Ronnie Rondell Jr., a well-known stuntman and actor, has passed away at 88. He died on August 12 in a care facility in Missouri. Rondell is perhaps best remembered for his iconic stunt featured on the cover of Pink Floyd’s 1975 album, “Wish You Were Here,” where he was set on fire while shaking hands with fellow stuntman Danny Rogers.
Born in California in 1937, Rondell began his acting career as a teenager, landing his first role in the movie “Ma and Pa Kettle at the Fair.” He transitioned to stunt work in the mid-1950s, starting with the TV series “Soldiers of Fortune.” Over the next several decades, he contributed to numerous films and shows, including “Lethal Weapon,” “Thelma & Louise,” and “Star Trek: First Contact.”
His stunt portfolio was impressive. One standout moment was a daring leap from a flaming pole in the 1963 film “Kings of the Sun.” He was involved in memorable scenes in classics like “Spartacus,” “Diamonds Are Forever,” and “The Karate Kid.” Rondell also played a key role in creating action scenes as a stunt coordinator in films like “Batman and Robin” and “The Mighty Ducks.”
Despite his fame, many might not know his name, but he left a lasting mark in the industry. In 2001, he retired but continued to leave his mark, earning a final credit for his work on “The Matrix Reloaded” in 2003. In 2004, he was recognized with a lifetime achievement award at the Taurus World Stunt Awards for his contributions to stunt work.
Rondell’s family had deep roots in the film industry. His father, Ronald R Rondell, was an actor and assistant director. Tragically, one of Rondell’s two sons, Reid, died performing a stunt for the TV series “Airwolf” in 1985.
Rondell’s legacy lives on not just in the films he worked on, but also in the lives he touched in the stunt community. As the industry evolves, his groundbreaking work continues to inspire new generations of stunt performers.
For more insight into the impact of stunt work in film, you can explore the American Stuntmen Association, which promotes safety and standards in the industry.
