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Mike Preston Dead at 93

Outlets recount his rise from 1950s UK pop to Australian television, culminating in his screen role in Mad Max 2.

Overview

  • Mike Preston died on June 8 in Florida and his wife, Josie Preston, confirmed the news to Variety.
  • He was 93 and is survived by his wife and two daughters, with no cause of death disclosed in initial reports.
  • Born Jack Davis, he earned three Top 40 hits in late-1950s Britain before relocating to Australia and hosting In Melbourne Tonight.
  • Preston built a long screen career that included a recurring role on the Australian police series Homicide and his best-known film part as Pappagallo in 1981’s Mad Max 2.
  • His last credited work was a 2002 voice role in the video game The Getaway and news of his death prompted tributes on social media as outlets summarized his multi-decade career.