Australian Biography: Noel Tovey – 'Yes, I'm Aboriginal'

Noel Tovey AM (1934–2025) was a pioneering Aboriginal Elder, performing artist, director, author and gay rights activist.

Tovey survived a childhood of poverty, neglect, sexual abuse and racial prejudice to build a career across dance, theatre, radio and television in Australia, England and Europe. His TV career included dancing on the HSV-7 series Sunny Side Up, the role of the Merchant in the HSV-7 series Beauty and the Beast (1959) and Sub Lt Godfrey Maybe in the ABC TV play The Hot Potato Boys (1963). 

Tovey’s autobiographical play and memoir Little Black Bastard shared his story of trauma and survival, inspiring audiences across the globe. In 2005, he gave a frank interview for Film Australia's Australian Biography series. In this clip, he recalls the moment when he knew it was time to leave London, return home to Australia and try to give back to the Aboriginal community.

In 2014, Tovey received the Uncle Bob Maza Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award for Outstanding Contribution to Victorian Indigenous Theatre. He became a Member of the Order of Australia in 2015.

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