RIP Joachim Kerzel

 1941 – 2026: Joachim Kerzel

Batman News

By von Florian

July 22, 2026

 

As Peter Flechtner (the regular German voice of Ben Affleck) announced on his Instagram channel, his mentor—actor and dubbing legend Joachim Kerzel—passed away on July 20 at the age of 84.

Joachim Kerzel began his acting training in 1963 at the University of Music, Drama and Media in Hanover, graduating in 1965. Following a career on various theater stages and in television productions, Kerzel increasingly shifted his artistic focus toward voice dubbing starting in the 1970s.

Throughout his extensive dubbing career, his distinctive voice became inextricably linked with acting greats such as Dennis Hopper, Dustin Hoffman, Jean Reno, and Sir Anthony Hopkins. Following the death of Manfred Schott, Kerzel established himself as Jack Nicholson’s regular German voice, beginning with “The Witches of Eastwick” (1987). Consequently, he naturally provided the German voice for Jack Napier/the Joker in Tim Burton’s “Batman”.

But his contribution to the Batman films didn't end there: in 1992, he provided the German voiceover for the *Batman Returns* trailer—you can listen to it here.

In addition to his work as a voice actor, Joachim Kerzel was also in high demand behind the scenes of the dubbing industry. For instance, he wrote the German dialogue for the film “The Grifters” and served as dialogue director for the first and second seasons of David Lynch’s ‘Twin Peaks’.

He also left a lasting mark as an audiobook narrator, captivating a vast audience with his readings of Ken Follett’s “The Pillars of the Earth”, William Peter Blatty’s “The Exorcist”, and Stephen King’s “The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon” and the short story collection ‘Night Shift’.

The Batman-News team extends its deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones. As fans of Batman, film, and television series, we will always remember him for his body of work as a voice actor and audiobook narrator.

KERZEL, Joachim

Born: 12/10/1941, Hindenburg, Upper Silesia, Germany

Died: 7/20/2026, Berlin, Berlin, Germany

 

Joachim Kerzel’s western – voice actor:

Return of Frank James – 1940 [1972 German voice of Louis Mason]

The Lone Ranger (TV) – 1956 [German voice of John Beradino]

Ghost Town – 1956 [1986 German voice of Kent Taylor]

Gunsmoke (TV) – 1955, 1961-1975 [German voice of Charles Wagenheim, Mayf Nutter, Ted Jordan, Larry Delaney, Ed Asner]

Bonanza (TV) – 1964, 1968, [German voice of John Vernon, Hal Baylor]

The Wild Wild West (TV) - 1965[German voice of Harold Gould]

The Legend of Custer (TV) – 1967 [German voice of Rory Calhoun]

Ace High – 1968 [German voice of bank employee]

Return of Sabata – 1971 [German voice of Luciano Rossi]

Alias Smith and Jones (TV) – 1971-1973 [German voice of John Russell]

Westworld – 1973 [German voice of Steve Franken]

The Crazy Bunch – 1974 [German voice of Oscar Giustini, Veriano Ginesi]

Mad Dog Morgan – 1976 [German voice of Dennis Hopper]

Centennial (TV) – 1978 [German voice of Clint Ritchie]

Wanda Nevada – 1979 [German voice of Ted Markland]

Chisolms (TV) – 1979-1980 [German voice of Michael Swan, Robert Barton,

Thunder 2 – 1987 [German voice of Bo Svenson]

Last of the Mohicans – 1992 [German voice of Mac Andrews]

Silent Tongue – 1996 [German voice of Alan Bates]

And Starring Pancho Villa as Himself (TV) – 2003 [German voice of Alan Arkin]

Gods and Generals – 2003 [German voice of narrator]

Westworld (TV) – 2016-2022 [German voice of Anthony Hopkins]

RIP Mike Preston

 

Mike Preston, ‘Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior’ and ‘Hot Pursuit’ Actor, Dies at 93

Variety

By Matt Minton

July 22, 2026

 

Mike Preston, known for playing settler leader Pappagallo in “Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior” and Detective Bob Delaney in the Australian series “Homicide,” died June 8 in Florida. He was 93.

