Esteemed Hollywood stuntman and notable Pink Floyd pyrotechnician, Ronnie Rondell Jr., passes away at 88 years old
Renowned Stuntman Ronnie Rondell Jr. Passes Away at 88
Ronnie Rondell Jr., a legendary Hollywood stuntman, has died at the age of 88. Known for his daring stunts and iconic work in over 200 films, Rondell left an indelible mark on the action genre.
Born in Hollywood in 1937, Rondell's career began in the entertainment industry when he served in the US Navy before starting work as an extra on TV. His passion for adventure led him to become a stuntman, and he quickly rose to fame for his work on films such as "How The West Was Won," "Blazing Saddles," "Lethal Weapon," "The Matrix Reloaded," and many more.
In 1970, Rondell co-founded Stunts Unlimited, an elite stunt collective representing motorcycle racers, car drivers, horsemen, pilots, and fight choreographers. His contributions to the stunt industry were recognised with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Taurus World Stunt Awards in 2004 and an induction into the Hollywood Stuntman’s Hall of Fame.
One of Rondell's most iconic moments came in 1975 when he was set on fire for the cover photo of Pink Floyd's album "Wish You Were Here." Wearing a specially designed fireproof suit under a business suit, Rondell was doused in gasoline and filmed shaking hands with another man while engulfed in flames, completing multiple takes despite some minor burns.
Rondell also worked on numerous classic TV shows like "Charlie's Angels," "Baywatch," and "Baretta." Some of his notable film credits include "Kings Of The Sun," "Diamonds Are Forever," "Commando," "They Live," "The Hunt For Red October," "Thelma & Louise," "Last Action Hero," "Speed," "The Crow," and "Batman & Robin."
In 2000, Rondell retired but returned for one final film, "The Matrix Reloaded" (2003), where he was responsible for the iconic chase sequence.
Rondell is survived by his wife Mary Rondell, his son R.A. Rondell, and his grandchildren.
The cover image for Pink Floyd's album "Wish You Were Here" was created by Storm Thorgerson and Aubrey Powell of the English art design group Hipgnosis. The cover remains enduringly popular among music fans and is considered one of the greatest album covers of all time. During the photo shoot for the cover, Rondell lost an eyebrow and his moustache.
Rondell's legacy will live on in the countless action sequences he helped create and the countless lives he inspired. His spirit of adventure and dedication to his craft will continue to inspire future generations of stunt performers.
[1] IMDb: Ronnie Rondell Jr. (1937-2025) [2] The Hollywood Reporter: Ronnie Rondell Jr., Veteran Stuntman, Dies at 88 [3] Variety: Ronnie Rondell Jr., Legendary Stuntman, Dead at 88 [4] The New York Times: Ronnie Rondell Jr., Stuntman on Over 200 Films, Dies at 88
