Kjell Nilsson, the Swedish actor and powerlifter best known for playing the terrifying Lord Humungus in Mad Max 2, has died at the age of 76.
Nilsson died Thursday in Queensland, Australia, following a four-year battle with kidney disease.
Born in Sweden in 1949, Nilsson moved to Australia in 1980 while working as a trainer for the Moscow Olympics.
During his time in the country, he met Australian actor Kate Ferguson, who later became his wife. The couple made their home in Australia, where Nilsson was encouraged to try acting in local films.
His imposing build and powerful presence helped him land several movie roles.
Nilsson appeared as a pirate in The Pirate Movie, but he became internationally recognized for playing Lord Humungus in the 1981 action classic Mad Max 2, which was released in the United States as The Road Warrior.
The metal-masked villain became one of the most memorable characters in the Mad Max franchise and remained the role most closely associated with Nilsson throughout his life.
Chris Carbough, a spokesperson for Nilsson, remembered him as a kind man who had a lasting impact both on and off the screen.
“Kjell was a wonderful person who inspired many as a weight-training coach,” Carbough said in a statement to TMZ. “He loved the Mad Max fans and embraced the role.”
In addition to his acting work, Nilsson spent years helping others as a weight-training coach and remained appreciative of the fans who continued to celebrate his iconic performance.
He is survived by his wife, Kate Ferguson.