Celebrated actor and Victorian Aboriginal elder dies, aged 79

The Prime Minister is among those paying tribute to a celebrated Indigenous icon and actor, who has died in hospital aged 79.

Anthony Albanese says Uncle Jack Charles lifted up the nation with “his heart and his genius, creativity and passion” despite having endured cruelty and pain.

The Prime Minister paid tribute to the celebrated actor and revered Victorian Aboriginal elder, who died on Tuesday morning aged 79.

Charles, a Boon Wurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung, Woiwurrung and Yorta Yorta senior elder, died at the Royal Melbourne Hospital surrounded by friends and loved ones after suffering a stroke.

Mr Albanese said he wanted to acknowledge the Stolen Generation survivor who was sent to a mission in Shepparton before being moved to Box Hill Boys’ Home where he was a victim of abuse in his early life.

Celebrated actor Uncle Jack Charles has died aged 79 after suffering a stroke. Picture: AAP Image / Bianca De Marchi

Mr Albanese noted Charles had experienced a cycle of incarceration before he embarked on his trailblazing career in the arts.

This included co-founding Australia’s first Indigenous theatre group, Nindethana, in 1972.

“His film career, (which) will be familiar to so many Australians, began in 1978 with The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith, which I studied for my HSC and many Australians are familiar with,” Mr Albanese told reporters at Parliament House.

“He was the first Australian Indigenous elder to speak at the Justice Commission and appeared on ABC’s Q&A with me.”

Charles spoke to the Victorian Truth-telling “Yoorrook” Justice Commission in April.

Charles told the commission about his experiences of homelessness, incarceration and drug addiction after being taken from his mother as a baby and placed in the boys’ home where he was abused.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to Charles during a press conference at Parliament House on Tuesday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

The commission will establish an official record of Indigenous experiences since colonisation and help inform Victoria’s treaty with Indigenous people in the state.

First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria co-chair Marcus Stewart said he would remember Charles and the “amazing life” he lived despite the hardships he faced.

“They couldn’t keep him down,” said Mr Stuart, a Nira illim bulluk man of the Taungurung Nation.

“He persisted against all the odds, overcoming every challenge thrown his way, all the while radiating joy, passion and love; such energy, such talent, such an icon for our community.

“The legacy of a legend will never be forgotten. Rest in power.”

Vale Jack Charles. Before he passed away, his family were able to send him off on Country during a smoking ceremony at the Royal Melbourne hospital. Uncle Jack died at the RMH after suffering from a stroke. His family have given permission for his name and image #valepic.twitter.com/NkTnJcu6lp

— Patricia Karvelas (@PatsKarvelas) September 12, 2022

Charles’ family said in a statement provided to the ABC they were heartbroken to be announcing his death, after sending him off on country with a smoking ceremony at the hospital.

“We are so proud of everything he has achieved in his remarkable life – elder, actor, musician, potter, activist, mentor, a household name and voice loved by all,” they said.

“He will live on in our hearts and memories and through his numerous screen and stage roles.

“May he be greeted by his ancestors on his return home.”

Charles used his creative platforms to speak about his life experiences and to raise awareness of the effect of successive government policies on Indigenous people in Australia.

He also worked with the late Archie Roach to support and mentor Indigenous people in prison.