Preston’s death was confirmed to Variety by his wife, Josie Preston.

Preston, who was born Jack Davis, was an early U.K. chart-topping singer in the late ’50s with three Top 40 hits. He then relocated to Australia and began working as a nightclub singer and performer.

He found success hosting “In Melbourne Tonight,” before going on to appear in 42 episodes of the Australian series “Homicide.” He had a recurring role in the soap opera “Bellbird” and also appeared in “Dixon of Dock Green,” “Tandarra,” “Chopper Squad” and “Cop Shop.”

His first feature film role was in 1969’s “Stoney,” which also featured Barbara Bouchet and Richard Jaeckel. He worked with George Miller on the beloved “Mad Max” sequel “The Road Warrior,” led the sci-fi flick “Metalstorm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn” as the titular character, and appeared in eight episodes of “Hot Pursuit” as Alec Shaw, alongside actors like Kerrie Keane, Eric Pierpoint and Dina Merrill.

Throughout the ’80s and ’90s, Preston appeared in guest spots on over a dozen shows, including “Ellen,” “Scarecrow and Mrs. King,” “Shadow Chasers,” “Outlaws,” “Superbly,” “Alien Nation,” “Dark Justice,” “Highlander,” “Steel” and “Law & Order.” His last credit was a voice role in the video game “The Getaway,” released in 2002.

Preston is survived by his wife, Josie Preston, and two daughters.

PRESTON, Mike (Jack Davis)

Born: 5/14/1938, Hackney, London, England, U.K.

Died: 6/18/2026, Florida, U.S.A.

 

Mike Preston’s westerns – actor:

Rush (TV) – 1974 (Green)

Lost in the Wild - 1976 (O’Shaunessy)

Tandarra (TV) - 1976 (Davey Doolin)

Five Mile Creek (TV) – 1984 (Boz Deagan)

Outlaws (TV) – 1987 (hit men leader)

RIP Charles Gaines

 

Charles Gaines, author of Birmingham-based novel ‘Pumping Iron,’ dies at 84

AL.com

By Michaela Yielding

July 21, 2026

 

 

Charles Latham Gaines III, the Birmingham author whose book and documentary “Pumping Iron” helped launch Arnold Schwarzenegger’s career and bring bodybuilding into the mainstream, died at age 84 on July 21, 2026.

According to alabamaauthors.org, Gaines was born January 6, 1942, to Margaret Shook Gaines and Charles Latham Gaines in Jacksonville, Florida. When he was about 10, he and his family moved to Birmingham.

In Birmingham, Gaines attended Mountain Brook Grammar School, Indian Springs School and Birmingham University School, one of the institutions that later became the Altamont School, according to the American Museum of Fly Fishing.

According to the Notable People Project, in 1960, Gaines enrolled at Washington and Lee University but left the school to travel the country. He later enrolled at Birmingham-Southern College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1963. Gaines married his wife Patricia Ellisor, an artist and the 1961 Miss Alabama, on June 20, 1963.

They were married for 63 years until his passing.

The alabamaauthors.org profile noted that Gaines and his wife spent two years living in Ireland, where he wrote and she painted and sculpted. In 1967, He earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Iowa Creative Writing Workshop.

Gaines had three children: Latham, Greta and Shelby. Since 2003, Gaines and his wife split their time between homes in Monastery, Nova Scotia and Argo, Alabama.

Gaines published numerous books throughout his career, including novels “Stay Hungry,” “Dangler” and “Survival Games.”

According to Alabama Public Radio, Gaines’ first novel, “Stay Hungry,” published in 1972, and set in Birmingham, drew on the bodybuilding culture he explored as a teenager. Gaines later wrote the screenplay adaptation, which became the 1976 film “Stay Hungry,” starring Jeff Bridges, Sally Field and Schwarzenegger.

