Kjell Nilsson, best known for starring in Mad Max 2, has died aged 76.
The Swedish actor played the main antagonist, gang leader Lord Humungus, in the 1981 action film (also known as Mad Max: The Road Warrior).
Starring Mel Gibson as the lead, the blockbuster was widely praised and proved to be an undeniable commercial success, outperforming Mad Max (1979).
His subsequent screen appearances included The Pirate Movie (1982) and the TV movie Man of Letters (1984). Three years later, he played a nurse in The Edge of Power.
The Gothenburg-born performer was also an athlete, having moved to Australia in 1980 to train for the Moscow Olympics in weight lifting.
It was there that he met actress Kate Ferguson, whom he married in Sweden. She convinced him to return Down Under and pursue a film career.
Confirming his death, a statement posted to Nilsson’s Facebook page said he died ‘peacefully in his sleep’ on July 2 in Queensland after several years of health struggles.
‘As many of you know, Kjell had been battling end-stage kidney disease for the past four and a half years, receiving dialysis three days a week,’ the post read.
‘It was a long and painful journey, filled with countless battles to overcome, including the gradual loss of his bodily autonomy.
‘This past Sunday, after much consideration, Kjell made the decision to take back control over his pain and his body by stopping dialysis.’
‘The days leading up to his passing were filled with joy, gratitude, peace, and acceptance. He did it his way,’ added the message.
‘Back in 2022, many medical professionals told Kjell that he would never make it to his first Christmas after kidney failure.
‘He proved them wrong. He celebrated four more Christmases, giving him four precious extra years with the people he loved most.’
The announcement post concluded by thanking Nilsson’s ‘friends, fans, clients, and family’ for ‘[making] his life richer and fuller than you could ever know’.
‘A ceremony will be held to honour his memory. The time, date, and location will be announced in due course.’
Paying further tribute, Chris Carbaugh, Nilsson’s representative, told TMZ that the late actor was a ‘wonderful person’ who ‘inspired many as a weight-training coach’. He also loved the Mad Max fanbase and ’embraced the role’.
Taking to X, fans remembered Nilsson fondly, with @madmaxbible writing that he lived a ‘colourful life on his own terms, with unwavering conviction, an adventurous heart, and a spirit that refused to surrender’.
‘A true cult film icon. His performance helped make *Mad Max 2* the classic it is today. RIP’, said @enyeodu_uwem.
‘RIP Kjell Nilsson. An iconic villain with such an unforgettable and magnetic screen presence’, @ChildishBlazer wrote.