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Mike Preston was best known for his role as settler leader Pappagallo in 'Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior' and Detective Bob Delaney in the Australian TV series 'Homicide'. The experienced actor had a long career in film and television for decades, regularly appearing in both Australian and international films. The beloved performer has passed away at age 93, leaving behind a legacy of memorable roles and significant contributions to the entertainment industry.

According to Variety, Mike Preston passed away on June 8 in Florida. His death was confirmed by his wife, Josie Preston. The actor, who was born Jack Davis, lived a remarkably full life that began in the entertainment world as an early UK chart-topping singer in the late 1950s with three Top 40 hits to his name. From music to acting, he went on to become a well-known performer in various fields.

Mike Preston began his career as a UK chart-topping singerIn the late 1950s, Preston began his career in entertainment as a singer, hitting the charts in the United Kingdom with three Top 40 hits. But it was not only music that his dreams encompassed, and he moved to Australia, where he started his evening-life career as a performer and nightclub singer. It was a major shift in his career as it brought him new opportunities in television and film.

Mike Preston's television career in AustraliaPreston found considerable success hosting 'In Melbourne Tonight', a television programme that helped establish him as a recognisable figure in Australian entertainment. He went on to appear in 42 episodes of the Australian series 'Homicide', where he played Detective Bob Delaney and became known to television audiences across the country. His television work extended to a recurring role in the soap opera 'Bellbird' and guest appearances in numerous other series including 'Dixon of Dock Green', 'Tandarra', 'Chopper Squad' and 'Cop Shop'.



His first feature film role came in 1969 with 'Stoney', which also featured Barbara Bouchet and Richard Jaeckel. Preston worked with director George Miller on the beloved 'Mad Max' sequel 'The Road Warrior', where he played the character Pappagallo. He led the science fiction film 'Metalstorm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn' as the titular character and appeared in eight episodes of 'Hot Pursuit' as Alec Shaw, working alongside actors including Kerrie Keane, Eric Pierpoint and Dina Merrill.

Mike Preston's extensive guest roles throughout later careerThroughout the 1980s and 1990s, Preston appeared in guest spots on over a dozen television shows, including 'Ellen', 'Scarecrow and Mrs. King', 'Shadow Chasers', 'Outlaws', 'Superbly', 'Alien Nation', 'Dark Justice', 'Highlander', 'Steel' and 'Law and Order'. His final acting 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 who carry on his memory.