RIP Arthur Digham

Arthur Dignam dies aged 80: Veteran actor known for his roles in Moulin Rouge! and Australia suffers a heart attack while 'waving to a friend on his morning walk'

The Daily Mail

By Joshua Fox

May 11, 2020

Veteran Australian actor Arthur Dignam has died at the age of 80.

The Devil's Playground star suffered a fatal heart attack while waving to a friend on his morning walk on Saturday.

'He passed away surrounded by friends from his neighborhood,' said his son, Nicholas Gledhill.  

'We will have a fabulous wake for Arthur befitting his fabulous life when [Coronavirus] restrictions are lifted,' Nicholas added.

'In the meantime, I would be grateful if you would please pass on the news of his passing to anyone who should know and with whom I may not be in contact.'

Family and friends have since paid tribute to Arthur on social media.

'He was one of this country's greatest actors. He wasn't perfect, he led a full life and died as he lived, among friends. I will miss him,' wrote friend Anthony Hunt.

'This morning my father died': The Devil's Playground star suffered a fatal heart attack while waving to a friend on his morning walk on Saturday, according to his son, Nicholas Gledhill

Arthur's stage and screen performances date back to 1962. 

His most memorable roles include The Devil's Playground, We of the Never Never, The Dismissal, Moulin Rouge! and Australia.

Although he worked mostly in film and television, he is also remembered for his theatre and musical appearances.

Arthur was born on Lord Howe Island in September 1939. 

He attended Newington College in Sydney as a boarder from 1955 to 1956, before studying at the University of Sydney. 

After finishing his studies, he landed his first role in Lend Me Your Stable in 1962.   

DIGNAM, Arthur

Born: 9/9/1939, Lord Howe Island, New South Wales, Australia

Died: 5/9/2020, Australia

Arthur Dignam’s westerns – actor:

Five Mile Creek (TV) – 1984 (Arthur Archer)

Australia – 2008 (Father Benedict)