Renowned Indigenous actor, Uncle Jack Charles dies, aged 79

The renowned actor, musician and Aboriginal elder died at a Melbourne hospital after suffering a stroke, his family has confirmed.

Renowned Indigenous actor, musician and Aboriginal elder, Jack Charles has died, aged 79.

Known as Uncle Jack, the Wiradjuri, Boon Warrung, Dja Dja Wurrung, Woiwurrung and Yorta Yorta man appeared in prominent Australian films such as The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith (1978), Bedevil (1993), Blackfellas (1993), and Pan (2015).

In a statement provided to the ABC, his publicist said Uncle Jack died while surrounded by his family and friends.

“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 — as is demonstrated by his numerous awards including this year’s NAIDOC Male Elder of the Year.

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

His family gave permission for his name and image to be used.

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Celebrated Indigenous elder actor Uncle Jack Charles has passed away at the age of 79. Picture: John Feder/ The Australian

The revered actor has been referred to as the grandfather of Indigenous theatre, and co-founded Australia’s first Indigenous theatre group, Nindethana, which means ‘place of corroboree’, or ‘ours’.

He was also named as the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC)’s 2022 Male Elder of the Year. The highly-lauded actor was also the recipient of the 2014 Green Room Lifetime Achievement Award, the Australia Council for the Arts’ Red Ochre Award in 2019, and was named the Victorian Senior Australian of the Year in 2016.

Uncle Jack was also a member of Australia’s Stolen Generation, which saw him grow up at the Salvation Army Boys’ Home at Box Hill, Victoria.

In July 2022, he accused the Stolen Generations Advisory Committee of racism after he was asked to prove his Aboriginality.

The actor was also known for his pursuits in painting, pottery, music and activism. Picture: NCA

The incident occured after the Elder had spoken at the Yoorrook Justice Commission about his experiences as a First Nations person, and had appeared on SBS’ Who Do You Think You Are, where he learnt the name of his Wiradjuri father.

“It’s been proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that I am Aboriginal,” he told ABC Radio Melbourne.

“I am touted as one of the trailblazers on the Aboriginal channels by SBS and NITV up for the National NAIDOC Award on Saturday, and I don’t have to prove I am Aboriginal with the NAIDOC Committee.

“It just strikes me that they can’t differentiate between people that are taking advantage of the system and myself.

“I have been retraumatised … which is very questioning of who I am.”

Uncle Jack Charles in Pan (2015). Picture: Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc

Tributes flow for renowned actor

Since his death, prominent Australians have shared their tributes in honour of the actor.

Australian rapper, actor and comedian, Adam Briggs (self-described as Senator Briggs) described him as a “warm, funny and friendly soul”.

“I met Uncle Jack Charles doing Cleverman. You’d never have met a more warm, funny & friendly soul. Uncle Jack & Uncle Arch gonna be in good company wherever they’re at,” he tweeted.

First Nations playwright and author, Nakkiah Lui also tweeted a celebration of the actor’s life.

“Vale Uncle Jack. It was an honour to know you, work with you, call you my uncle and friend. You are true royalty,” she tweeted.

Greens leader, Adam Bandt also posted a tribute to the late actor: “What a life. What a storyteller. Unforgettable wit and energy and generosity and courage. Vale.”

Vale Uncle Jack Charles. We have lost a legend. I was so proud to stand with him when we delivered the report into spent convictions. His personal story was incredibly powerful and we could not have achieved this change without him. He leaves an enormous legacy. 🖤💛❤️ pic.twitter.com/agh4CzlKyh

— Fiona Patten MP (@FionaPattenMLC) September 13, 2022

So much heartache across Community.

RIP Uncle Jack Charles.

This country has lost a true King.

🖤💛💔 pic.twitter.com/NdWgWJuwGz

— First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria (@firstpeoplesvic) September 13, 2022

I met Uncle Jack Charles doing Cleverman. You’d never have met a more warm, funny & friendly soul. Uncle Jack & Uncle Arch gonna be in good company wherever they’re at. pic.twitter.com/qhBCc5qkgN

— Senator Briggs (@Briggs) September 13, 2022

Devastating news. The most beautiful Uncle Jack: a national treasure & icon.Thank you making our country kinder. For breaking barriers. For representing Aboriginal ppl in a way that made us all proud.Your legacy is one we should all aspire to emulate. Vale https://t.co/ybwlEGEtX6

— Dr Tracy Westerman AM (@TracyWesterman) September 13, 2022

During his life, Uncle Jack was also a board member of the Archie Roach Foundation, in which he counselled and spoke with Indigenous prisoners.

“As an ex-prisoner and self-proclaimed leader in my own right, I have pushed myself to be a leading black light in my community,” he is quoted as saying on the Archie Roach Foundation’s website.

“Having spent many years in Victorian prisons I felt I had an inherent obligation to return to prisons not only to share my journey but also to rekindle the burning embers of many a black fellas dreaming that has been lost through addiction.”