Charles suffered a stroke and passed away at Royal Melbourne Hospital on Tuesday, according to multiple media reports.
"We're heartbroken to be announcing the passing of our much loved Yorta Yorta senior elder. Uncle Jack Charles," his publicist said in a statement, according to the ABC.
He was surrounded by family and loved ones.
The Boon Wurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung, Woiwurrung and Yorta Yorta man's career spanned decades.
His works included touring his one-man show Jack Charles v The Crown based on his life, ABC's Cleverman and Preppers and he also appeared on SBS's Who Do You Think You Are.
Earlier this year, he spoke at Victoria's truth-telling Yoorrook Justice Commission about being a member of the Stolen Generations, taken from his mother as a four-month-old.
He grew up in the Salvation Army Boys' Home in Box Hill, Victoria, and was the only registered Aboriginal child at the home.
Charles said he was taunted because of the colour of his skin.
"I wasn't even told I was Aboriginal - I had to discover that for myself," he told the inquiry.
The First Peoples' Assembly of Victora said there was much heartache across the community following his death.
"RIP Uncle Jack Charles. This country has lost a true King," it said in a statement said.
Federal Greens leader Adam Bandt remarked on his extraordinary life.
"What a life. What a storyteller. Unforgettable wit and energy and generosity and courage," Mr Bandt tweeted.
Indigenous Victorian senator Lidia Torpe tweeted "We've lost our king".
Indigenous rapper Adam Briggs tweeted "Uncle Jack & Uncle Arch gonna be in good company wherever they're at", referring to Indigenous singer Archie Roach who died in July.
Director Jacob Harris, who worked with Uncle Jack on two occasions, said he was sad to learn of his death.
"I'll remember him for his charisma, ripping yarns & love of country. We've lost an amazing storyteller," he said on Twitter.
Premier Daniel Andrews, who met Charles on a number of occasions, described him as a great Victorian.
"[He was] someone who took his own personal pain and the great trauma that he'd suffered in his life to be a beacon for others and to campaign for justice," Mr Andrews said.
"It's a very sad day."
Mr Andrews said his department would be in contact with Charles' family to "see how best we can celebrate his life".
Federal Labor frontbencher Bill Shorten also praised Charles, describing him as a true "Jack" of all trades.
"A legend in his own right, Uncle Jack's art and activism will live on," he said on Twitter.
A portrait of Charles by comedian and author Anh Doh took out the People's Choice award at the 2017 Archibald Prize in NSW.
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