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'Shining light': Tributes pour in for acclaimed NT actor
Words: Jason Walls and Camden SmithProducer: Andrew Piva
Tributes have flowed from far and wide for legendary Territory actor David Gulpilil after the Mandhalpuyngu man and Hollywood star died aged 68.
The acclaimed performer, who appeared in more than 30 films, passed away after a four-year battle with lung cancer.
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. We were very, very proud of him that he made it there. The only Yolngu person who was there.
WITIYANA MARIKA
“”
Mr Gulpilil was a teenager when he was first cast in a major role in the film Walkabout, which was released in 1971.
He 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.
Mr Gulpilil 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.
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."
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.
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS
“”
Aussie A-lister Hugh Jackman, who co-starred with Mr Gulpilil in the 2008 movie Australia, described the experience as “one of the great privileges of my life”.
His contribution to film is immeasurable. From his cheeky laugh, to that mischievous glint in his eye and effortless ease in front of the camera. His humanity is irreplaceable.
HUGH JACKMAN
“”
																																								

Original URL: https://www.ntnews.com.au/web-stories/free/nt-news/tributes-pour-in-after-passing-of-legendary-performer-david-gulpilil