“Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior” star Mike Preston died on June 8 in Florida at 93.
He leaves behind a legacy of several films and TV show appearances in his long acting career.
Veteran actor Mike Preston, who portrayed Pappagallo in Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior, died at 93
Born Jack Davis, Preston enjoyed an early career as a singer and U.K chart-topper in the ‘50s. He later relocated to Australia to work as a nightclub singer and performer.
He found success hosting “In Melbourne Tonight” and went on to star in 42 episodes in the Australian series “Homicide”. He had a rich TV career appearing in “Bellbird” and “Dixon of Dock Green”. He also appeared in “Tandarra”, “Chopper Squad” and “Cop Shop”.
Preston began his film career with the 1969 film, “Stoney”. He shared the screen with the likes of Barbara Bouchet and Richard Jaeckel.
Preston continued his steady work in the 80s and 90s, where he made several cameos. He starred in several popular TV shows such as “Ellen,” and “Scarecrow and Mrs. King”. He also appeared in “Shadow Chasers,” “Outlaws,” “Superbly,” “Alien Nation,” “Dark Justice,” “Highlander,” “Steel,” and “Law & Order.”
However, his big break came with playing Pappagallo in “Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior” with George Miller.
Pappagallo was by far Preston’s most remembered role. Here, he played the compassionate leader of a community of oil refinery settlers in the 1981 post-apocalyptic classic. In the film, he persuaded Max Rockatansky to help his people escape marauding gangs.
Preston also worked in the sci-fi film Metalstorm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn. He played Alec Shaw in eight episodes of the TV series Hot Pursuit. He amassed experience by working alongside actors like Kerrie Keane, Eric Pierpoint and Dina Merrill.
According to TMZ, Preston lent his voice to the 2002 PlayStation 2 video game The Getaway, adding voice acting to his oeuvre.
Preston is survived by his wife Josie and their two daughters.
WHICH OF MIKE PRESTON’S CHARACTERS DID YOU LOVE?
