Hugh Keays-Byrne: R.I.P. Mad Max’s Toecutter, Fury Road’s Immortan Joe

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Hugh Keays-Byrne had a screen acting career that lasted around fifty years, and in that time he earned over fifty credits, including on Australian cult classics Stone, The Man from Hong Kong (a.k.a. The Dragon Flies), and Mad Dog Morgan – but there are two credits that really standout among all the others. In 1979, Keays-Byrne delivered an unforgettable performance as the villainous Toecutter in George Miller's Mad Max. He made such an impression that Miller turned to him again more than thirty years later when he needed someone to play the villain in Mad Max: Fury Road, Immortan Joe. Many viewers didn't even realize it was the same actor who played Toecutter under the hair and makeup of Immortan Joe, but once again Keays-Byrne turned in an awesome performance.

Sadly, the man who menaced Max as two different characters is no longer with us. It has been confirmed that Keays-Byrne passed away on December 1st at the age of 73.

The Man from Hong Kong director Brian Trenchard-Smith took to social media to post the following tribute to Keays-Byrne: 

I am sad to report that our friend Hugh Keays-Byrne  passed away in hospital yesterday. A former Royal Shakespeare Company actor who settled in Australia co-starred in my Man From Hong Kong, and achieved world wide recognition as the Toecutter in Mad Max, and Immortan Joe in Mad Max-Fury Road. This photo reflects the innate sense of humor he brought not only to my film but every production he worked on. He was a fine actor and a good friend to Margaret and myself for 46 years. We spent many happy Sunday mornings with him, his partner Christina, and a group of fellow actors and artists (the Macao Light Company) at the house they shared in Centennial Park. Christina, Jack, Shawn, Tim , Ralph, Robina, our hearts go out to you. Hugh had a generous heart, offering a helping hand to people in need, or a place to stay to a homeless teenager. He cared about social justice and preserving the environment long before these issues became fashionable. His life was governed by his sense of the oneness of humanity. We will miss his example and his friendship. Vale, Hugh.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Keays-Byrne's family, friends, and fans.