Legendary actor David Argue, who is best known for his roles in Gallipoli, BMX Bandits and Razorback, has died. He was 65.

The Melbourne-born star passed away following a battle with cancer.

One of Australia’s most recognisable character actors, David played the hapless criminal Whitey in the 1983 film BMX Bandits alongside Nicole Kidman.

Along with Moustache and The Boss, Whitey launches a plot to nab $1.5million in a payroll heist, kicking off the action in the Aussie blockbuster.

Following his studies at NIDA, Argue made his on-screen debut in 1977 as Sunny Martin in the Australian soap opera, The Restless Years.

He also had a career-defining role in the classic Australian WWI film Gallipoli, playing the laconic Snowy alongside stars Mel Gibson and Mark Lee.

Legendary actor David Argue, who is best known for his roles in Gallipoli, BMX Bandits and Razorback, has died. He was 65

One of Australia’s most recognisable character actors, David played the hapless criminal Whitey in the 1983 film BMX Bandits alongside Nicole Kidman

After his role as Nicole’s rival, David transitioned to numerous prominent film roles, such as starring in The Coca Cola Kid in 1985 and the comedic parody Hercules Returns in 1993.

David’s filmography also includes appearances in Cop Shop, The Sullivans, Special Squad, Winners, Cluedo, Stark, Newlyweds, Halfway Across the Galaxy and Turn Left, Correlli, and Water Rats.

Last year, Argue revealed through a GoFundMe page that his health challenges, including cancer, had made walking increasingly challenging for him.

He requested assistance to purchase a mobility scooter, describing himself as an, ‘Icon, Legend Enemy to himself and Burden to his friends!’

The Victorian Actors Benevolent Trust was among those to pay tribute to Argue.

‘David was a remarkably talented and much-loved actor,’ their statement read.

‘He had the rare gift of making any character he played utterly unique and totally believable. 

‘In recent years, as David’s health declined, the VABT was able to provide much needed assistance and emotional support.

Pictured: David Argue in Escape from Absolom (1994)

‘In return, David had no hesitation in championing our work, most recently with a deeply personal and humorous reflection at our Trivia Fundraiser. 

‘We have lost a formidable talent and a dear friend. Vale David RIP.

Several friends and fans also took to social media to pay tribute and share their fond memories of the star.

‘David Argue was without a doubt one of the most unique, engaging, and skilled actors Australia ever produced,’ author Max Davine wrote.

‘One of the highlights of my writing career was having him breathe life into my dialogue for a pilot that we never got to film but rehearsed. To be fair, he often ad-libbed beyond my lines, usually improving them. It was truly an honor. Farewell.’

‘I am truly heartbroken by the loss of my friend David Argue, an incredible comedian and actor, and a vital contributor to Australian Cinema,’ shared another admirer.