Well-known Northern Territory Indigenous actor and musician Barlang Lewis has died aged 59.

Lewis died suddenly at his home in the Top End town of Katherine overnight, his agent confirmed.

The circumstances of Lewis' death have not been released.

The Territory actor, also known as Tom E. Lewis, was best known for his title role in the 1978 film The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith, and had since been involved in 20 films and more than 20 theatre productions.

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He most recently appeared in the film Goldstone in 2016.

The actor also played Othello in the Darwin Theatre Company's production of the Shakespeare classic, and an "Indigenous version of King Lear" in a Darwin Theatre Company production called The Shadow King.

Lewis was born and raised in Ngukurr, a remote community in south eastern Arnhem Land.

In 2005 with recording label Skinnyfish Music, he released debut album Sunshine After Rain, which landed him the 2006 Music Release of the of the Year at the Northern Territory Indigenous Music Awards.

Lewis had been back at Beswick in south Arnhem Land since 2001, where he had initiated a cultural foundation, the Djilpin Arts Aboriginal Corporation, which host the "Walking with the Spirits" festival each year.

A family statement said: "It is with tremendous sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of [Barlang] Lewis late last night at his home in Katherine, Northern Territory".

"Mr Lewis will be forever remembered for his compelling and enduring work on stage and screen over 40 years, as a renowned musician, and as the driving force and vision behind Djilpin Arts with his partner and his extended family of Beswick and Arnhem Land communities.

"He will be greatly missed."

Lewis' agent said: "The family of Mr. Lewis ask for privacy during this time. However, in recognition of his extraordinary public life, they have agreed to the use of his image and voice."

Mr Lewis at the Walking with Spirits Festival. ( ABC News: Avani Dias )

Lewis 'dreamed of building a theatre in Katherine'

Close friend of Lewis, Bill Daw, said the sudden death had come as a shock.

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"My condolences go out to Fleur [Lewis' partner] and the kids, I know they must be feeling very sad, Katherine is feeling sad," Mr Daw said.

"One of my favourite memories is of yesterday with [him], sitting in the café having a coffee with a white cockatoo feather sticking out of his head — and that's [him]."

Mr Daw said Lewis' legacy was his contribution to the town of Katherine.

"And his ability to walk in two worlds — Indigenous and a white man's world — is second to none," Mr Daw said.

"This man deserves a state funeral for his contribution to Katherine, the Northern Territory and Australia in being one of our greatest exports."

Lewis had dreamed of building Katherine's very own theatre, Mr Daw said, "so he could bring theatre to Katherine and Territorians — and maybe one day that dream will come true for Tommy".

Michael Hohnen, a friend and producer for Lewis, remembered the late Territory actor as an extraordinary character, "full of love and expression".

"He was a man of boundless energy," he said.

"He was constantly pushing the boundaries and trying to fit in as much into life as possible."