Legendary Mad Max star Vince ‘Nightrider’ Gil dies aged 83

Legendary Australian actor Vincent Gil has died at the age of 83. 

Vincent was best known for his role as Crawford Montizano aka Nightrider in the 1979 film Mad Max.

His friend and Mad Max co-star Paul ‘Cundalini’ Johnstone shared the sad news via Facebook on Sunday, sharing a recent photo of the two men posing arm-in-arm. 

‘Sadly, it is true… Vince Gil has left us. He’s been very frail for quite some time and mercifully no longer needs to be constrained by his mortal form,’ he wrote. 

Cundalini went on to recall his fondest memory of Vince, which took place during a tour of Japan in 2015. 

‘He was already in less-than-ideal health, and in the opening days a couple of us were concerned about his ability to get through the long demanding days of convention and socialising and travel and convention,’ he admitted, before adding: ‘We need not have been concerned.’ 

‘Vince was remarkable – he rose to the occasion every time, fed off the energy of the wonderful Japanese fans, and on the occasions when I’d glance at him and be worried about his ability to keep going, he’d shrug off any concerns and showed that he had a lot more stamina than many of we much younger men,’ he continued. 

Cundalini completed his post with a tribute to Vincent and his iconic character Nightrider by referencing a famous scene from Mad Max. 

‘Rest well old friend – we will remember you when we look at the night sky,’ he wrote. 

Vincent was also known for his role of Dr Death in the iconic 1974 biker film Stone. 

He also appeared in many Australian television shows including Neighbours, A Country Practice and Prisoner. 

His death comes as production continues of Mad Max: Fury Road prequel Furiosa. 

Mad Max director George Miller is returning to the franchise to direct the film, which stars Anya Taylor-Joy in the titular role of Imperator Furiosa.