Australian actor Bill Hunter dies at 71

Australian actor Bill Hunter has died at the age of 71 after a battle with cancer.



Earlier this week the actor's manager confirmed that Hunter was 'gravely ill'' with inoperable cancer, and that he had been admitted to a hospice in Melbourne.

It has now been confirmed that the Muriel's Wedding star died late on Friday night surrounded by his family.

"Mr Hunter played a key role as an acclaimed actor in helping to define Australian culture over five decades on screen and stage," Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard said in a statement published by BBC News.

Film director Baz Luhrmann, who worked with Hunter on Strictly Ballroom, recently spoke of his great respect for the actor.

Across his 50 year career Hunter starred in over 60 films, including roles in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Finding Nemo.

He was well known for his portrayal of the archetypal Australian working class man, and was often referred to as 'Australia's favourite ocker'.