The film was shot in Birmingham and featured several historical sites.

His non-fiction book, “Pumping Iron” and the later film of the same name, which he wrote and narrated, are credited with introducing competitive bodybuilding and Arnold Schwarzenegger to a wider audience, according to The Barbell.

Gaines and George Butler used the book as the basis for their 1977 documentary “Pumping Iron.” The film centers on the rivalry between Schwarzenegger and fellow bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno in the competition for the Mr. Olympia title.

According to IMDb, “Pumping Iron” became a box-office success, helping make Schwarzenegger a household name and popularized the bodybuilding culture, which became a fitness craze of the 1980s.

In 2023, Gaines wrote about the kidnapping of his friend, Birmingham businessman Elton B. Stephens Jr., in 2020.

The American Museum of Fly Fishing notes that Gaines was a lifelong bird hunter and angler who fished in more than 25 countries. He was a founding member of the U.S. Fly Fishing Team and competed in World Championship Fly Fishing events in New Zealand and Tasmania.

Gaines wrote scripts for two feature films, two award-winning documentaries and a PBS adaptation of Edith Wharton’s novel “Summer.” He also wrote numerous segments for ABC’s “American Sportsman.”

Gaines was the recipient of two Emmys and two Cine Golden Eagle Awards for his television writing, according to Alabama Authors.

According to his client profile for InkWell management, he also wrote extensively for publications including Harper’s, GEO, Sports Illustrated, Town & Country, Architectural Digest, Garden & Gun, Southern Living, Men’s Journal and Esquire.

Gaines also served as a board member of the U.S. Fly Fishing Team and a U.S. National Council member of the Atlantic Salmon Federation.

Along with Hayes Noel and Bob Gurnsey, Gaines co-invented the game of paintball and co-founded the company National Survival Game. He received the Paintball Lifetime Achievement Award and was inducted into the Paintball Hall of Fame.

The Notable People Project wrote that he was inducted into the Alabama Writers Hall of Fame in 2018 and received the Truman Capote Prize for Lifetime Achievement in Literary Nonfiction in 2020. In 2026, he received the Heritage Award from the American Museum of Fly Fishing for his contributions to the sport and to fishery conservation.

Gaines was also named a Distinguished Alumnus by both The Altamont School, formerly Birmingham University School, and Birmingham-Southern College, according to The American Museum of Fly Fishing. He periodically taught as an associate professor in the Graduate Creative Writing Program at Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky.

Gaines is survived by his wife, Patricia; children, Latham, Greta and Shelby Gaines; five grandchildren Cassidy and Ryder Haje, and Lucy Bo, Belle and Rose Gaines; and his sister, Hansell Burke, along with her children, Monte, Justin and Chris.

GAINES, Charles (Charles Latham Gaines III)

Born: 1/6/1942, Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.A.

Died: 7/21/2026, Trussville, Alabama, U.S.A.

 

Charles Gaines’ western – actor:

Thomasine & Bushrod - 1974 (bank customer)

RIP Francesco Massaro

 

Director Francesco Massaro has died, he worked with Visconti, Germi, Tognazzi

He was 90 years old, he has conducted in his career among others Serrault, De Sio, Placido, Banfi

 ANSA

July 20, 2026

Francesco died today in Rome Massaro, director, screenwriter and screenwriter, born in Padua on August 23, 1935.

"With him, a protagonist of more than half a century disappears century of Italian cinema and television, a man who had learned the trade on set alongside some of the greatest masters of our cinema and who, over the course of his long career, has been able to tell the story of the country through the great and the small screen, with a particular ability to speak to the large audience".

This is what a family of the director.

