Interpac Business and Migration Solutions Melbourne Australia

(May.23)

Iconic Australian actor Bill Hunter, who starred in some of the country's best-known films, has died from cancer aged 71, his manager said on Sunday.

The screen veteran, who made a name for himself playing the archetypal gruff Aussie bloke with a heart of gold, passed away surrounded by family and friends at a Melbourne hospice late on Saturday.

"Bill was much-loved, a gentleman, an inspiration to fellow actors, a journeyman, and a rogue," manager Mark Morrissey said.

"He was a fine actor, a true story teller and a great friend. He will be sorely missed."

Hunter's credits resemble a history of Australian film and television, with appearances in more than 100 big and small screen productions.

Over a 50-year career he worked with most of the country's stars, including Nicole Kidman, Mel Gibson, Hugo Weaving, Hugh Jackman and Toni Collette.

The list also extended to the country's major directors, such as Stephan Elliott, Peter Weir, P.J. Hogan and Phillip Noyce.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard praised his contribution to the country.

"Mr Hunter played a key role as an acclaimed actor in helping to define Australian culture over five decades on screen and on stage," she said.

"He told us Australian stories in an Australian voice at a time when we were debating and developing our sense of national identity."

Hollywood star Russell Crowe also paid tribute.

"Very sad to hear about Bill Hunter. Unique talent," he said. "I first met Bill in 1970 on the set of Spyforce. Thanks for the entertainment mate, RIP."

Hunter got a taste for acting as an uncredited extra in Gregory Peck and Ava Gardner's On the Beach in 1959 and never looked back.

He appeared as Major Barton with Gibson in Weir's Gallipoli, played the meddling Barry Fife in Baz Luhrmann's Strictly Ballroom, and starred as Collette's father in Muriel's Wedding.

Perhaps his best-known role was as lovable outback mechanic Bob in Hogan's Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, starring alongside Terence Stamp, Guy Pearce and Weaving.

More recently, he worked on Finding Nemo, Crackerjack and Luhrmann's Australia.

Born in Ballarat in Victoria state in 1940, Hunter cut his acting teeth in television in the 1960s and 1970s, with roles in Doctor Who and Skippy, and also appeared in Dynasty.

Source from AFP