Mad Max star Kjell Nilsson dies aged 76 after ‘long and painful’ health struggles

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, which was widely praised.

His subsequent screen appearances included The Pirate Movie (1982) and 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.

Confirming his death, a statement posted to Nilsson’s Facebook page said he died ‘peacefully in his sleep’ on July 2 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.’