David Gulpilil was an Australian actor known for his roles in Walkabout, Rabbit-Proof Fence, and Storm Boy. He was celebrated as a pioneering Indigenous figure in Australian cinema, representing his culture and heritage on both national and international stages.
Personal and Family Life
David Gulpilil was born David Gulpilil Ridjimiraril Dalaithngu on July 1, 1953, in Maningrida, Arnhem Land, Australia. He was married twice, first to Robyn Djunginy from 1989 to 2003, and later to Miriam Ashley from 2004 until his death in 2021. David had four children: Jida, Jamie, Makia, and Phoebe. He grew up speaking the Yolngu languages and did not learn English until he was discovered by filmmakers.
Career
Gulpilil began his acting career in 1971 with the film Walkabout, which marked a significant change in the portrayal of Indigenous Australians in cinema. He became famous for his natural talent and charisma, appearing in various films and television shows over the years, including Crocodile Dundee and The Tracker. He also contributed to dance and music within his community and won several prestigious awards for his performances.
Death and Legacy
David Gulpilil passed away on November 29, 2021, due to lung cancer. His death was not only a loss to his family and friends but also to the film industry and the Indigenous community he represented. He requested to be commemorated by his traditional surname, Dalaithngu, following Indigenous customs. Gulpilil left behind a remarkable legacy, paving the way for Indigenous actors in Australian cinema and shedding light on First Nations cultures.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | 2008-11-18 | King George |
| Rabbit-Proof Fence | 2002-02-04 | Moodoo |
| Crocodile Dundee | 1986-09-26 | Neville Bell |
| The Tracker | 2002-08-08 | The Tracker |
| Walkabout | 1971-07-01 | Black Boy |
| Ten Canoes | 2006-06-29 | The Storyteller |
| Storm Boy | 1977-07-28 | Fingerbone |
| Mad Dog Morgan | 1976-07-09 | Billy |
| The Last Wave | 1977-12-15 | Chris Lee |
| Serenades | 2001-05-31 | Rainman |
| Following the Rabbit-Proof Fence | 2003-04-15 | Himself |
| Charlie’s Country | 2013-10-12 | Charlie |
| Dark Age | 1987-05-21 | Adjaral |
| Another Country | 2015-07-29 | Self / Narrator |
| 3 Dances Gulpilil | 1978-06-06 | Dancer |
| Bis ans Ende der Welt | 1991-09-12 | David |
| Crocodile Dreaming | 2006-01-01 | Burrimmilla |
| Satellite Boy | 2012-09-08 | Jagamarra |
| Gulpilil: One Red Blood | 2002-04-05 | Himself |
| Goldstone | 2016-07-07 | Jimmy |
| MESSiAH | 2016-06-01 | |
| The Right Stuff | 1983-10-20 | Aborigine |
| Cargo | 2017-10-06 | Daku |
| My Name Is Gulpilil | 2021-05-27 | Self |
| Mimi | 2002-11-01 | Granddad |
| Walkabout to Hollywood | 1980-02-11 | Self |
| To Shoot a Mad Dog | 1976-01-01 | Self |
| Walya Ngamardiki: The Land My Mother | 1978-01-01 | Self |
| The Proposition | 2005-10-06 | Jacko |
| Showing Melbourne to Maningrida | 1973-01-01 | David Gulpilil |
| The Rainbow Serpent | 1975-07-13 | |
| Dead Heart | 1996-09-08 | Second Man in Desert |
| The Leftovers | 2014-06-29 | Christopher Sunday |
| The Man from Snowy River | 1994-09-23 | Manulpuy |
| Faraway Downs | 2023-11-26 | King George |