stolen Generations and separated from her birth family at a young age.

Lillian Crombie (left) with Ursula Yovich in Windmill Theatre Company’s 2004 production "RiverlanD" at the Adelaide Festival Centre. Picture: Ben Searcy

Lillian Crombie (centre) with Neil Armfield and Rachel Healy at the Equity Lifetime Achievement Award at Dunstan Playhouse. Picture: Supplied

Crombie’s death was announced on Tuesday by daughter Elaine Crombie, who said her mother lived “a very full, exciting life”.

“Lily of the Valley danced around the world, acted on stages around the world, graced the big screen, the small screen and has definitely left an imprint in our lives,” Elaine Crombie wrote on Facebook.

Tributes flowed soon afterwards from across the South Australian community, including prominent Indigenous actor Natasha Wanganeen.

“Thank you for all you’ve done for our people. You’re an inspiration and you always will be to anyone who knew and loved you,” Ms Wanganeen wrote on social media.

The South Australian Film Corporation said it met the news with “deep sadness” and sent condolences to loved ones.

In 2019, Crombie received a lifetime achievement award from the Equity Foundation for contributions to the arts.

She spent much of the past eight years assisting the Indigenous community with family-related travel through the Lillian Crombie Foundation.