The Secret Life of Us actress Lillian Crombie tragically passes away at 66

The Australian film and television industry is mourning the loss of one of its most cherished talents, Lillian Crombie, who passed away at age 66.

Known for her memorable roles in popular TV series like The Secret Life of Us and Mystery Road and her performance in Baz Luhrmann's 2008 epic Australia, Crombie's passing has left a void in the hearts of many.


Born in Port Pirie, South Australia, Crombie was a proud Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara woman who made a significant impact on the Australian entertainment industry.

Her passing was announced by her daughter, Elaine Crombie, who penned a heartfelt tribute to her mother on social media.


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Lillian Crombie, an actress who starred in The Secret Life of Us and Mystery Road, has passed away. Credit: @withmeaa/Instagram


'Lily of the Valley danced around the world, acted on stages around the world, graced the big screen, the small screen and has definitely left an imprint in our lives,' she wrote.

The cause of her passing has not been disclosed.

Crombie's illustrious career spanned several decades, during which she shared the screen with Hollywood A-listers like Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman in Luhrmann's Australia. Her performances were marked by a unique blend of charisma, talent, and a deep-rooted connection to her Indigenous heritage.


Tributes have been pouring in from all corners of the industry, with many acknowledging Crombie's significant contributions to Australian arts and culture.

Prominent Indigenous actor Natasha Wanganeen admired Crombie, writing, 'Thank you for all you've done for our people. You're an inspiration, and you always will be to anyone who knew and loved you.'

The South Australian Film Corporation also expressed its 'deep sadness' at the news of Crombie's passing.

In 2019, Crombie was honoured with a lifetime achievement award from the Equity Foundation, a testament to her enduring influence on the arts.

Australian playwright and artistic director Wesley Enoch described Crombie as a pioneer who paved the way for First Nations stories to be told.

'Her amazing comic timing is legendary. Who could ever resist the way she winks an eye and flashes her smile and has you laughing while she delivers a huge life lesson,' he said.


Beyond her on-screen accomplishments, Crombie was also a force to be reckoned with on stage, performing with some of Australia's most prestigious theatre groups, including the Belvoir St Theatre, Sydney Theatre Company, and the State Theatre Company of South Australia.

Crombie's legacy extends beyond her acting career. In 2015, she founded the Lillian Crombie Foundation, an organisation dedicated to assisting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families with travel expenses during times of bereavement or when visiting seriously ill family members.

Lillian Crombie's passing is a huge loss to the Australian entertainment industry. Her contributions to the arts, her advocacy for Indigenous stories, and her enduring legacy will continue to inspire future generations of actors and storytellers.

Crombie and her daughter Elaine shared a heartfelt story in this video:



Key Takeaways
  • Australian actress Lillian Crombie, known for her roles in The Secret Life of Us, Mystery Road, and Baz Luhrmann's Australia, passed away at age 66.
  • Lillian's death was announced by her daughter Elaine Crombie, who paid tribute to her mother's life and legacy on social media.
  • Tributes poured in for Crombie, recognising her as an inspirational figure and a pioneer who made significant contributions to the arts and Aboriginal representation.
  • In 2015, Lillian Crombie established the Lillian Crombie Foundation to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families with travel for bereavement and family illness.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Lilian Crombie’s family at this difficult time. May she rest in peace.
 
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Not sure if this is showing my ignorance or not, but I have never heard of this actress, although she was only born 40 kilometers from where I live!!
 
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Reactions: Jarred Santos
RIP Lillian - we always looked for you when you were on screen for the series.
 
May she rest in peace. Great actress.
I believe Lilian Crombie has made a very
Important contribution to our National
Pride, and the significance to our
Indigenous Australians who are finding their feet in developing their skills that have been largely "neglected" up until now.
Let's hope the Aboriginal People take up the challenge that has been demonstrated so admirably by the people who have, by their actions and perseverance reached the Pinnacle of
Excellence in whatever they have chosen
to expand themselves in the skill set of their choice.
 
I believe Lilian Crombie has made a very
Important contribution to our National
Pride, and the significance to our
Indigenous Australians who are finding their feet in developing their skills that have been largely "neglected" up until now.
Let's hope the Aboriginal People take up the challenge that has been demonstrated so admirably, by the people who have, by their actions and perseverance, have reached the Pinnacle of Excellence in whatever they have chose to expand themselves in the skill set of their choice.
 
I so loved Lillian's expressive reprimentations of her various acting roles. She never missed a chance to show us the funny side of life in all it's myriad sides. What a great indigenous woman a matriarch to many. Rest well Lillian as you were so loved.
 

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