Trailblazing Indigenous actor and dancer who was awarded an Order of Australia dies aged 90

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An outstanding Indigenous performer, known for his acting and dancing skills, who received the Order of Australia in 2015, passed away in Melbourne recently.

The artistic community is deeply saddened by the passing of Noel Tovey AM, an esteemed figure who garnered numerous awards in dance, acting, direction, choreography, and storytelling.

In simpler terms, Noel, who sadly left us this month at the age of 90, was a trailblazer. He was the initial Aboriginal Australian man to become a ballet dancer and garnered worldwide acclaim for his exceptional talent in the realm of performing arts.

Hailing from Melbourne, born on December 25th, 1934, Noel faced challenging circumstances in his early life. However, his unwavering determination and dedication allowed him to overcome obstacles and achieve global acclaim despite the odds.

Noel earned multiple awards and global acclaim over a career spanning more than seven decades.

This encompassed being acknowledged for skills in dance, acting, directing, choreography, guidance, writing, and narrative-weaving.

In the late 1950s, he gained widespread recognition for his performances on stage and dance routines. He graced numerous prestigious shows both in Australia and London, featuring prominently in productions like William Shakespeare’s Henry VI, Part II.

This gifted dancer graced both the groundbreaking 1959 Channel Seven series Beauty and the Beast, sharing screen time with the late Paul Karo, as well as the hit 1963 TV film The Hot Potato Boys, alongside actor Peter Aanensen.

His accomplishments paved the way for Indigenous Australians in the field of ballet and broader performing arts, creating opportunities for those coming after him.

In 2015, he received the Order of Australia Medal as a mark of appreciation for his exceptional work in the arts.

In his career, Noel worked alongside well-known personalities like Vanessa Redgrave, Boy George, and Damian Hirst, and his projects spanned across countries including Australia, the UK, and the USA.

Apart from excelling in the arts, he was an ardent supporter and champion of the rights for Indigenous Peoples (First Nations) and the LGBTQ+ community.

He was instrumental during crucial cultural events such as the Indigenous welcome event held during the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

During that period, he orchestrated an extraordinary feat by directing a performance of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Sydney, with a cast comprised entirely of Aboriginal actors.

Heartbroken fans took to social media to share their memories of Noel.

‘A tribute to human courage and tenacity against insurmountable challenges. Farewell, dearest Noel.’

‘What a life! Vale,’ a second added. 

‘Rest in power, Uncle Noel – travel safe to the Dreamtime,’ a third person chipped in. 

Regardless of the health issues he’s faced lately, Noel has stayed dedicated to guiding budding Indigenous artists.

Later on, he nurtured fresh abilities by means of programs like a scholarship set up under his patronage.

In his later years, he was frequently seen giving political speeches at rallies across Australia. 

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2025-08-12 05:18