David Argue dead: WWI film legend dies after cancer battle as tributes flood in
The star broke through with a role in World War I drama Gallipoli in 1981
Acclaimed actor David Argue, who found fame in the World War I drama Gallipoli appearing with Mel Gibson has died at the age of 65 following a battle with cancer. After finding TV fame in the late 70s in The Restless Years the star had been workign as a stand up comedian when he applied for a role in Gallipoli, winning the part of the young digger Snowy after an improvised audition for director Peter Weir. It kickstarted his over four decade movie career. Just two years later he starred opposite a teenage Nicole Kidman playing the villain in BMX Bandits. He had been unwell for some time and last year he revealed in a GoFundMe campaign that walking had become increasingly difficult due to his health issues. Requesting aid to purchase a mobility scooter he described himself as “Icon, Legend Enemy to himself and Burden to his friends!”
The Victorian Actors Benevolent Trust issued a touching statement as the news broke. “David was a remarkably talented and much-loved actor. He had the rare gift of making any character he played utterly unique and totally believable. In recent years, as David’s health declined, the VABT was able to provide much needed assistance and emotional support. In return, David had no hesitation in championing our work, most recently with a deeply personal and humorous reflection at our Trivia Fundraiser. We have lost a formidable talent and a dear friend. Vale David RIP.”
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Tributes flooded in for the star as the news broke as people shared their memories and condolences.
"I can't believe this, it's been an awful month...I just got a message informing me that well know Australian actor, fellow Debonair and old friend David Argue passed away this morning...I'm shocked. My Sincere condolences go out to Michelle and his family and friends...RIP David," one penned.
"I'm so gutted and sad.. David Argue has passed..Brilliant Actor and everything else.. We worked on Hair together and just clicked.. I'll miss your irreverent sense of humour DA..you made me laugh till I cried ... Never forgotten Love Cami," another wrote.
"David was a one off. A void creates with his passing. A definite and wild thumb print. Impossible to forget. Such terrible, sad awful news. Vale David," a third penned.
"Very very sad. RIP David...we all know David had not been well for a long time, but it’s always devastating and heartbreaking when we lose a loved one . God Bless you David and Thank you for all your talent and entertainment that you have given the acting industry for so many years," a fourth shared.
A fifth chimed in: "He was wonderful as Snowy in Gallipoli with Mel Gibson & Robert Grubb." Meanwhile a sixth simply added: "RIP David!!! You sure made an impact….safe journey."
Alongside his breakthrough movie his extensive film credits included Going Down, Melvin Son of Alvin, Backlash, Blood Oath, The Coca-Cola Kid, Angel Baby, Pandemonium, Raw Silk, Road Train, Hercules Returns and Astro Loco.
On TV he boasted credits including Cop Shop, The Sullivans, Special Squad, Winners, Cluedo, Stark, Newlyweds, Halfway Across the Galaxy and Turn Left, Correlli and Water Rats.
