Mike Preston, the actor who had a colorful career and played the role of Pappagallo in Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior, passed away at 93. (Some sources state that he was 92. IMDb has him at age 88.) Per Variety, he died in Florida on Monday, June 8. Preston's wife, Josie, confirmed the sad news to the outlet. The couple has two daughters. His cause of death is unclear.
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Preston Had a Varied and Exciting Career
According to the outlet, his actual name was Jack Davis, The actor hailed from London. He started out as "an early U.K. chart-topping singer" back in the 1950s. Preston notched a trio of top 40 singles. He relocated to Australia and there he became a nightclub crooner. With his ruggedly handsome looks and appealing voice, Preston must have fared well in that capacity.
He Was a Hit on the Australian Entertainment Scene
Preston branched out after a while. He was the host of In Melbourne Tonight, then he went on to act in many episodes of the series Homicide. Preston also cut his acting teeth in a soap opera called Bellbird. Additionally, he landed parts in Cop Shop, Dixon of Dock Green, Chopper Squad, and Tandarra.
The Actor Broke Into Feature Films
His logical next step was appearing in feature films. In 1969, Mike Preston was in a movie called Stoney along with Richard Jaeckel and Barbara Bouchet. More successes followed. Perhaps his most high-profile role was in Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior. He also snagged parts in Hot Pursuit playing Alec Shaw, and Metalstorm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn.
He Left His Mark in Television Also
Mike Preston also had a flurry of roles in notable TV shows. In the 1980s and 1990s, he turned up in Law & Order, Ellen, Highlander, Scarecrow and Mrs. King, Alien Nation, and several others.
Another Star of 'Mad Max 2' Died Recently
On Thursday, July 2, Kjell Nilsson, the Swedish actor was played Lord Humungus in the film, passed away at age 76. His cause of death was reportedly kidney disease.
The passing of these irreplaceable actors is truly a blow to their fans. We will cherish and celebrate their cinematic legacies even more now.
