CROCODILE Dundee star David Gulpilil has died at the age of 68 as fans pay tribute to the groundbreaking actor.

       The "iconic" indigenous Australian actor, who was was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2017, was from the Mandhalpingu clan of the Yol？u people and was raised in Arnhem land.

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       David Gulpilil was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2017 Credit: Getty 4

       David Gulpilil pictured with Paul Hogan, Crocodile Dundee, in 1986 Credit: Alamy 4

       Gulpilil was recognised for his services to the arts in the 1987 Queen's Birthday Honours List Credit: Alamy

       His death was announced by South Australian Premier Steven Marshall in a statement on Monday.

       He said: "It is with deep sadness that I share with the people of South Australia the passing of an iconic, once-in-a-generation artist who shaped the history of Australian film and Aboriginal representation on screen – David Gulpilil Ridjimiraril Dalaithngu."

       Gulpilil introduced the world to his culture in his breakout role in Nicolas Roeg’s Walkabout.

       But he made his mark in the 1986 blockbuster Crocodile Dundee as Neville Bell, an indigenous Australian who meets Paul Hogan’s Mick Dundee on his way to a corrobboree, or meeting.

       His character showed off a dry sense of humour, which was rarely seen in indigenous roles.

       The legendary actor and internationally acclaimed dancer, who never went to school, also starred in Storm Boy, The Tracker, Ten Canoes and Charlie’s Country.

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       He was recognised for his services to the arts in the 1987 Queen's Birthday Honours List - being awarded the Member of the Order of Australia.

       A documentary called My Name is Gulpilil about his life was created following his lung cancer diagnosis - a film about the actor’s journey.

       The pioneering actor made his final public appearance at this year’s Adelaide Festival for the premiere of the film.

       But Mr Marshall said the star's life was "not without its struggles".

       "He encountered racism and discrimination, and lived with the pressures of the divide between his traditional lifestyle and his public profile," he said.

       "I was lucky enough to meet David Gulpilil on a number of occasions – most recently in March this year at the Premiere of his last film My Name is Gulpilil, in which he tells his own story, directed by Molly Reynolds.

       "This final film, 50 years after his breakthrough on screen, saw Gulpilil credited for the first time in his career as a producer — alongside Reynolds, filmmaker Rolf de Heer and Yol？u filmmaker Peter Djigirr.

       "He was a man who loved his land and his culture, and he was a man who took it to the world.

       "My thoughts are with his family, and his dear friend and carer Mary Hood."

       A giant of cinema. A once in a century talent. An incredible actor, painter, singer dancer.

       Kon Karapanagiotidis

       Jason Di Rosso, who presents The Screen Show at Australia's ABC Radio National, paid tribute to Gulpilil's "immense magnetism".

       He said: "Sad news that one of Australia’s greatest actors David Gulpilil Ridjimiraril Dalaithngu has died.

       "He possessed immense magnetism, skill & intelligence - in long shot or in close up he commanded the frame. As a storyteller, he also helped change the narrative of this country."

       Australian journalist Peri Strathearn added: "One of the great lights of Australian cinema has gone out."

       Human rights lawyer Kon Karapanagiotidis, who works to advocates for the rights of indigenous Australians, described Gulpilil as "one of the greatest our nation has ever seen".

       He said: "A giant of cinema. A once in a century talent. An incredible actor, painter, singer dancer.

       "His extraordinary talent forced us to face into our nations history of genocide and racism."

       The family of Gulpilil advised that his name and image may be used in accordance with his wishes following his death.

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       David Gulpilil at the Sydney Film Festival Opening Night Gala in 2016 Credit: Getty