Les Mills: key obituary facts
Is Les Mills dead? Yes. Les Mills died on June 29, 2026, at age 91.
Cause of death: Les Mills's cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
What was Les Mills known for?
He was a New Zealand athlete and politician.
More about Les Mills
Born: 1 November 1934.
Place of birth: Auckland.
Gender: male.
Occupation: athletics competitor, politician, shot putter.
Nationality: New Zealand.
Awards: Member of the Order of the British Empire.
Also known as: Leslie Roy Mills.
Les Mills, a New Zealand shot put and discus thrower and politician, died on June 29, 2026, aged 91.
Born Leslie Roy Mills in Auckland on November 1, 1934, he represented New Zealand at four Olympic Games between 1964 and 1972 and won five Commonwealth Games medals, including gold in the discus at the 1966 Games. Mills opened his first gym in 1968, later lending his name to Les Mills International, the fitness company founded by his son Phillip Mills.
He also served as mayor of Auckland from 1990 to 1998 and coached New Zealand throwers, including Beatrice Faumuina. His shot put record stood as a national mark for 44 years.