Crocodile Dundee star David Gulpilil dies aged 68 as fans pay tribute to groundbreaking actor

CROCODILE Dundee star David Gulpilil has died at the age of 68 as fans pay tribute to the groundbreaking actor. The pioneering indigenous Australian actor, who was was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2017, was from the Mandhalpingu clan of the Yolŋu people and was raised in Arnhem land. GettyDavid Gulpilil was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2017[/caption] Kobal Collection - Check Copyright HolderGulpilil introduced the world to his culture in Nicolas Roeg’s Walkabout[/caption] AlamyGulpilil was recognised for his services to the arts in the 1987 Queen’s Birthday Honours List[/caption] His death was announced by South Australian Premier Steven Marshall in a statement on Monday. He said: “It is with deep sadness that I share with the people of South Australia the passing of an iconic, once-in-a-generation artist who shaped the history of Australian film and Aboriginal representation on screen – David Gulpilil Ridjimiraril Dalaithngu.” Gulpilil’s breakout role was in Nicolas Roeg’s Walkabout and he made his mark in the blockbuster Crocodile Dundee. He was recognised for his services to the arts in the 1987 Queen’s Birthday Honours List – being awarded the Member of the Order of Australia. A documentary called My Name is Gulpilil about his life was created following his lung cancer diagnosis – a film about the actor’s journey. Mr Marshall said: “I was lucky enough to meet David Gulpilil on a number of occasions – most recently in March this year at the Premiere of his last film My Name is Gulpilil, in which he tells his own story, directed by Molly Reynolds. Most read in News CROWD GOES WILD Moment music fans storm into O2, smash down scanners & push past security TEEN CHARGE Boy, 14, charged with murder of Ava White, 12, after she was 'stabbed to death' HITTING BACK Charles calls in lawyers over 'royal racist' claims as aides blast allegations GONE TOO SOON Louis Vuitton fashion designer Virgil Abloh dies at 41 after cancer battle ROYAL RIPOSTE Claims Charles was royal who asked about Archie’s skin colour is ‘fiction’ SOME MIGHT SLEIGH Snow traps 60 drinkers including Oasis tribute in pub for THIRD night “This final film, 50 years after his breakthrough on screen, saw Gulpilil credited for the first time in his career as a producer — alongside Reynolds, filmmaker Rolf de Heer and Yolŋu filmmaker Peter Djigirr. “He was a man who loved his land and his culture, and he was a man who took it to the world. “My thoughts are with his family, and his dear friend and carer Mary Hood.” More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at Sun Online. Thesun.co.uk is your go to destination for the best celebrity news, football news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Download our fantastic, new and improved free App for the best ever Sun Online experience. For iPhone click here, for Android click here.  Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun. GettyDavid Gulpilil at the Sydney Film Festival Opening Night Gala in 2016[/caption]