Ronnie Rondell Jr., a distinguished Hollywood stuntman, passed away on August 12 at a Missouri care home at the age of 88. A well-known figure in the film industry, Rondell's career stretched over more than 50 years, during which he worked on numerous films and television shows including "Lethal Weapon," "Thelma and Louise," and "Star Trek: First Contact."
Born in California in 1937, Rondell began acting as a teenager in the film "Ma and Pa Kettle at the Fair" before transitioning to stunts with the TV series "Soldiers of Fortune" from 1955 to 1957. Throughout his extensive career, he contributed his talents to many notable US TV series such as "Charlie's Angels," "Dynasty," and "Baywatch," and iconic films like "Spartacus," "Diamonds are Forever," and "The Karate Kid."
Rondell is also well-remembered for his perilous stunt for the cover of Pink Floyd's 1975 album "Wish You Were Here." He performed a stunt where he shook hands with fellow stuntman Danny Rogers while engulfed in flames. Despite his initial hesitance, Rondell completed the stunt successfully, sustaining minor injuries on the 15th attempt when the fire unexpectedly changed direction.
Beyond acting and stunt performance, he was a co-founder of the stunt company Stunts Unlimited in 1970. A tribute on social media highlighted his significant impact on aspiring stunt performers and acknowledged him as a legend in the industry. Even after his retirement in 2001, Rondell contributed to films, earning his last credit in the car chase scene of "The Matrix Reloaded" in 2003.
His legacy continues through his family; both of his sons have worked in the industry, though one tragically passed away during a stunt. Rondell's contributions were recognized with a lifetime achievement award at the Taurus World Stunt Awards in 2004. His loss leaves a striking gap in the world of stunts and film.
