Ronnie Rondell Jr., the iconic Hollywood stuntman who gained notoriety for being set ablaze on the cover of Pink Floyd's revered *Wish You Were Here* album, has died at the age of 88. His obituary announced that he passed away on August 12 at a care facility in Missouri.
Born in California in 1937, Rondell’s journey in the entertainment world began as a teenager when he appeared in the family film *Ma and Pa Kettle at the Fair*. He launched his stunt career in the mid-'50s on the TV series *Soldiers of Fortune*, and throughout the subsequent decades became a well-known figure working on popular shows like *Charlie's Angels*, *Dynasty*, and *Baywatch*, as well as classic films such as *Spartacus*, *Diamonds Are Forever*, and *The Karate Kid*.
One of Rondell's most memorable stunts was when he leaped from a burning pole in the 1963 film *Kings of the Sun*. His skills in fire stunts were highlighted during the making of *The Towering Inferno*, among other productions. Notably, during the photoshoot for the *Wish You Were Here* album in 1975, he suffered minor burns as a result of a sudden wind change that directed the flames toward his face, costing him an eyebrow and part of his moustache.
In 1970, Rondell founded his own stunts company, Stunts Unlimited, and marked his retirement in 2001, with his final credit being on *The Matrix Reloaded* in 2003. His significant contributions to the stunt world earned him a lifetime achievement honor at the Taurus World Stunt Awards in 2004.
Rondell’s legacy carries on through his family; both of his sons followed in their father's footsteps in the film industry. Tragically, one of his sons, Reid, lost his life in 1985 during a helicopter stunt for the TV series *Airwolf*. Ronnie Rondell Jr. leaves behind his wife Mary and son Ronald, who continue to remember his contributions to the art of stunt performance.
