Beloved actor, musician and Indigenous elder Uncle Jack Charles has passed away in Melbourne at the age of 79 after a stroke.
Uncle Jack first got his acting break in the 1978 film The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith and went on to co-found Australia’s first Indigenous theatre group in Melbourne.
In a statement, his publicist reflected on Uncle Jack’s life and career.
“We are so proud of everything he has achieved in his remarkable life — elder, actor, musician, potter, activist, mentor, a household name and voice loved by all — as is demonstrated by his numerous awards including this year’s NAIDOC Male Elder of the Year,” the statement reads.
“He will live on in our hearts and memories and through his numerous screen and stage roles.
“May he be greeted by his Ancestors on his return home.”
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