Ronnie Rondell Jr., a famed stuntman from Hollywood, took his last breath at a senior living facility in Osage Beach, Missouri. He was 88 years old. Rondell was most famous for Pink Floyd’s album cover of the song “Wish You Were Here.” He was set to fire 15 times for the cover picture due to numerous retakes, and even lost one eyebrow in the final take.
Ronnie’s bereaved family includes his 56-year-old wife, Mary Rondell, and his son, R.A. Rondell, along with his grandchildren and brother Ric.
Rondell began his career with training in gymnastics, diving, and aerial skills. After his honorable services in the US Navy, he decided to shift his career into stuntwork, performing a wide array of daring acts. Rondell worked in over 200 productions such as Thelma, Lethal Weapon, Baywatch, The Matrix Reloaded, Lousie, and many more.
The longtime stuntman later founded his own company called Stunts Unlimited in 1970 with Glenn Wilder and Hal Needham.
Photographer Aubrey Powell quoted that “Rondell noted the stunt for Pink Floyd’s cover was indeed dangerous, as standing still on fire is comparatively riskier than running with the fire behind you or falling with fire blazing above you.”
“Ronnie was gracious about it,” Powell added.
His graciousness and passion for work reflect through his journey of life, not just professional but also personal. Ronnie lost his 22-year-old son, Reid Rondell, in a tragic helicopter crash near Los Angeles while shooting as a stunt double for actor Jan-Michael Vincent on the TV series Airwolf.
In 2004, Rodell was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Taurus World Stunt Awards. And he also made it to the Hollywood Stuntman’s Hall of Fame.
Ronnie Rondell Jr. was a master of his craft with precision and discipline, and his legacy continues as Stunts Unlimited remembers him not just as their founder but as a legend of stunt arts.
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