Ronnie Rondell Jr., who notably performed the fire stunt for the cover of Pink Floyd's 1975 album "Wish You Were Here," has died at age 88. Rondell's illustrious career spanned over five decades, during which he contributed to numerous films and TV series. According to an online obituary, he passed away in a care home in Missouri.
Born in California in 1937, Rondell's journey in entertainment began as a teenager with a role in "Ma and Pa Kettle at the Fair." He transitioned to stunt work in the TV series "Soldiers of Fortune." His remarkable career included stunts in classics like "Lethal Weapon," "Thelma and Louise," and "Star Trek: First Contact."
Rondell's name might not be universally recognized, but his dramatic stunt on the cover of Pink Floyd's album remains iconic, where he was famously set alight while shaking hands with fellow stuntman Danny Rogers. This shoot resulted in minor burns for Rondell, who humorously lost an eyebrow and part of his mustache.
He established his own stunts company, Stunts Unlimited, in California in 1970, and remained active until his retirement in 2001, with his final credited stunt occurring in "The Matrix Reloaded" in 2003. To commemorate his industry contributions, he received a lifetime achievement award at the Taurus World Stunt Awards in 2004.
Rondell's family also shares a rich history in entertainment; his father Ronald R. Rondell was an actor and assistant director, while both of his sons have worked in the industry. Tragically, one son, Reid, lost his life while performing a helicopter stunt for the TV show "Airwolf" in 1985.
Born in California in 1937, Rondell's journey in entertainment began as a teenager with a role in "Ma and Pa Kettle at the Fair." He transitioned to stunt work in the TV series "Soldiers of Fortune." His remarkable career included stunts in classics like "Lethal Weapon," "Thelma and Louise," and "Star Trek: First Contact."
Rondell's name might not be universally recognized, but his dramatic stunt on the cover of Pink Floyd's album remains iconic, where he was famously set alight while shaking hands with fellow stuntman Danny Rogers. This shoot resulted in minor burns for Rondell, who humorously lost an eyebrow and part of his mustache.
He established his own stunts company, Stunts Unlimited, in California in 1970, and remained active until his retirement in 2001, with his final credited stunt occurring in "The Matrix Reloaded" in 2003. To commemorate his industry contributions, he received a lifetime achievement award at the Taurus World Stunt Awards in 2004.
Rondell's family also shares a rich history in entertainment; his father Ronald R. Rondell was an actor and assistant director, while both of his sons have worked in the industry. Tragically, one son, Reid, lost his life while performing a helicopter stunt for the TV show "Airwolf" in 1985.
