Ronnie Rondell Jr, the Hollywood stuntman best recognized for his daring appearance on the cover of Pink Floyd's iconic album, "Wish You Were Here," has passed away at the age of 88. His family has confirmed that he died on August 12 at a care facility in Missouri. With a career spanning over five decades, Rondell worked on a multitude of films and television shows, leaving an indelible mark in Hollywood history.
Born in California in 1937, Rondell began his acting career as a teenager, establishing himself in the industry with early roles, including a part in the film "Ma and Pa Kettle at the Fair." His first credited stunt role came on the TV series "Soldiers of Fortune" from 1955 to 1957, showcasing his skills that would later lead him to success in various major productions.
Rondell’s impressive portfolio includes contributions to iconic films such as "Lethal Weapon," "Thelma and Louise," and "Star Trek: First Contact." His memorable stunts, including a hair-raising leap from a flaming pole for the movie "Kings of the Sun," exhibited his fearlessness. One of the most notable moments in his career was during the photo shoot for Pink Floyd's album in 1975, where a change in the wind caused flame injuries to his face, notably singeing an eyebrow and part of his moustache.
Throughout the years, he made a name for himself working on popular TV series like "Charlie’s Angels," "Dynasty," and "Baywatch," and played pivotal roles in films such as "Spartacus" and "The Karate Kid." In addition to performing stunts, Rondell also directed stunt coordination for films like "Batman and Robin" and "The Mighty Ducks," cementing his status as a skilled professional in his field.
Rondell retired from stunt work in 2001 but made a lasting impression with his final stunt credit on "The Matrix Reloaded" in 2003, participating in a high-octane car chase. His contributions were honored in 2004 with a lifetime achievement award at the Taurus World Stunt Awards.
Tragically, the legacy of performance runs deep in Rondell’s family. His father, Ronald R Rondell, was involved in the film industry as both an actor and assistant director, while both of Rondell’s sons followed in his footsteps. One of them, Reid, died tragically while performing a helicopter stunt for the TV series "Airwolf" in 1985. Rondell is survived by his wife, Mary, and son Ronald, who will carry on the family’s artistic legacy.
Born in California in 1937, Rondell began his acting career as a teenager, establishing himself in the industry with early roles, including a part in the film "Ma and Pa Kettle at the Fair." His first credited stunt role came on the TV series "Soldiers of Fortune" from 1955 to 1957, showcasing his skills that would later lead him to success in various major productions.
Rondell’s impressive portfolio includes contributions to iconic films such as "Lethal Weapon," "Thelma and Louise," and "Star Trek: First Contact." His memorable stunts, including a hair-raising leap from a flaming pole for the movie "Kings of the Sun," exhibited his fearlessness. One of the most notable moments in his career was during the photo shoot for Pink Floyd's album in 1975, where a change in the wind caused flame injuries to his face, notably singeing an eyebrow and part of his moustache.
Throughout the years, he made a name for himself working on popular TV series like "Charlie’s Angels," "Dynasty," and "Baywatch," and played pivotal roles in films such as "Spartacus" and "The Karate Kid." In addition to performing stunts, Rondell also directed stunt coordination for films like "Batman and Robin" and "The Mighty Ducks," cementing his status as a skilled professional in his field.
Rondell retired from stunt work in 2001 but made a lasting impression with his final stunt credit on "The Matrix Reloaded" in 2003, participating in a high-octane car chase. His contributions were honored in 2004 with a lifetime achievement award at the Taurus World Stunt Awards.
Tragically, the legacy of performance runs deep in Rondell’s family. His father, Ronald R Rondell, was involved in the film industry as both an actor and assistant director, while both of Rondell’s sons followed in his footsteps. One of them, Reid, died tragically while performing a helicopter stunt for the TV series "Airwolf" in 1985. Rondell is survived by his wife, Mary, and son Ronald, who will carry on the family’s artistic legacy.
