Australian screen legend Uncle Jack Charles passes away aged 79

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Boon Wurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung, Woiwurrung and Yorta Yorta man Uncle Jack Charles has passed away aged 79. The actor, author, and Indigenous elder had spent more than five decades working across stage, film, and television. Earlier this year, Charles was awarded the NAIDOC male Elder of the year award.

In a statement, his publicist said that he passed away Tuesday morning at the Royal Melbourne Hospital after a stroke.

"Before he passed away, his family were able to send him off on Country during a smoking ceremony at the Royal Melbourne Hospital," the statement said.

"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.

"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."

At four months old, Charles was taken from his Bunurong mother as a part of the Stolen Generation. He was taken to a city mission in Brunswick, then moved to Box Hill Boys’ Home for 12 years.

He didn’t reconnect with his mother until he was 18, and never got the chance to reconnect with his father. 

Charles began an acting career in 1970, and in 1971, he co-founded Australia's first Indigenous theatre group, Nindethana ('place for a corroboree'), with Bob Maza.

His credits include the ABC's Cleverman, The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith, Blackfellas, Mystery Road, and Pan.

His memoir – written by Namila Benson – Jack Charles: Born-Again Blakfella, was shortlisted by the Australian Book Industry Awards for the 2020 Biography Book of the Year.