Star of The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith actor Tom E Lewis dies age 59
Updated
Well-known Northern Territory Indigenous actor and musician Tom E Lewis has died aged 59.
Lewis died suddenly at his home in the Top End town of Katherine overnight, his agent confirmed.
The circumstances of Lewis' death have not been released.
The Territory actor was best known for his title role in the 1978 film The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith, and had since been involved in 20 films and more than 20 theatre productions.
He most recently appeared in the film Goldstone in 2016.
Lewis was born and raised in Ngukurr, a remote community in south eastern Arnhem Land.
In 2005 with recording label Skinnyfish Music, he released debut album Sunshine After Rain, which landed him the 2006 Music Release of the of the Year at the Northern Territory Indigenous Music Awards.
Lewis had been back at Beswick in south Arnhem Land since 2001, where he had initiated a cultural foundation, the Djilpin Arts Aboriginal Corporation, which host the "Walking with the Spirits" festival each year.
A family statement said: "It is with tremendous sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of T. E. Lewis late last night at his home in Katherine, Northern Territory".
"Mr Lewis will be forever remembered for his compelling and enduring work on stage and screen over 40 years, as a renowned musician, and as the driving force and vision behind Djilpin Arts with his partner and his extended family of Beswick and Arnhem Land communities.
"He will be greatly missed."
Lewis' agent said: "The family of Mr. Lewis ask for privacy during this time. However, in recognition of his extraordinary public life, they have agreed to the use of his image and voice."
Topics: death, community-and-society, arts-and-entertainment, indigenous-music, katherine-0850, nt
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