David Argue dead at 65: Australia mourns veteran actor and BMX Bandits star who worked with Nicole Kidman
The Melbourne-born star passed away following a battle with cancer.
One of Australia's most recognisable character actors, David played the hapless criminal Whitey in the 1983 film BMX Bandits alongside Nicole Kidman.
Along with Moustache and The Boss, Whitey launches a plot to nab $1.5million in a payroll heist, kicking off the action in the Aussie blockbuster.
Following his studies at NIDA, Argue made his on-screen debut in 1977 as Sunny Martin in the Australian soap opera, The Restless Years.
He also had a career-defining role in the classic Australian WWI film Gallipoli, playing the laconic Snowy alongside stars Mel Gibson and Mark Lee.
Following his stint playing Nicole's antagonist, David took on many big screen roles including in 1985's The Coca Cola Kid and the 1993 spoof Hercules Returns.
His other acting credits include Cop Shop, The Sullivans, Special Squad, Winners, Cluedo, Stark, Newlyweds, Halfway Across the Galaxy and Turn Left, Correlli, and Water Rats.
Last year, Argue announced through a GoFundMe campaign that due to his health issues, including cancer, walking had become increasingly difficult for him.
He requested assistance to purchase a mobility scooter, describing himself as an, 'Icon, Legend Enemy to himself and Burden to his friends!'
The Victorian Actors Benevolent Trust was among those to pay tribute to Argue.
'David was a remarkably talented and much-loved actor,' their statement read.
'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.
Several friends and fans also took to social media to pay tribute and share their fond memories of the star.
'David Argue was without a doubt one of the most unique, engaging, and skilled actors Australia ever produced,' author Max Davine wrote.
'A highlight of my writing career was having him say my words for a pilot we never filmed but rehearsed. Well... Improvise around my words anyway. Most of the time what he said off the cuff was an improvement. It was an honour. Farewell.'
'I am deeply saddened at the passing of my friend David Argue, a brilliant comic and actor and a significant part of the Australian Cinema,' another fan wrote.
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