Mike Preston, ‘Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior’ and ‘Hot Pursuit’ Actor, Dies at 93
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- Mike Preston died June 8 in Florida at age 93, with his death confirmed to Variety by his wife, Josie Preston.
- Born Jack Davis, Preston was a late-1950s U.K. chart-topping singer with three Top 40 hits before relocating to Australia.
- "Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior" featured Preston as settler leader Pappagallo, a role he played under director George Miller in the beloved 1981 sequel.
- The Australian crime series "Homicide" saw Preston appear in 42 episodes as Detective Bob Delaney, alongside stints on "Bellbird," "Cop Shop," and the hosting gig "In Melbourne Tonight."
- "Metalstorm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn" cast Preston as the titular character, and he also played Alec Shaw across eight episodes of "Hot Pursuit."
- "The Getaway" marked Preston's final credit — a voice role in the 2002 video game — capping a screen career that began with 1969's "Stoney" and included guest spots on "Ellen," "Highlander," and "Law & Order."
- Preston is survived by his wife Josie and two daughters.
Why it matters: Preston's death closes a chapter connecting British 1950s pop stardom, Australian television's golden era, and one of cinema's most influential action franchises — a multi-continent career arc rarely seen, with his 42-episode run on "Homicide" outlasting even his iconic "Road Warrior" turn.
