Ningali Lawford facts for kids

Ningali Josie Lawford, also known as Ningali Lawford-Wolf, was an amazing Aboriginal Australian actress. She was born in 1967 and passed away on August 11, 2019. Ningali was famous for her roles in movies like Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002), Bran Nue Dae (2009), and Last Cab to Darwin (2015). For her role in Last Cab to Darwin, she was even nominated for a top acting award!

Early Life and Learning

Ningali Josie Lawford was born in 1967. Her birthplace was Christmas Creek Station, a large cattle station in Wangkatjungka, Western Australia. Her parents worked there; her father was a stockman (someone who works with cattle) and her mother was a domestic worker.

Ningali was a member of the Walmadjari (Tjiwaling) people. She also belonged to the Wangkatjunga language group. After high school in Perth, she spent a year studying in Anchorage, Alaska, as part of a scholarship. She later trained in dance at the Aboriginal Islander Dance Theatre in Sydney.

Ningali's Acting Career

Ningali Lawford started her acting journey in 1990. Her first big role was in the musical Bran Nue Dae, which first showed in Perth. She later appeared in the movie version of Bran Nue Dae in 2009.

In 1994, Ningali created her own show called Ningali. It was a one-woman show, meaning she performed it all by herself. This show was a big hit and toured around the world. It won an award at the 1995 Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland. She also won a Green Room Award in 1996 for being the best actress in a one-woman show.

Film and TV Roles

In 2002, Ningali played Maude in the movie Rabbit-Proof Fence. Maude was the mother of the main character, Molly. This film tells an important story about Aboriginal children.

In 2015, Ningali had a big role as Polly in the movie Last Cab to Darwin. Her performance was so good that she was nominated for an AACTA Award for Best Actress. This is one of Australia's highest film awards.

Later, in 2017, Ningali used her voice talents for the animated TV show Little J & Big Cuz. She voiced the character of Nanna. This show is special because it features Indigenous Australian characters.

Ningali was also involved in a play called The Secret River. She narrated (told the story for) its performances in Sydney, Adelaide, and at the Edinburgh International Festival in 2019.

Sadly, Ningali passed away on August 11, 2019, at the age of 52. She was in Edinburgh, Scotland, during the tour of The Secret River when she had a severe asthma attack.

Her Personal Life

Ningali Lawford was a mother to five children and had two grandchildren. At one point, she moved to Kalbarri to take a break from acting. She wanted to spend more time raising her children before returning to her acting career.

Works

Film Roles

Stage Roles

Television Roles

Awards and Nominations

Ningali Lawford won awards for her theatre shows like Ningali, Aliwa, Uncle Vanya, and Jandamarra.