Ronnie Rondell Jr., the acclaimed Hollywood stunt performer recognised globally as the burning businessman on the cover of Pink Floyd's iconic 1975 album "Wish You Were Here," has passed away. His family confirmed he died earlier this week at a care facility in Osage Beach, Missouri, at the age of 88.

Rondell Jr. enjoyed a prolific six-decade career performing dangerous feats in major films and television series. His most visually striking contribution remains the "Wish You Were Here" photoshoot on the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank, California, where his moustache was singed off while engulfed in flames.

Renowned for his diving, gymnastics, and hang-gliding expertise, Rondell Jr.'s filmography included numerous classics:

  • Early Pioneering: How the West Was Won (1962), Ice Station Zebra (1968), and the fiery pole jump in Kings of the Sun (1963).
  • Bond & Comedy: He doubled in Diamonds Are Forever (1971) and appeared in Mel Brooks' Blazing Saddles (1974).
  • Action Mainstays: Key stunt work in Lethal Weapon (1987), Thelma & Louise (1991), Speed (1994), Star Trek: First Contact (1996), and Twister (1996).
  • Matrix Return: Came out of retirement for a high-speed chase in The Matrix Reloaded (2003), coordinated by his son, R.A. Rondell.

Born into a film industry family in Hollywood in 1937, Rondell Jr. leveraged his gymnastics and diving skills, later honing scuba and demolition expertise in the US Navy. Starting as an extra, he rose through TV stunt roles and co-founded the elite agency Stunts Unlimited, representing top-tier action professionals.

His family legacy includes his father, Ronald R. Rondell (assistant director), and son R.A. Rondell (stunt coordinator). Tragically, another son, Reid Rondell, died in a 1985 helicopter stunt accident on the set of "Airwolf."

Ronnie Rondell Jr. is survived by Mary Rondell, his wife of 56 years, son R.A. Rondell, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

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#Obituary #Ronnie Rondell Jr. #Hollywood Stuntman #Pink Floyd #Wish You Were Here