Longtime co‑star dies at 65 after decades‑long career in cult classic
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Australia is mourning the loss of a one-of-a-kind performer, following the death of a widely recognised character actor at 65.
Known for stealing scenes in everything from cult classics to gritty dramas, his eccentric style and unmistakable energy made him a standout in the local film scene.
As tributes pour in, many are reflecting on the unforgettable roles and raw talent that made him such a memorable figure on screen.
Born in Melbourne, David Argue’s journey to stardom began at the prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), a training ground for many of Australia’s finest performers.
He made his on-screen debut in 1977 as Sunny Martin in the popular soap opera The Restless Years, quickly establishing himself as a versatile and memorable presence.
But it was in the 1980s that Argue truly made his mark. He became a household name with his role as Whitey, the bumbling yet oddly endearing criminal in the 1983 cult classic BMX Bandits.
Sharing the screen with a young Nicole Kidman, Argue’s performance was a perfect blend of comedy and chaos, helping to cement the film’s place in Aussie pop culture history.
David Argue’s filmography reads like a love letter to Australian cinema and television. He brought his unique flair to a wide range of roles, from the gritty war drama Gallipoli to the outback horror of Razorback.
He was equally at home in comedies like The Coca Cola Kid and the irreverent spoof Hercules Returns, where his improvisational skills and comic timing shone.
On television, Argue was a familiar face in classics such as Cop Shop, The Sullivans, Special Squad, Winners, Cluedo, Stark, Newlyweds, Halfway Across the Galaxy and Turn Left, Correlli, and Water Rats.
No matter the genre, he had a knack for making every character he played utterly unique and completely believable—a rare gift that endeared him to audiences and colleagues alike.
In recent years, David faced significant health challenges, including a battle with cancer that made walking increasingly difficult.
Ever the wit, he described himself on a GoFundMe campaign as an 'Icon, Legend, Enemy to himself and Burden to his friends!'—a line that perfectly captured his self-deprecating humour and larger-than-life personality.
The Victorian Actors Benevolent Trust (VABT) was among those who stepped in to support him, providing both financial and emotional assistance.
In turn, David became a passionate advocate for the VABT, even sharing a deeply personal and humorous reflection at one of their fundraisers.
The Trust’s tribute summed it up best: 'He had the rare gift of making any character he played utterly unique and totally believable… We have lost a formidable talent and a dear friend. Vale David. RIP.'
The news of David’s passing has prompted an outpouring of love and memories from across the entertainment industry and beyond.
Author Max Davine recalled the joy of working with Argue, saying, 'Most of the time, what he said off the cuff was an improvement. It was an honour. Farewell.'
Another friend described him as 'a brilliant comic and actor and a significant part of the Australian Cinema.'
It’s clear that David Argue’s impact went far beyond the screen. He was a mentor, a friend, and a source of inspiration to many, always ready with a joke, a story, or a helping hand.
David Argue’s passing is a reminder of the rich tapestry of talent that has shaped Australian film and television.
His performances—whether as a hapless crook, a war-weary soldier, or a comic foil—brought joy, laughter, and sometimes a touch of chaos to our lives.
He was never afraid to take risks, to improvise, or to be utterly himself, both on and off the screen.
As we remember David, let’s celebrate not just his roles but the spirit he brought to everything he did. He was, in every sense, a true original.
Credit: YouTube
Did you have a favourite David Argue performance? Maybe you remember him from BMX Bandits, or perhaps one of his many TV appearances? Or maybe you have a story about meeting him in real life? We’d love to hear your memories and tributes—share them in the comments below.
Read more: James Bond movie series mainstay passes away at 89
Known for stealing scenes in everything from cult classics to gritty dramas, his eccentric style and unmistakable energy made him a standout in the local film scene.
As tributes pour in, many are reflecting on the unforgettable roles and raw talent that made him such a memorable figure on screen.
Born in Melbourne, David Argue’s journey to stardom began at the prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), a training ground for many of Australia’s finest performers.
He made his on-screen debut in 1977 as Sunny Martin in the popular soap opera The Restless Years, quickly establishing himself as a versatile and memorable presence.
Veteran Aussie actor David Argue has died at 65 after battling cancer. Credit: Facebook
But it was in the 1980s that Argue truly made his mark. He became a household name with his role as Whitey, the bumbling yet oddly endearing criminal in the 1983 cult classic BMX Bandits.
Sharing the screen with a young Nicole Kidman, Argue’s performance was a perfect blend of comedy and chaos, helping to cement the film’s place in Aussie pop culture history.
David Argue’s filmography reads like a love letter to Australian cinema and television. He brought his unique flair to a wide range of roles, from the gritty war drama Gallipoli to the outback horror of Razorback.
On television, Argue was a familiar face in classics such as Cop Shop, The Sullivans, Special Squad, Winners, Cluedo, Stark, Newlyweds, Halfway Across the Galaxy and Turn Left, Correlli, and Water Rats.
No matter the genre, he had a knack for making every character he played utterly unique and completely believable—a rare gift that endeared him to audiences and colleagues alike.
In recent years, David faced significant health challenges, including a battle with cancer that made walking increasingly difficult.
Ever the wit, he described himself on a GoFundMe campaign as an 'Icon, Legend, Enemy to himself and Burden to his friends!'—a line that perfectly captured his self-deprecating humour and larger-than-life personality.
In turn, David became a passionate advocate for the VABT, even sharing a deeply personal and humorous reflection at one of their fundraisers.
The Trust’s tribute summed it up best: 'He had the rare gift of making any character he played utterly unique and totally believable… We have lost a formidable talent and a dear friend. Vale David. RIP.'
The news of David’s passing has prompted an outpouring of love and memories from across the entertainment industry and beyond.
Author Max Davine recalled the joy of working with Argue, saying, 'Most of the time, what he said off the cuff was an improvement. It was an honour. Farewell.'
It’s clear that David Argue’s impact went far beyond the screen. He was a mentor, a friend, and a source of inspiration to many, always ready with a joke, a story, or a helping hand.
David Argue’s passing is a reminder of the rich tapestry of talent that has shaped Australian film and television.
His performances—whether as a hapless crook, a war-weary soldier, or a comic foil—brought joy, laughter, and sometimes a touch of chaos to our lives.
He was never afraid to take risks, to improvise, or to be utterly himself, both on and off the screen.
As we remember David, let’s celebrate not just his roles but the spirit he brought to everything he did. He was, in every sense, a true original.
Credit: YouTube
Read more: James Bond movie series mainstay passes away at 89
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Condolences to his loved ones 
