Helpmann died of emphysema in Sydney on 28 September 1986. He was given the rare tribute of a state funeral, held on 2 October at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney.

How old is helpmann?

Sir Robert Helpmann, an Australian dancer who became an international ballet star and choreographer as well as a noted actor and director, died yesterday in Sydney after a long illness. He was 77 years old.

Why is Sir Robert Helpmann famous?

Sir Robert Helpmann (1909–86) achieved world renown as a dancer, choreographer and filmmaker with a varied professional theatre career that spanned 62 years. While best known as a dancer and choreographer, the talented Helpmann was also a director, producer, filmmaker and actor, appearing in many of his own films.