Rondell's extensive stunt career spanned over five decades, featuring his work on numerous famous films and television series, alongside a legacy in stunt coordination.
**Hollywood Stuntman Ronnie Rondell Jr. Passes Away at 88, Remembered for Iconic Pink Floyd Cover**
**Hollywood Stuntman Ronnie Rondell Jr. Passes Away at 88, Remembered for Iconic Pink Floyd Cover**
Renowned Hollywood stuntman Ronnie Rondell Jr., known for his fiery appearance on the cover of Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here," has died at the age of 88.
Ronnie Rondell Jr., a legendary figure in Hollywood stunt work, passed away on August 12 at a care home in Missouri at the age of 88. Best known for his dramatic representation on the cover of Pink Floyd's 1975 album "Wish You Were Here," where he was set alight while shaking hands with fellow stuntman Danny Rogers, Rondell's death marks the end of an era for the stunt community.
Born in California in 1937, he began his career in acting as a teenager, appearing in the film "Ma and Pa Kettle at the Fair." He transitioned into stunt work with "Soldiers of Fortune," marking the beginning of a notable career that would span over 50 years. His remarkable talent led him to participate in high-profile productions including "Lethal Weapon," "Thelma and Louise," and "Star Trek: First Contact."
Throughout the 1960s and into the 1990s, Rondell became a fixture in the industry with appearances on popular television series such as "Charlie's Angels," "Dynasty," and "Baywatch." He was celebrated for performing daring stunts, including a notable leap from a flaming pole in the 1963 film "Kings of the Sun," which showcased his bravery and skill.
Rondell's experience extended to coordinating stunts, where he contributed to the making of "Batman and Robin" and "The Mighty Ducks." Post-retirement in 2001, his final credit was for "The Matrix Reloaded" in 2003, proving his lasting impact on the film industry. His dedication to the craft earned him recognition, including a lifetime achievement award at the Taurus World Stunt Awards in 2004.
Despite his prominent stunts, many might recall his face from that fateful photoshoot for Pink Floyd when a sudden wind change caused him to sustain minor burns; an incident that resulted in the loss of an eyebrow and part of his renowned moustache.
Rondell's connections to the film industry ran deep; his father, Ronald R Rondell, was also established in Hollywood as an actor and assistant director. Tragically, the legacy carries a bittersweet note with the passing of one of his sons, Reid, who died performing a helicopter stunt for the TV series "Airwolf" in 1985.
With his passing, Ronnie Rondell Jr. leaves behind not just a family, including his wife Mary and son Ronald, but also an indelible mark on the world of stunts that will be remembered by both fans and fellow professionals.
