Ronnie Rondell's legacy as a pioneering stuntman and talented actor spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark in the world of film and television.
Stunt Legend Ronnie Rondell Jr. Passes Away at 88, Notable for Iconic Pink Floyd Album Art
Stunt Legend Ronnie Rondell Jr. Passes Away at 88, Notable for Iconic Pink Floyd Album Art
Hollywood pays tribute to the esteemed stuntman renowned for his daring acts both on and off screen.
Ronnie Rondell Jr., the fearless Hollywood stuntman best known for his role in the memorable cover of Pink Floyd's classic album "Wish You Were Here," has passed away at the age of 88. His death on 12 August occurred at a care facility in Missouri, as confirmed by an online obituary. Rondell's prolific career, which spanned over 50 years, included work in numerous films and television series such as "Lethal Weapon," "Thelma and Louise," and "Star Trek: First Contact." He is survived by his wife, Mary, and their son, Ronald.
Born in California in 1937, Rondell embarked on his acting journey as a teenager, making his first appearance in the film "Ma and Pa Kettle at the Fair." His stunt career began with the TV series "Soldiers of Fortune," running from 1955 to 1957. Throughout the 1960s to the 1990s, he contributed to several notable productions, from US TV classics like "Charlie's Angels" and "Dynasty" to iconic films like "Spartacus" and "The Karate Kid."
One of his notable feats occurred in the 1963 film "Kings of the Sun," where he executed a daring jump from a burning pole. Rondell showcased his remarkable skills in various action sequences, including a memorable bar fight in the 1974 comedy "Blazing Saddles" and thrilling fire stunts in "The Towering Inferno." He later served as a stunt coordinator for major films such as "Batman and Robin" and "The Mighty Ducks."
Although many may not know his name, Rondell's dramatic stunt for Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" album cover made him an indelible part of music history. He performed the dangerous act of shaking hands with fellow stuntman Danny Rogers while engulfed in flames, an experience he described as more perilous than typical film action. Despite suffering minor burns during the shoot, Rondell remained professional and reliable.
Rondell co-founded "Stunts Unlimited," a prestigious stunt company in California in 1970, and was lauded as a generous mentor who set high standards in the industry. A heartfelt tribute posted by the company reflected on his exceptional legacy, stating, "Ronnie was not just a legend, he was legendary and will be deeply missed."
After his retirement in 2001, Rondell made his final stunt appearance in "The Matrix Reloaded" in 2003 and received a lifetime achievement award at the Taurus World Stunt Awards in 2004. He hailed from a family of performers; his father was an actor and assistant director known for representing talent in early cinema, while his sons continued the legacy, with one tragically passing away during a stunt in 1985.
Born in California in 1937, Rondell embarked on his acting journey as a teenager, making his first appearance in the film "Ma and Pa Kettle at the Fair." His stunt career began with the TV series "Soldiers of Fortune," running from 1955 to 1957. Throughout the 1960s to the 1990s, he contributed to several notable productions, from US TV classics like "Charlie's Angels" and "Dynasty" to iconic films like "Spartacus" and "The Karate Kid."
One of his notable feats occurred in the 1963 film "Kings of the Sun," where he executed a daring jump from a burning pole. Rondell showcased his remarkable skills in various action sequences, including a memorable bar fight in the 1974 comedy "Blazing Saddles" and thrilling fire stunts in "The Towering Inferno." He later served as a stunt coordinator for major films such as "Batman and Robin" and "The Mighty Ducks."
Although many may not know his name, Rondell's dramatic stunt for Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" album cover made him an indelible part of music history. He performed the dangerous act of shaking hands with fellow stuntman Danny Rogers while engulfed in flames, an experience he described as more perilous than typical film action. Despite suffering minor burns during the shoot, Rondell remained professional and reliable.
Rondell co-founded "Stunts Unlimited," a prestigious stunt company in California in 1970, and was lauded as a generous mentor who set high standards in the industry. A heartfelt tribute posted by the company reflected on his exceptional legacy, stating, "Ronnie was not just a legend, he was legendary and will be deeply missed."
After his retirement in 2001, Rondell made his final stunt appearance in "The Matrix Reloaded" in 2003 and received a lifetime achievement award at the Taurus World Stunt Awards in 2004. He hailed from a family of performers; his father was an actor and assistant director known for representing talent in early cinema, while his sons continued the legacy, with one tragically passing away during a stunt in 1985.
