Ronnie Rondell Jr., famous for his daring stunt featured on the cover of Pink Floyd's landmark album "Wish You Were Here," passed away on August 12 at a care home in Missouri. With a career that lasted more than half a century, Rondell’s impressive body of work includes roles in well-known films and television shows, such as "Lethal Weapon," "Thelma and Louise," and "Star Trek: First Contact." Born in California in 1937, he made his acting debut in the early 1950s and began his stunt career shortly after.
Rondell's remarkable skills were showcased in numerous projects, including stunts in "Spartacus," "Diamonds are Forever," and "The Karate Kid." One of his standout performances involved leaping from a blazing pole in the 1963 film "Kings of the Sun." He also contributed to action-packed sequences in classics like "Blazing Saddles" and "The Towering Inferno." Later, he transitioned into stunt coordination for films such as "Batman and Robin" and "The Mighty Ducks."
Although many may not know his name, Rondell's iconic stunt for Pink Floyd's album cover in 1975 is unforgettable. Photographer Aubrey Powell recounted the hazardous nature of the shoot, where Rondell and his fellow stuntman faced multiple attempts before an unexpected gust of wind caused an injury. Despite the mishap, Rondell maintained a professional demeanor, attributing it to the job’s risks.
In 1970, he co-founded Stunts Unlimited, a renowned stunts company, which helped shape the careers of many aspiring stunt performers. The organization paid tribute to him on social media, highlighting his mentorship and legacy within the industry.
Rondell, who retired in 2001, received a lifetime achievement award at the Taurus World Stunt Awards in 2004. The legacy of this legendary stuntman lives on through his family, with his father, Ronald R. Rondell, also having made his mark in the industry. His two sons followed in his footsteps, though one tragically lost his life during a helicopter stunt in 1985.
Rondell's remarkable skills were showcased in numerous projects, including stunts in "Spartacus," "Diamonds are Forever," and "The Karate Kid." One of his standout performances involved leaping from a blazing pole in the 1963 film "Kings of the Sun." He also contributed to action-packed sequences in classics like "Blazing Saddles" and "The Towering Inferno." Later, he transitioned into stunt coordination for films such as "Batman and Robin" and "The Mighty Ducks."
Although many may not know his name, Rondell's iconic stunt for Pink Floyd's album cover in 1975 is unforgettable. Photographer Aubrey Powell recounted the hazardous nature of the shoot, where Rondell and his fellow stuntman faced multiple attempts before an unexpected gust of wind caused an injury. Despite the mishap, Rondell maintained a professional demeanor, attributing it to the job’s risks.
In 1970, he co-founded Stunts Unlimited, a renowned stunts company, which helped shape the careers of many aspiring stunt performers. The organization paid tribute to him on social media, highlighting his mentorship and legacy within the industry.
Rondell, who retired in 2001, received a lifetime achievement award at the Taurus World Stunt Awards in 2004. The legacy of this legendary stuntman lives on through his family, with his father, Ronald R. Rondell, also having made his mark in the industry. His two sons followed in his footsteps, though one tragically lost his life during a helicopter stunt in 1985.
