'Mad Max 2' actor Mike Preston passes away

Mike Preston, the actor who gained worldwide recognition for his role as 'Pappagallo' in the acclaimed Hollywood film 'Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior', has died. He passed away on June 8 in Florida, USA, at the age of 93.

However, the news of his death has come to light nearly a month and a half later. His wife, Josie Preston, confirmed the matter to the US entertainment magazine Variety. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.

Mike Preston's real name was Jack Davis. Before entering acting, he gained fame as a musician. In the late 1950s, three of his songs made it to the UK music charts' top 40. He later settled in Australia and began his professional career as a singer and performer in nightclubs.

Alongside music, he also gained considerable popularity as a presenter. After hosting the popular Australian TV show 'In Melbourne Tonight', he became a regular on television. For a long time, he played the role of Detective Bob Delaney in the popular TV series 'Homicide'. He also appeared in several other popular TV series, including Bellbird, Division 4, Homicide, Matlock Police, and Cop Shop.

His big-screen debut came with the 1969 film 'Stony'. Later, his role as Pappagallo in director George Miller's 'Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior' brought him international fame. He also worked in significant roles in the film 'Metalstorm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn' and the TV series 'Hot Pursuit'.

In the 1980s and 1990s, he appeared as a guest artist in several popular TV series, including 'The Flying Doctors', 'Skirts', 'Bony', 'Mission: Impossible' and 'Murder, She Wrote'.

His long and illustrious career ended in 2002 when he provided voice work for the video game 'The Getaway'.