David Gulpilil | |
|---|---|
 Gulpilil in 2006 | |
| Born | Gulpilil Ridjimiraril Dalaithngu 1 July 1953 Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia |
| Died | 29 November 2021 (aged 68) Murray Bridge, South Australia, Australia |
| Years active | 1971–2019 |
| Spouses |
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| Children | 7 |
| Awards | Best Actor in a Leading Role 2002 The Tracker |
David Dhalatnghu Gulpilil AM (1 July 1953 – 29 November 2021) was an Australian actor and dancer. He was known for his roles in the films Walkabout (1971), Storm Boy (1976), The Last Wave (1977), Crocodile Dundee (1986), Rabbit-Proof Fence and The Tracker (both 2002), and Australia (2008).
An Indigenous Australian and Yolŋu person, he was raised in a traditional lifestyle in Arnhem Land. A skilled dancer, he was noticed by British filmmaker Nicolas Roeg, who cast him in his first feature film role in Walkabout (1971). He also made several appearances on stage.
Recognised as one of Australia's greatest actors and a trailblazer for Indigenous Australians in film, he was honoured with numerous awards and honours, including a lifetime achievement award at the 2019 NAIDOC Awards. After his death in November 2021, he was posthumously referred to as David Dalaithngu for a short period at his family's request. This was to conform to Indigenous practices that avoid naming the dead.