A trailblazing Indigenous actor and dancer who was awarded an Order of Australia in 2015 has died in Melbourne.
The arts world is mourning the loss of Noel Tovey AM, a multi-award-winning dancer, actor, director, choreographer, mentor and storyteller.
Noel, who passed away earlier this month aged 90, was a true pioneer – the first Aboriginal Australian male ballet dancer and a globally celebrated figure in the performing arts.
Born in Melbourne on Christmas Day 1934, Noel’s early years were marked by hardship – but his hard work and commitment saw him rise against the odds to worldwide recognition.
Noel earned multiple awards and global acclaim over a career spanning more than seven decades.
This included recognition as a dancer, actor, director, choreographer, mentor, writer and storyteller.
Trailblazing Indigenous actor and dancer Noel Tovey AM has died in Melbourne aged 90
He rose to fame in the late ’50s as a stage actor and dancer, and appeared in Australia and London in many renowned productions, including William Shakespeare’s Henry VI, Part II.
The talented dancer also appeared in the groundbreaking 1959 Channel Seven TV series Beauty and the Beast opposite late actor Paul Karo, and featured in the popular 1963 TV movie The Hot Potato Boys with actor Peter Aanensen.
His achievements broke new ground for Indigenous Australians in ballet and the wider performing arts, opening doors for future generations.
In 2015, he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the arts.
Noel’s work included collaborations with internationally renowned figures such as Vanessa Redgrave, Boy George, and Damian Hirst and extended across Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
In addition to his artistic accomplishments, he was a passionate advocate for First Nations rights and LGBTQ+ communities.
He played a key role in significant cultural moments, including the Indigenous welcome ceremony at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.
At the time, he staged the incredible achievement of directing a production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Sydney featuring an all-Aboriginal cast.
Noel, who passed away earlier this month, was a true pioneer – the first Aboriginal Australian male ballet dancer and a globally celebrated figure in the performing arts
Noel earned multiple awards and global acclaim over a career spanning more than seven decades
Heartbroken fans took to social media to share their memories of Noel.
‘A testament to human dignity and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. Rest in peace, dear Noel,’ one person wrote.
‘What a life! Vale,’ a second added.
‘Rest in power, Uncle Noel – travel safe to the Dreamtime,’ a third person chipped in.
Despite health challenges in recent years, Noel remained committed to mentoring emerging Indigenous artists.
He later helped foster new talent through initiatives such as a scholarship established in his name.
In his later years, he was frequently seen giving political speeches at rallies across Australia.
