Mike Preston, known for his roles as colonist leader Papagalo in Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior and Detective Bob Delaney in the Australian drama Homicide, died on June 8 in Florida. He was 93 years old.
Preston’s death was confirmed to Variety by his wife, Josie Preston.
Preston (real name Jack Davis) was an early British chart-topper with three Top 40 hits in the late ’50s. He then relocated to Australia and began working as a nightclub singer and performer.
He found success hosting ‘In Melbourne Tonight’ and then appeared in episode 42 of the Australian series ‘Homicide’. He had a recurring role on the soap opera ‘Bellbirds’ and also appeared in ‘Dixon of Dock Green’, ‘Tandara’, ‘Chopper Squad’ and ‘Cop Shop’.
His first feature film role was in 1969’s Stoney, which also starred Barbara Boucher and Richard Jackel. He collaborated with George Miller on the popular “Mad Max” sequel “The Road Warrior,” starred as the title character in the sci-fi film “Metal Storm: The Destruction of Jared Singh,” and appeared in eight episodes of “Hot Pursuit” as Alec Shaw alongside actors such as Kerry Keene, Eric Pierpoint, and Dina Merrill.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Preston guest-starred on more than 10 shows, including Ellen, The Scarecrow and Mrs. King, Shadow Chasers, The Outlaws, Super Bully, Alien Nation, Dark Justice, Highlander, Steel, and Law & Order. His last credit was a voice role in the video game “The Getaway” released in 2002.
Preston is survived by his wife, Josie Preston, and two daughters.
