Australian actor David Argue, known for ‘Gallipoli' and ‘BMX Bandits', dies from cancer
The Melbourne-born thespian – who starred alongside fellow Aussie Nicole Kidman in her second movie credit, the 1983 film BMX Bandits – was best known for playing 'Snowy' in the 1981 war drama Gallipoli, which was his first feature film role.
Argue was a NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Art) student, though deferred his final year of study to take up the role of Sammy Martin in the '70s soap The Restless Years, in which he appeared in 100 episodes.
His string of film credits also included Razorback, Going Down, Melvin Son of Alvin, Backlash, Angel Baby, Road Train and Hercules Returns, with an equally prolific resume in television, starring in Cop Shop, The Sullivans, Cluedo and Water Rats.
Argue also performed prominently on stage from the '70s until the late '90s, including in Hair – The Tribal Love Rock Musical, The Country Wife, Sleeping Beauty on Ice and The Mouth Show.
He quietly created a GoFundMe page in January to assist with his health issues, hoping to raise funds to purchase a mobility scooter.
'Due to some health issues including cancer my circulation is poor my legs are in constant pain with cramping and walking has become increasingly difficult,' Argue wrote.
'Life is not getting any simpler either! I am requesting assistance to buy myself a mobility scooter. A scooter will be incredibly helpful for my day to day life, allow me to easily visit my family more often and access public transport. I hope this note finds you well.
'Sincerely David Argue (Icon, Legend, Enemy to himself and Burden to his friends!)'
Australian film distribution company Umbrella Entertainment paid tribute to Argue on its Instagram account, describing him as a 'comedic genius.'
'David was an actor who forced the audience to react. His presence on screen was never stale, he creatively sparred with his co-stars in evocative ways that made them rise to the occasion, meeting his mad-hatter charisma head-on,' the statement read.
'Umbrella have been honoured to celebrate David, restoring and releasing several of his films from Razorback to Hercules Returns, BMX Bandits, Midnite Spares, and more.'
Meanwhile, The Victorian Actors Benevolent Trust released a statement saying, 'David was a remarkably talented and much-loved actor.'
It continued, '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.'
Water Rats, while his last movie was 2021's Astro Loco.
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