His professional history "has its roots in the great season of Italian cinema". Moved to Rome at the beginning In the sixties, Massaro began his apprenticeship as a volunteer assistant director in Luchino's The Leopard Visconti, whose details of the eternal dance scene with Alain Delon and Claudia Cardinale. Its true was however due to Pietro Germi, of whom he was for a long-time years as an assistant director, participating in masterpieces such as Divorce Italian style, Seduced and abandoned and Ladies and Gentlemen, entirely set in his Veneto, in Treviso. Its training ended working alongside directors such as Eduardo De Filippo and Dino Risi, in Straziami, ma di baci saziami (1968). It was at that time that he also met Ugo Tognazzi, destined to play an important role in his career.

In fact, the actor became, together with Mariangela Melato, protagonist of his directorial debut, The General Sleeps in feet (1972), an anti-militarist comedy with grotesque tones.

He became a versatile director, able to move with naturalness between different genres, from comedy to medical drama up to yellow. He has made caustic films such as La banca di Monate (1972), with Walter Chiari and a very talented and award-winning Paolo Bonacelli (1976), and very popular works such as Al bar dello sport (1983), with Lino Banfi and Jerry Calà, as well as productions television series such as Pronto soccorso (1990-1992), with Ferruccio Amendola, "who inaugurated in Italy the medical drama", and the miniseries Secret Province and Secret Province 2 - The crimes of the house on the river.

Massaro "was much more than a director - it is emphasized -. Writing has accompanied his entire life professional". Screenwriter and screenwriter, "he was profoundly attentive to the construction of stories and characters and He collaborated, over the years, with the Pantheon of writers and screenwriters of Italian cinema", including Ugo Pirro, Rodolfo Sonego, Suso Cecchi D'Amico, Luciano Vincenzoni and, in more with Ennio De Concini, Enrico Vanzina, Giuseppe D'Agata, and Franco Ferrini. For him "directing was always born from the story and from writing, even before arriving on set".

In the cinema he has directed, among others, Michel Serrault and Tomas Milian in The Wolf and the Lamb, Diego Abatantuono and Leo Gullotta in I carabbinieri, Jerry Calà and Isabella Ferrari in Domani mi groom, up to Michele Placido, Kate Capshaw and Giuliana De Sio in Meet a friend. Among his latest works are the miniseries Benedetti dal Signore and O la va, o la spacca with Ezio Greggio, in 2004.

"Those who knew him remember his clear character, sometimes rough, but also his taste for storytelling and paradox, humanity and the ability to build authentic relationships - yes he adds -. With Francesco Massaro, a witness disappears precious of an unrepeatable season of Italian cinema, especially of that cinema that was inspired by literature and writing skills, and, at the same time, one of the architects of that popular television that has been able to bring together in front of the screen million people".

MASSARO, Francesco

Born: 8/23/1935, Padua, Veneto, Italy

Died: 7/20/2026, Rome, Lazio, Italy

 

Francesco Massaro’s western – assistant director:

A Stranger in Paso Bravo – 1968

RIP William Wisher

 

CBR

By Jeremy Dick

July 18, 2026

William Wisher Jr., the accomplished screenwriter best known for his collaborations with longtime friend James Cameron, has passed away. He was 71 years old.

 

Wisher's death was announced by his friend, David Poland, in a post shared on X. The post reads, "Sad to announce the passing of screenwriter William Wisher at the age of 71. His credits include T2, The Terminator, Judge Dredd, and Live Free or Die Hard. He loved his wife Debbi… and cigarettes, scotch, and guns. An old friend and a good guy."

Deadpool creator Rob Liefeld also commented on the news, noting in his own X post, "Oh man! William Wisher was a gem. I worked with him for 2 years on separate drafts of The Mark, a movie I set up with Tom Cruise at Paramount. So talented and so kind, full of great stories with Cameron. Rest In Peace."

William Howard Wisher Jr. was born on May 23, 1955. According to an obituary, he died on July 14, 2026. His cause of death is not yet known.

Cameron developed the original concept for The Terminator with Wisher, with the pair collaborating over the phone while fleshing out the script. Wisher also co-wrote a novelization of the beloved sci-fi action movie with Randal Frakes. Cameron and Wisher also both wrote the screenplay for Terminator 2: Judgment Day, which still stands tall as one of the most revered action movies ever made. Many fans and critics also consider T2 to be the best sequel to any film.

