Mourning Mike Preston (1934-2026). The actor, who played settler leader Pappagallo alongside Mel Gibson (70) in the post-apocalyptic masterpiece "Mad Max II - Der Vollstrecker" in 1981, has died at the age of 93 - on June 8 in the U.S. state of Florida, as has only now become known. His death was confirmed by his wife Josie Preston to the U.S. industry magazine "Variety". A cause of death is not mentioned in the report.
From British chart success to Australian TV star
Before Preston appeared in the post-apocalyptic cinema classic, he embarked on a rather unusual career path. In the late 1950s, he landed several Top 40 hits as a singer in his native Great Britain.
Then came the move to Australia. There, Preston initially earned his living as a nightclub singer and entertainer - and eventually found his way in front of the camera.
On Australian television, he hosted the show "In Melbourne Tonight". Subsequently, he appeared in over 40 episodes of the Australian crime series "Homicide", appeared in the soap opera "Bellbird" and other productions.
Best-known role in "Mad Max II"
Preston shot his first feature film in 1969. It was titled "Surabaya Conspiracy". However, it was director George Miller (81) who would make him immortal. As the character Pappagallo, who fights for a peaceful future in the desert hell of "Mad Max II - Der Vollstrecker", he would go down in film history. Two years later, he even took the lead role in the B-movie "Metalstorm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn".
Preston was also active on U.S. television, appearing in eight episodes of the series "Hot Pursuit", had guest roles in series such as "Das A-Team", "Airwolf" or "Highlander" in the 80s and 90s, and acted in "Law & Order". His last professional engagement is said to have been a voice role in the video game "The Getaway" in 2002.
