David Dalaithngu was 'one of the greatest'

Dalaithngu's acting career spanned 50 years and he appeared in iconic films such as Walkabout, The Last Wave, Crocodile Dundee, The Tracker and Rabbit-Proof Fence before he was diagnosed with the disease in 2017.

Actor Hugh Jackman, who starred alongside Dalaithngu in the Baz Luhrmann movie Australia, led the tributes from the entertainment world in mourning his loss.

"I join all Australians, and the world over, in mourning the loss of David Gulpilil Ridjimiraril Dalaithngu," he posted on Instagram.

"One of the great privileges of my life was to work with David on the movie Australia.

"His contribution to film is immeasurable. From his cheeky laugh, to that mischievous glint in his eye and effortless ease in front of the camera ... His humanity is irreplaceable."

Olympian Cathy Freeman posted on Twitter "Thank you for the inspiration."

Thousands of fans and admirers took to social media platforms to farewell the actor, known as "uncle" to many Indigenous people.

"So very sad to hear the passing of our Uncle and I say our uncle coz to every Aboriginal kid in the 80s, 90's that's how we felt," one posted on Instagram.

His face would literally light up the screen his voice would make you escape from the reality of racism in our lives, he was our Denzil Washington, our Black Panther he was & still is our Hero."

Born at Maningrida in Arnhem Land on July 1, 1953, Dalaithngu grew up among the Yolngu people, far from the white man's world, becoming a skilled tracker, hunter and ceremonial dancer.

He got his big break as a 16-year-old in 1971 when visiting British filmmaker Nicolas Roeg tapped him for the leading role in the movie Walkabout.

Former Senator and publisher Derryn Hinch recalled meeting Dalaithngu in New York after the movie was released.

"I was privileged to show David Gulpilil around New York on his first overseas trip to promote the movie Walkabout 50 years ago. Vale," he tweeted.

South Australian Premier Steven Marshall described him as one of the greatest artists Australia has ever seen.

"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 (AM)," Mr Marshall said in a statement.

"David Dalaithngu was from the Mandjalpingu clan of the Yolngu people, and was raised in the traditional ways in Arnhem land. In his later years, he was a resident of Murray Bridge. He was a brother, son, friend, father, grandfather and husband.

"An actor, dancer, singer and painter, he was also one of the greatest artists Australia has ever seen."

Dalaithngu was recognised in the 1987 Queen's Birthday Honours List and received the Medal of the Order of Australia.

In his final days, Dalaithngu was cared for by his family and friend Mary Hood.

The actor's family has requested he be referred to as David Dalaithngu following his death. Permission has been granted to publish images from his career.