William Wisher Jr. Had On-Screen Cameos in Terminator 1 & 2iam Wisher Jr. Had On-Screen Cameos in Terminator 1 & 2

Additionally, Wisher had on-screen appearances in both of the Terminator movies he co-wrote. In the first installment, he appears as a police officer who refers to himself as 1L19; Arnold Schwarzenegger's Terminator incapacitates him before stealing his police cruiser. Wisher later appeared as a mall shopper in T2, where he can be seen taking pictures of Schwarzenegger's Terminator getting back up after being thrown through a window by the T-1000 (Robert Patrick). Cameron has stated that he considers both roles to be the same character.

Wisher also played a reporter in Cameron's The Abyss. His other on-screen credits include roles in Xenogenesis and Martini Ranch: Reach.

Beyond his work with Cameron, Wisher was a writer and executive producer for the Pierce Brosnan thriller I.T. as well as the Bruce Willis action sequel Live Free or Die Hard. He also worked on the scripts for several horror films, including Pumpkinhead, A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child, Exorcist: The Beginning, and Dominon: Prequel to The Exorcist. Wisher's other screenwriting work includes Judge Dredd, The 13th Warrior, Judgment Night, Broken Arrow, Eraser, and Mercury Rising.

WISHER, William (William Howard Manley Wisher Jr.)

Born: 5/23/1955, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A

Died: 7/14/2026, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

 

William Wisher’s western – writer:

Desperado: The Outlaw Wars (TV) – 1989

RIP Patrick Tse Yin

 

Patrick Tse Yin dies at 89: 7 defining movies of the Hong Kong screen legend

Tatler

By Zabrina Lo

July 20, 2026

 

From suave 1960s matinee idol to veteran Hong Kong Film Award winner, the cinema icon Patrick Tse Yin left an indelible mark on Asian pop culture

Legendary Hong Kong actor Patrick Tse Yin died on July 20, 2026, at the age of 89. His death was confirmed by his son, singer-actor Nicholas Tse, and daughter Jennifer Tse via social media statements.

Affectionately known throughout the entertainment industry as Sei Gor (“Fourth Brother”), Tse enjoyed a illustrious career spanning seven decades. His journey began in 1952 at age 16 when he enrolled in the Lingkuang Film Company actor training class, before debuting the following year with Diwa Film Company in In the Lee of the Loom.

In 1956, director Chun Kim recruited him to the newly formed Kong Ngee Company, where Tse catapulted to superstardom with Murder in the Night, making him the highest-paid actor in Southeast Asia at the time.

Renowned for his effortless charm, suave screen presence, and signature sunglasses, Tse transitioned seamlessly from a matinee idol into a versatile director and character actor.

YIN, Patrick Tse

Born: 8/19/1936, Guangdong, China

Died: 7/20/2026, Hong Kong, China

 

Patrick Tse Yin’s western – actor:

Millionaires' Express – 1986 (man at train station)

RIP Terence Donovan

 

Actor Terence Donovan dies aged 90 after more than half a century on Australian screens

ABC News

By Melissa Brown

July 19, 2026

 

Celebrated Australian actor, and Neighbours and Home and Away star, Terence Donovan has died in Melbourne aged 90.

A close up black and white photo of a man smiling while looking at the camera.

Actor Terence Donovan had a decades-long career, with roles in numerous iconic Australian television shows. (Instagram)

His son, fellow actor Jason Donovan, announced the news on Sunday via social media, paying tribute to his beloved father as "larger than life" and "our world".

"It is with great sadness but also a sense of celebration of a long full life that myself and my brother Paul announce our father Terence died peacefully last night here in Melbourne," he wrote.

"Our dad was a huge character, larger than life.

"We will desperately miss him but we take comfort knowing we were all here by his side in his final days."

Jason Donovan said his father lived "life to the max".

"He was our best friend … our world," he said.

"How lucky are we to have a Dad like you."

