David Gulpilil: Aboriginal Australian Actor and Dancer of Walkabout and

David Gulpilil was an Aboriginal Australian actor, dancer and storyteller, one of the most celebrated Indigenous performers in the world. Born in Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory around 1953, he grew up in a traditional way of life before his first film role brought him international attention.

Gulpilil made his film debut in Walkabout (1971), directed by Nicolas Roeg. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 1987 and won the AACTA Award for Best Actor for The Tracker in 2002. In 2014 he won the Best Actor prize in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes for Charlie's Country.

Gulpilil had seven children, including the musician and actor Jida Gulpilil. He taught Bob Marley to play the didgeridoo, and he did not see a European Australian until he was about eight years old. He was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 2017 and died in Murray Bridge, South Australia, on November 29, 2021, at age 68. Remembered as a pioneer who brought Aboriginal culture to a global audience, his legacy is immense.

Achievements: Made his film debut in Walkabout (1971), appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (1987), won the AACTA Award for The Tracker (2002), won Best Actor at Cannes' Un Certain Regard for Charlie's Country (2014).

Birth: July 1, 1953 (recorded date) - Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia.

Profession: Actor, dancer and storyteller.

Interesting Facts: His birth date was recorded by missionaries based on guesswork. He also worked as a painter and author.