Ernie Dingo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ernie Dingo
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Dingo was a top presenter on The Great Outdoors
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| Born | 31 July 1956 Bullardoo Station, Western Australia, Australia
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| Occupation | Actor, television presenter, comedian |
| Years active | 1976–present |
| Spouse(s) | Sally Ashton-Dingo (nee Butler) (1989–2011) |
| Children | 5 (one adopted) |
Ernest Ashley Dingo is a famous Indigenous Australian actor, TV presenter, and comedian. He was born on July 31, 1956, and comes from the Yamatji people in Western Australia. Ernie Dingo is considered an Australian National Living Treasure, which means he is highly respected for his contributions to Australia.
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Early Life and Background
Ernie Dingo was born Ernest Ashley Dingo in 1956 at Bullardoo Station. He was the second of nine children in his family. He grew up in a town called Mullewa, Western Australia.
Ernie went to Prospect Primary School and Geraldton High School. After school, he moved to Perth. There, he met Richard Walley and started playing basketball with him. Ernie even played basketball at a high level for the East Perth Hawks. Before becoming an actor, he also learned the skill of sign writing.
Ernie Dingo's Career Journey
Ernie Dingo became well-known after working with Richard Walley in 1976. They created a public performance of the "Welcome to Country" ceremony in Perth. This was important because it helped share Indigenous culture. As an Australian National Living Treasure, Ernie also supported the "Hand Across Australia" event. This event promoted equal rights and recognition for Indigenous Australians.
Film Roles and Movies
Ernie Dingo started acting in movies in the early 1980s. He appeared in many films throughout the 1990s.
Some of his important roles include:
- Playing the main character in the movie Tudawali in 1987.
- Appearing in The Fringe Dwellers in 1987.
- Having a big supporting role in the popular movie Crocodile Dundee II in 1988.
- Starring in the 1991 film Until the End of the World.
- Playing a lead role in Dead Heart in 1996.
- Returning to the big screen in 2010 with the Aboriginal musical Bran Nue Dae. In this movie, he acted alongside stars like Jessica Mauboy and Geoffrey Rush.
Television Shows and Other Appearances
Ernie Dingo's first big break on TV was in 1989. He appeared in the sketch comedy show Fast Forward on Channel 7.
He has also acted in many other Australian TV series. These include Blue Heelers, The Flying Doctors, Heartbreak High, and Rafferty's Rules. He won an AFI Award for Best Actor in a TV Drama for his role in A Waltz Through the Hills in 1987. He also co-starred with Cate Blanchett in the TV drama Heartland.
Ernie Dingo is perhaps best known for hosting the TV show The Great Outdoors. He hosted this popular travel program for 16 years, from 1993 to 2009.
In 2000, Ernie narrated the Indigenous part of the 2000 Olympic Games opening ceremony in Sydney. He also hosted the first series of No Leave, No Life on Channel Seven.
In 2012, Ernie and his family were featured in the ABC documentary series Family Confidential. He also appeared in the TV series Serangoon Road and played a Vietnam veteran in Redfern Now in 2013. More recently, he played Keith Groves in the TV miniseries Mystery Road in 2018. Ernie also hosted the travel show Going Places with Ernie Dingo.
Personal Life and Interests
Ernie Dingo has five children, including one adopted daughter. He married Sally Butler in 1989. Sally Dingo has written two books about Ernie and their family.
Ernie Dingo is a big fan of Australian rules football. He especially supports the Australian Football League team, the West Coast Eagles. He also loves basketball and played at a high level for the Perth Wildcats in 1973. He plans to play basketball for Australia in the masters games in 2022.
In 2020, Ernie Dingo traveled around Western Australia to talk to Indigenous groups. He encouraged them to get vaccinated against COVID-19, showing his commitment to community health.
Awards and Honours
Ernie Dingo has received many awards for his work.
- In 1990, he was made a Member of the Order of Australia. This award recognized his important contributions to the performing arts.
- He won an AFI Award in 1988 for his role in A Waltz Through the Hills.
- He has also been nominated for other AFI/AACTA Award for Best Lead Actor in a Television Drama awards for his roles in Heartland (1994) and Redfern Now (2013).
Images for kids
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Dingo was a top presenter on The Great Outdoors
See also
In Spanish: Ernie Dingo para niños
