**Hollywood Stuntman Ronnie Rondell Jr., Known for Iconic Pink Floyd Album Cover, Passes Away at 88**
Ronnie Rondell Jr., the legendary Hollywood stuntman renowned for his daring stunt on the cover of Pink Floyd’s emblematic *Wish You Were Here* album, has passed away at the age of 88. His death occurred on August 12, 2025, in a care home located in Missouri, as indicated by an online obituary. Rondell’s extensive career in the film industry is highlighted by his involvement in numerous high-profile projects.
Throughout his illustrious career, Rondell contributed to a variety of films and television shows, leaving a mark on classics such as *Lethal Weapon*, *Thelma and Louise*, and *Star Trek: First Contact*. He is survived by his wife, Mary Rondell, and his son, Ronald Jr., who continues the family legacy in the entertainment industry.
Rondell was born in California in 1937. His path to becoming a stuntman began during his teenage years when he first appeared on screen in the 1950s film *Ma and Pa Kettle at the Fair*. He soon took on his first stunt role for the television series *Soldiers of Fortune*, which aired from 1955 to 1957. Over the ensuing decades, Rondell showcased his remarkable skills across numerous TV series such as *Charlie’s Angels*, *Dynasty*, and *Baywatch*, as well as in films spanning from *Spartacus* to *The Karate Kid*.
One of Rondell’s most significant stunts involved an audacious leap from a burning pole, an act he performed for the 1963 film *Kings of the Sun*. His proficiency in executing dangerous scenes was further evident in his work on various productions, including fight scenes in *Shenandoah*, bar brawls in *Blazing Saddles* (1974), and creating captivating fire scenes in *The Towering Inferno*, released the same year.
In the later stages of his profession, he served as a stunt coordinator for films such as *Batman and Robin* and *The Mighty Ducks*. Despite being less recognized by name, many movie-goers are undoubtedly familiar with the striking image of Rondell, set ablaze while shaking hands with fellow stuntman Danny Rogers for the *Wish You Were Here* cover, photographed by Aubrey Powell in 1975.
Powell recounts that Rondell had initial hesitations about performing the stunt, believing it was more perilous than typical action sequences. For protection, Rondell was dressed in a flame-retardant suit and coated with gel. The stunt was executed successfully 14 times, but during the 15th attempt, a sudden shift in wind resulted in flames burning his face, leading to the loss of an eyebrow and part of his signature moustache. Despite the incident, Rondell remained gracious, viewing it as merely part of his professional duties in the film industry.
In 1970, Rondell became a co-founder of *Stunts Unlimited*, a stunts company in California. The organization recognized him posthumously for his mentorship and groundbreaking work, stating, “In a class all his own, Ronnie was a generous mentor whose talents set the bar for every aspiring stunt person. He was deeply respected, admired, and loved.”
Having officially retired in 2001, Rondell did partake in a final stunt for *The Matrix Reloaded*, which some may regard as a fitting farewell to a remarkable career. He received lifetime achievement recognition at the Taurus World Stunt Awards in 2004, marking a culmination of his impactful contributions to the film and stunt community.
Rondell’s legacy extends beyond his own achievements; he comes from a distinguished family in the entertainment industry. His father, Ronald R. Rondell, was an actor and assistant director renowned for his work on the esteemed 1956 adaptation of Jules Verne’s *Around the World in 80 Days*. Tragically, one of Rondell’s sons, Reid, also sought a career in stunts but lost his life while performing a helicopter stunt for the television series *Airwolf* in 1985.
Ronnie Rondell Jr.’s death marks the end of an era for a filmmaker who, through fire and action, captured the essence of being a stunt performer. His contributions will continue to inspire generations within the film community.
