Ronnie Rondell Jr., renowned for his daring stunt featured on the cover of Pink Floyd's iconic album "Wish You Were Here," has died at the age of 88. His death occurred on August 12 at a care home in Missouri, as confirmed by his online obituary. Rondell’s impressive career stretched over 50 years, during which he contributed to numerous films and television programs, including notable titles like "Lethal Weapon," "Thelma and Louise," and "Star Trek: First Contact."
Born in California in 1937, Rondell began his acting career as a teenager in the 1950s, gaining recognition in the film "Ma and Pa Kettle at the Fair." He ventured into stunts with his first role in the TV series "Soldiers of Fortune." His extensive résumé includes work on classic TV shows like "Charlie's Angels," "Dynasty," and "Baywatch," as well as films such as "Spartacus," "Diamonds are Forever," and "The Karate Kid."
Rondell is perhaps best remembered for an unforgettable stunt where he was set ablaze for the 1975 Pink Floyd album cover. Although the incident caused him to lose part of his eyebrow and signature moustache, it solidified his place in pop culture. He also ran his own stunts company, Stunts Unlimited, established in California in 1970 and continued to work until his retirement in 2001, with a final stunt credit for "The Matrix Reloaded" in 2003.
In recognition of his contributions to the industry, Rondell received a lifetime achievement award at the Taurus World Stunt Awards in 2004. He comes from a family deeply rooted in entertainment; his father was also in the industry, and although both of his sons pursued similar paths, one tragically passed away while performing a stunt in 1985. As the legacy of Ronnie Rondell is celebrated, he will be remembered not just for his daring stunts but for his enduring influence on Hollywood stunts across the decades.