Born in England in 1935, Terence Donovan moved to Australia as a teenager.

In a social media post, Jason Donovan revealed his father had followed his brother George to Australia in search of a new life and always dreamed of being an entertainer.

He said one of his first TV appearances in Australia was on Channel 7's Live Variety Show in September 1960 at the age of 25, singing 'I've got you under my skin'.

He was a stage actor before launching what would be a decades-long career on Australian television with guest roles in Consider Your Verdict in 1961.

His prolific portfolio featured television, movies and mini-series appearances, including playing Henry Craig in the 1982 movie The Man From Snowy River.

He was best known for roles in Division 4, Cop Shop, Breaker Morant and Power Without Glory.

He had an uncredited role as a policeman in the 1968 movie Oliver! before landing roles in iconic 1980s Australian TV series such as Sons and Daughters, Prisoner, A Country Practice, The Flying Doctors and Blue Heelers.

In 1986, he took on the role of Doug Willis in Neighbours and Al Simpson on Home and Away.

Fellow Neighbours alumni Kylie Minogue has paid tributes on social media.

"Vale Terence," she wrote.

    "Thankful for your kindness and guidance in my early, crazy tv days with Jason. Xx"

Her sister Dannii Minogue joined her in remembering the talented performer.

"What an incredible life and body of work. I'm so glad his family were with him."

Writer and journalist Nikki Gemmell played Donovan's screen teenage daughter in the short film The Winds of Jarrah, during which she stayed at the remote filming location alone.

She remembered him as a kind, dignified, "impossibly handsome man of integrity" with a warm, sunny smile.

"There was my timber-cutter dad, Terry, always looking out for me; checking I was OK and telling me about his family, so proudly; always guiding, encouraging, helping," she wrote.

Donovan was a passionate advocate for Australian content on television.

In 1961, just 1 per cent of drama on Australian television was Australian.

Donovan was one of a number of actors from the series Homicide and Division 4 to march through the centre of Melbourne in 1970 demanding the federal government introduce local content quotas.

He later addressed a crowd on behalf of the Make It Australian committee.

"The facts cannot be ignored that almost all our newspapers, radios and television are controlled by about four men, who I believe have selfishly exploited their privileged position and avoided their responsibility to the Australian community, especially to children, and to the Australians employed in the entertainment community," he said to loud applause.

In 2001, Jason Donovan was the subject of an Australian Story episode.

He explained that he was mostly brought up by his father after his parents divorced when he was five.

"I felt I was in a better position to gain custody and so I got full custody of [Jason]," Terence Donovan told the program.

Jason Donovan posted a tribute to his father on social media on his 90th birthday last year, describing him as his hero.

A black and white photo of a young boy sitting on a park bench and a man standing beside him with one foot on the seat.

Jason Donovan described his father as his best friend. (Instagram: jdonofficial)

He remembered boogie boarding with him at Bondi Beach when he was a child and family road trips between Melbourne and Sydney in the 1970s, playing the Beatles' Abbey Road album in their car.

"Dad, you are complicated yet so simple, unique and limited edition," Jason wrote.

"You've always placed me higher than you, always wanted me to do better than you.

"You've been a best friend, a wing man, biggest critic, a pain in the arse, a nightmare!

"Outrageously outspoken .. and most of the time just outrageous.

    "I can't begin to tell you how many times people say 'god you look like your father'. I'll take it !!"

Jason thanked the staff at Cabrini Hospital Melbourne for looking after his father in his final days.

DONOVAN, Terence (Terence Patrick Donovan)

Born: 10/28/1935, Stalnes, Middlesex, England, U.K.

Died: 7/18/2026, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

 

Terence Donovan’s westerns – actor:

Songs of the Civil War (TV) – 1965

Songs of the Wild West (TV) – 1965

Rush (TV) – 1974-1976 (Doctor Kirby)

Tandara (TV) – 1976 (Sean Daly)

The Man from Snowy River – 1982 (Henry Craig)