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Vale Vincent Gil, the Nightrider in the original 1979 film Mad Max. Remember him when you look at the night sky.
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The opening scene of the 1979 movie Mad Max may have launched Mel Gibson’s career, but it also etched a particularly villainous hooligan into the hallmark of history: Vincent Gil, the Nightrider.
Described as a twisto bikey, a scoot jockey, a terminal psychotic on the run, the Nightrider had broken custody and made a break in a stolen Main Force Patrol Holden Monaro.
“That’s what hurts. It’s one of our V8s. Pursuit Special on methane – very toey…”
The combination of the black HQ Monaro, George Miller’s camera, and Gil’s sweat-faced crim created one of the most memorable moments of Australian cinematic history. “Do you see me Toecutter? Do you see me, man?”
Gil’s performance conveys pure, unhinged menace, until of course he crosses paths with the film’s titular character and becomes rattled. Not a good mix behind the wheel of a rocket-boosted Monaro…
He even featured in six episodes of Neighbours, as salty sea captain Vernon Wells. Ironically, the ‘real’ Vernon Wells starred as Wes the Biker in Mad Max 2.
Gil had reportedly suffered from poor health in recent years and passed on Sunday aged 83.
Hugh Keays-Byrne, who played the Nightrider’s bikie leader ‘Toecutter’ in Mad Max, as well as the villain Immortan Joe in Mad Max: Fury Road, sadly passed away in late 2020.
“Born with a steering wheel in his hand and lead in his foot, he is the Nightrider, cruising at the speed of fright!”
Vale Vincent Gil – 1939-2022
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