‘Mad Max’ actor Hugh Keays-Byrne dies at 73
- by Leland Aguilar
- in Entertaiment
- — Dec 4, 2020
Anglo-Australian actor Hugh Keays-Byrne - best known for his work in the Mad Max franchise, has passed away aged 73, it has been announced today.
After starring in a series of TV shows and films in Australia, he landed the part of "Toecutter" the violent gang leader in Miller's original Mad Max, a role that would get him recognised across the globe. Keays-Byrne's passing was subsequently confirmed by trades such as The Hollywood Reporter.
Keays-Byrne also appeared in the 1974 biker movie Stone and the 1986 drama, For Love Alone.
Fans of the Mad Max franchise will be sad to hear news that Hugh Keays-Byrne has died. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.
Born in Kashmir, India, in 1947, Keays-Byrne moved to Britain as a child and entered the world of acting in his 20s, joining the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1968, The Wrap reported.
Keays-Byrne was previously Mad Max director George Miller's choice to play Martian Manhunter in his proposed version of Justice League that nearly happened, but was eventually canceled and replaced by the DC Extended Universe series of films.
In his tribute, Trenchard-Smith, who directed Keays-Byrne in 1975 action film The Man From Hong Kong, described him as "a fine actor and a good friend".
Alongside a picture of the pair together on set, Theron wrote: "RIP Hugh Keays-Byrne".
"Hugh had a generous heart, offering a helping hand to people in need, or a place to stay to a homeless teenager", he posted.
Geoghegan also went on to celebrate Keays-Bryne's life and career, adding: "By all accounts, Hugh Keays-Byrne, who trained at the Royal Shakespeare Company, was an absolutely wonderful human who fought very hard for environmental and humanitarian issues".
The filmmaker said Keays-Byrne had died in hospital on Tuesday but did not give any more details.
In the movie, Keays-Byrne played the villainous Immortan Joe, the head of a cult reigning the Wasteland. "You will be deeply missed my friend", Theron wrote.
