Aussie Film Legend David Argue Passes Away at 65
So, some very sad news this week—David Argue, a legendary figure in Australian film and television, has passed away at the age of 65 after a battle with cancer.
For anyone who grew up watching classic Aussie cinema, David Argue was a familiar face. He was one of those rare talents who could totally transform into any role he took on. Born in Melbourne, he studied acting at NIDA, which is kind of like Australia’s version of Juilliard. Interestingly, he actually left before finishing his final year because he landed a major TV gig—playing Sammy Martin in The Restless Years on Network 10. He was in it for a whopping 100 episodes.
But his breakout film role came when he was cast as Snowy in Gallipoli —the 1981 classic directed by Peter Weir. That role really put him on the map. He actually got the part after an improvised audition while he was still doing stand-up comedy. He once described the filming of Gallipoli as “real Hollywood,” especially the intense beach landing scenes. It was a defining moment in Aussie cinema, and he was right there in the thick of it.
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Then came BMX Bandits in 1983, where he played Whitey, the villain, opposite a then-teenage Nicole Kidman. It became a cult favorite, and David’s performance was so memorable that it even earned him an AACTA nomination. Another standout role was in Razorback , where he played a rugged kangaroo shooter in this wild, outback horror flick.
He didn’t just stick to one type of role either. In Going Down , he played both a drag queen and a hopeless romantic—often on roller skates, no less. Over the years, he took on all kinds of characters in films like Backlash , Blood Oath , Angel Baby , and Pandemonium .
In later years, as his health began to decline, he spoke openly about his struggles—including mobility issues caused by cancer. He even started a GoFundMe to help raise funds for a mobility scooter. Through it all, he never lost his sense of humor or his commitment to the arts. The Victorian Actors Benevolent Trust paid tribute to him recently, saying he had the rare ability to make every character unique and believable.
They also mentioned that despite his own challenges, he was always eager to support others—especially through their charity work. In fact, he even gave a heartfelt and funny speech at one of their fundraisers not too long ago.
So yeah, we’ve lost a real one. A formidable actor, a fearless performer, and someone who helped shape the golden age of Aussie film. Vale, David Argue—you’ll be missed.
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