‘A shining light from the bush’: Yothu Yindi star pays tribute to fellow Yolngu performer David Dalaithngu

Yothu Yindi co-founder Witiyana Marika described the man he called ‘father in Yolngu way’ as an idol, a role model and a ‘shining light from the bush’.

TRIBUTES continue to pour in from far and wide for legendary Territory actor David Dalaithngu after the Mandhalpuyngu man and Hollywood star passed away aged 68.

Fellow Arnhem Land performer and Yothu Yindi co-founder, Witiyana Marika, described the man he called “father in Yolngu way” as an idol, a role model and a “shining light from the bush”.

“When he appeared in the movies we all loved him because he had made it,” he said.

“We were very, very proud of him that he made it there.

“The only Yolngu person who was there.”

The acclaimed actor – who was known in life by a different name – passed away on Monday after losing a four-year battle with lung cancer.

As a teenager he was first cast in a major role in the film Walkabout, which was released in 1971.

Dalaithngu was nominated for a Best Actor award for his next major lead role in 1976’s Storm Boy, in which he played Fingerbone Bill, an Aboriginal man estranged from his tribe, and went on to feature in Peter Weir’s The Last Wave and the American movie The Right Stuff in 1983.

His most successful film at the box office arrived in 1986 when he was cast in Crocodile Dundee, playing Mick Dundee’s friend Neville Bell alongside Paul Hogan.

Marika said Dalaithngu was an inspiration for the next generation of aspiring Yolngu actors, including in motivating his own turn in last year’s critically acclaimed High Ground.

“I thought ‘I want to be like him one day’,” he said.

“All the young people that are now appearing in the movies are looking up on him.”

Long time Darwin resident and Dalaithngu’s old friend and former housemate, Vaughan Williams, remembered his mate as a man who “had a red hot go at life and was completely comfortable in his skin”.

“I spoke to David the morning he died about live crabs he wanted, he was looking forward to those,” he said.

David Dalaithngu arrives ahead of the Sydney Film Festival Opening Night Gala in 2016.

“David lived life to the full and absolutely gave everything he had. He was always very confident and considered himself a dancer before an actor.”

Mr Williams, who once shared a house with Dalaithngu in Woods St, reminisced about the times he travelled with the actor for film or other work, including an art exhibition featuring his one-time co-star Dennis Hopper.

“David was friends with Dennis from their days shooting Mad Dog Morgan in the early ‘70s and Dennis was speaking from America via video,” he said.

“The Victorian Premier was there, a bunch of dignitaries were there and the first thing Hopper said was ‘All I want to say is a big hello to my great mate David’.

“He got the first mention that day. It showed what Hopper thought of him.”

Fellow Aussie A-lister Hugh Jackman, who co-starred with Dalaithngu in the 2008 blockbuster Australia, described the experience as “one of the great privileges of my life”.

“His contribution to film is immeasurable,” he said on Twitter.

“From his cheeky laugh, to that mischievous glint in his eye and effortless ease in front of the camera.

“His humanity is irreplaceable.”

The film’s director, Baz Luhrmann, described Dalaithngu as “an irreplaceable person and talent”.

“You made a vast contribution not only to Australian cinema, but global cinema, allowing us into your world, spirit and storytelling,” he tweeted.

“There has never been anyone like you. There will never be anyone like you.”

Olympic hero Cathy Freeman said simply: “Thank you for the inspiration, David Gulpilil.”

“Rest In Peace.”

Chief Minister, Michael Gunner said a state funeral for the famous Territorian was not off the table but no decision had been made yet.

“David Dalaithngu was a legendary Territorian who commanded a presence on the screen and in person that will never be replicated nor forgotten.

“My thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time, and I hope they can find some comfort in knowing he leaves behind a profound legacy of life long achievement.

“We are reaching out respectfully to his family to ensure he is honoured in a way that recognises the enormous contributions he made.”

The federal Indigeous Australians Minister Ken Wyatt also paid a ­heartfelt tribute to Indigenous screen legend and actor.

“Personally, I’ve loved every one of his films and was also lucky enough to meet him a few times,” Mr Wyatt said.

“I offer my deepest condolences to his family.”