The following story uses Uncle Jack Charles’ name and image with permission of the family.
The Boon Wurrang, Dja Dja Wurrung, Woiwurrung and Yorta Yorta Senior elder, passed away peacefully “surrounded by his family and loved ones”, his family said.
The 79-year-old died at the Royal Melbourne Hospital я╗┐after a stroke.
я╗┐”Before he passed, his family were able to send him off on Country during a smoking ceremony at the Royal Melbourne Hospital”, a statement from his publicist said.
“We are so proud of everything he achieved я╗┐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 я╗┐be greeted by his Ancestors on his return home.”
Uncle Jack was a survivor of the Stolen Generation and was jailed many times in his early life.
In the 1970s he started his acting career and was involved in establishing Indigenous theatre in Australia.
я╗┐He was passionate about mentoring young Indigenous men and women caught up in the prison system.я╗┐
Senator Linda Burney said Uncle Jack was a “ground-breaking storyteller and activist who brought people in with his warmth and grace, never shying away from his past and who he was”.
я╗┐”Uncle Jack offered a window for many Australians to see the enduring pain of survivors of the Stolen Generators and inspired people with his strength of character and resilience,” she said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to Uncle Jack’s life and contribution to Australia.
Albanese said despite Uncle Jack being a victim of the Stolen Generation he became a beacon of hope and a “promoter of reconciliation and bringing the country together”.
“He endured cruelty, he endured pain, but he uplifted our nation with his heart and his genius, creativity and passion,” Albanese said.
“I found him incredibly warm and engaging, very funny, a great character and a great loss for Australia.”я╗┐
Arts Minister Tony Burke said Uncle Jack was “a trailblazer, a truth-teller and an incredible artist”.
“A Boon Wurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung, Woiwurrung and Yorta Yorta man тАУ Jack Charles was a beloved and respected elder, gifted actor, musician and potter,” Burke said.
“His familiar face, remarkable voice and dry sense of humour have been a mainstay for decades now.”
Australia’s leading and longest-running Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Theatre ILBIJERRI said the arts community will sorely miss Uncle Jack’s light and laughter.
Reconciliation Australia я╗┐said Uncle Jack used his creative platforms as an author, artist and performer to tell “painful and personal truths” about government policies on Indigenous communities.
“Uncle Jack was the first Aboriginal Elder to tell these stories to the Yoorrook Justice Commission,” the body said.
Fellow creatives have also celebrated the life of Uncle Jack.
“The greatest, kindest, most wonderfully talented man. And friend. Bow Down,” actor and writer Meyne Wyatt said.я╗┐
