Rondell's remarkable career spanned over five decades, featuring work in countless blockbuster films and television series.
Hollywood Stuntman Ronnie Rondell, Iconic for Pink Floyd Cover, Passes Away at 88
Hollywood Stuntman Ronnie Rondell, Iconic for Pink Floyd Cover, Passes Away at 88
Ronnie Rondell Jr, renowned stuntman and actor, credited for his fiery appearance on Pink Floyd's album cover, dies at 88.
Ronnie Rondell Jr., a distinguished Hollywood stuntman recognized for his daring portrayal on the cover of Pink Floyd's legendary album "Wish You Were Here," has died at the age of 88. He passed away on August 12 at a care facility located in Missouri. His obituary was published online, outlining his extensive career in the entertainment industry.
Over his 50-plus years in the business, Rondell was a prominent figure in numerous films and television shows, including acclaimed titles such as "Lethal Weapon," "Thelma and Louise," and "Star Trek: First Contact." He leaves behind his wife, Mary, and son Ronald Jr.
Rondell was born in California in 1937 and began his acting journey as a teenager with a role in the 1950 film "Ma and Pa Kettle at the Fair." He first stepped into the world of stunts while working on the television show "Soldiers of Fortune" from 1955 to 1957. Between the 1960s and 1990s, he contributed to a variety of notable US TV shows, including classics like "Charlie's Angels," "Dynasty," and "Baywatch," in addition to films such as "Spartacus," "Diamonds Are Forever," and "The Karate Kid."
One of Rondell's most memorable performances was his daring stunt of jumping from a flaming pole in the 1963 movie "Kings of the Sun." He also executed thrilling fight scenes in the 1965 film "Shenandoah," participated in a bar brawl in the 1974 comedy "Blazing Saddles," and pulled off impressive fire stunts in "The Towering Inferno."
In later years, he advanced to stunt coordinating, contributing to films including "Batman and Robin" and "The Mighty Ducks." Notably, during the photoshoot for Pink Floyd's 1975 album cover, Rondell suffered minor burns when the wind changed direction, inadvertently setting his clothing ablaze as he shook hands with fellow stuntman Danny Rogers.
Rondell founded a stunt company called Stunts Unlimited in California in 1970. He continued to work in the industry until his retirement in 2001, with his last stunt credit appearing in "The Matrix Reloaded" in 2003, during an intricate car chase scene.
In recognition of his contributions to the craft, Rondell received a lifetime achievement award from the Taurus World Stunt Awards in 2004. Stunt work ran in his blood; both his father, Ronald R. Rondell, and his sons pursued careers in the film industry. Tragically, one of his sons, Reid, lost his life in a helicopter stunt accident while filming for the TV series "Airwolf" in 1985.
Over his 50-plus years in the business, Rondell was a prominent figure in numerous films and television shows, including acclaimed titles such as "Lethal Weapon," "Thelma and Louise," and "Star Trek: First Contact." He leaves behind his wife, Mary, and son Ronald Jr.
Rondell was born in California in 1937 and began his acting journey as a teenager with a role in the 1950 film "Ma and Pa Kettle at the Fair." He first stepped into the world of stunts while working on the television show "Soldiers of Fortune" from 1955 to 1957. Between the 1960s and 1990s, he contributed to a variety of notable US TV shows, including classics like "Charlie's Angels," "Dynasty," and "Baywatch," in addition to films such as "Spartacus," "Diamonds Are Forever," and "The Karate Kid."
One of Rondell's most memorable performances was his daring stunt of jumping from a flaming pole in the 1963 movie "Kings of the Sun." He also executed thrilling fight scenes in the 1965 film "Shenandoah," participated in a bar brawl in the 1974 comedy "Blazing Saddles," and pulled off impressive fire stunts in "The Towering Inferno."
In later years, he advanced to stunt coordinating, contributing to films including "Batman and Robin" and "The Mighty Ducks." Notably, during the photoshoot for Pink Floyd's 1975 album cover, Rondell suffered minor burns when the wind changed direction, inadvertently setting his clothing ablaze as he shook hands with fellow stuntman Danny Rogers.
Rondell founded a stunt company called Stunts Unlimited in California in 1970. He continued to work in the industry until his retirement in 2001, with his last stunt credit appearing in "The Matrix Reloaded" in 2003, during an intricate car chase scene.
In recognition of his contributions to the craft, Rondell received a lifetime achievement award from the Taurus World Stunt Awards in 2004. Stunt work ran in his blood; both his father, Ronald R. Rondell, and his sons pursued careers in the film industry. Tragically, one of his sons, Reid, lost his life in a helicopter stunt accident while filming for the TV series "Airwolf" in 1985.
