David Gulpilil Biography: His Life and Death

David Gulpilil Ridjimiraril Dalaithngu AM was an Aboriginal Australian actor and dancer, known for the films Walkabout, Storm Boy and Ten Canoes. He was a Yolngu man who was raised in a traditional lifestyle in Arnhem Land in northern Australia, and was a skilled dancer as a young man when British director Nicolas Roeg recognised his talent.
In 1969, Gulpilil's skill as a tribal dancer caught the attention of British filmmaker Nicolas Roeg, who had come to Maningrida scouting locations for a forthcoming film. Roeg promptly cast the sixteen-year-old unknown to play a principal role in his internationally acclaimed motion picture Walkabout, released in 1971. Gulpilil's on-screen charisma, combined with his acting and dancing skills, was such that he became an instant national and international celebrity. He travelled to distant lands, mingled with famous people, and was presented to heads of state. During these travels to promote the film, he met and was impressed with John Lennon, Bob Marley, Muhammad Ali, and Bruce Lee.
After his high-profile performance in Walkabout, Gulpilil went on to appear in many more films and television productions. He played a lead role in the commercially successful and critically acclaimed Storm Boy . He "dominated" the film The Last Wave , with his performance as tribal Aboriginal man Chris Lee. He also had a major role in Baz Luhrmann's Australia .
Gulpilil was a major creative influence throughout his life in both dance and film. He initiated and narrated the film Ten Canoes which won a Special Jury Prize at the 2006 Cannes Festival. The prize-winning, low-budget film, based on 1,000-year-old traditional story of misplaced love and revenge, features non-professional Indigenous actors speaking their local language. Gulpilil collaborated with the director, Rolf de Heer, urging him to make the film, and although he ultimately withdrew from a central role in the project for "complex reasons," Gulpilil also provided the voice of the storyteller for the film. De Heer had directed Gulpilil in another film, The Tracker .
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[@marlenemcgovern1045]

David will be missed greatly. RIP Gentleman ❤

[@ShalomEntirety1]

R.I.P Man of this Australian land.🔥💌✊💜

[@0volts157]

Superbly presented. Thank you so much.

[@marlenesullivan3113]

VERY NICE

[@jalbu8330]

An Australian icon and brilliant actor, one of a kind. Rest in peace 🙏🏾

[@marlenesullivan3113]

I AGREE, DAVID ARCHIE ROACH & UNCLE JACK ARE ALL TO BE ADMIRED... LEGENDS.

[@danmatheson159]

Good on David, you will surely be missed mate,I truly loved watching your movies,may you rest in peace in the great Arnhem land up above.

[@marlenesullivan3113]

THE ANGELS ARE LUCKY TO HAVE DAVID

[@edwardpootchemunka2061]

Rest in Peace Uncle David Gulpilil🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@salvatorecangialosi3264]

Rlp

[@kikarboota16]

Ali stands for AboI Al Jimy Smith and operation manager Jimmy Handrix M&S Maiden 477 road donkey Ringwood Victoria Australia Witnessed by Simon The Generous King

[@marlenesullivan3113]

🚶‍♂️NICEST MAN EVER THAT WALKED
ON THIS LAND..I CAN SEE YOU ARCHIE & UNCLE JACK AROUND A CAMPFIRE🚶‍♂️🚶‍♂️🚶‍♂️🤍

[@fotiosskouzis284]

Rip David will be missed

[@marlenesullivan3113]

I LOVED HIS SMILE & CHEEKYNESS