Ronnie Rondell Jr., a revered figure in the world of Hollywood stunts, whose striking image was immortalized on the cover of Pink Floyd’s seminal 1975 album, “Wish You Were Here,” passed away on Tuesday at the age of 88. His death was announced by his family in an online obituary, with no specific cause provided. Mr. Rondell’s career spanned over five decades, establishing him as a veteran performer whose contributions shaped numerous iconic films and television series.
Born into a family deeply entrenched in the stunt industry, Mr. Rondell distinguished himself through a remarkable blend of physical prowess, audacious courage, and an unyielding commitment to his craft. Beyond the memorable album cover, his extensive filmography includes appearances in blockbusters such as “Twister,” “The Matrix Reloaded,” “How the West Was Won,” and “Lethal Weapon,” alongside his vital work as a stunt coordinator for popular television shows like “Charlie’s Angels.” His life represented a testament to the often-unseen dedication required to bring cinematic spectacles to life.
This exploration delves into the multifaceted career of Ronnie Rondell Jr., examining the pivotal moments, the specialized skills, and the significant roles that defined his remarkable journey. From his early days shaped by Hollywood’s creative energy to his indelible mark on popular culture, we trace the narrative of a man who repeatedly put his body on the line, always prioritizing the authenticity and safety of the dramatic action he helped create.
1. **The Iconic Pink Floyd Album Cover: A Fiery Image Etched in History**Among his myriad accomplishments, Ronnie Rondell Jr. is perhaps most widely recognized for his unforgettable appearance on the cover of Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here.” For this iconic 1975 album, Mr. Rondell undertook a perilous stunt, agreeing to be set ablaze. Dressed in a business suit, with a fire-retardant layer beneath, he was doused with gasoline and ignited. The striking photograph, featuring a half-burning Mr. Rondell shaking hands with fellow stuntman Danny Rogers, captured an artistic representation of the album’s theme, symbolizing the idea of “getting burned” in a deal.
The shoot took place on the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank, California. Conceived by Storm Thorgerson and Aubrey Powell of the English art design group Hipgnosis, the image required meticulous execution. Accounts from both Mr. Rondell and the photographers recall that the process was repeated approximately 15 times to achieve the desired effect. During the final, successful attempt, a sudden gust of wind unexpectedly blew the flames towards his face, resulting in him losing an eyebrow and part of his mustache. Mr. Rondell, ever the professional, recounted the incident with a pragmatic tone, stating, “There’s a funny thing about fire. When it gets in your face, you’re going to move.”
Despite the inherent danger, this photograph became one of the most celebrated album covers in music history, securing Mr. Rondell’s place in popular culture far beyond the typical recognition afforded to stunt performers. Aubrey Powell later reflected on Mr. Rondell’s bravery and the composition of the shot, acknowledging the difficulty in persuading him to stand still while on fire. He noted, “I knew I had got a special picture. It took a long time to persuade Ronnie to stand exactly as I wanted but in the end he was very brave and it was a perfect composition.”
2. **A Legacy Forged in Flames: Ronnie’s Mastery of Fire Stunts**Ronnie Rondell Jr. was particularly renowned for his expertise in fire stunts, a dangerous discipline that few master with such consistency. His proficiency in this field was not limited to the Pink Floyd album cover; he performed numerous fire-related feats throughout his career, including being set on fire in the 1968 film “Ice Station Zebra.” This specialization underscored his fearless approach and his thorough understanding of safety protocols necessary for such high-risk performances.
To execute these fiery sequences, Mr. Rondell relied on advanced protective measures. He wore specialized fire-retardant suits beneath his costumes and was often covered in a protective gel to shield his skin from the intense heat. His composure amidst flames was legendary, though he candidly admitted to the underlying apprehension inherent in the work. In an interview, he once remarked, “I think everybody has a fear of fire. We know what it’s like to be burned.” Yet, this awareness did not deter him from undertaking complex fire stunts, which he often described as “pretty easy to do, not too life-threatening, and paid well.”
His ability to control his reactions and manage the unpredictable nature of fire set him apart. The incident during the Pink Floyd shoot, where the wind altered the trajectory of the flames, highlighted the inherent risks even with careful planning. Such moments showcased his quick thinking and the rapid response of his team, who would pile blankets on him to extinguish the fire. His dedication to mastering such a perilous art form cemented his reputation as one of the most capable and dependable fire stuntmen in Hollywood.
3. **From Hollywood Royalty: His Family’s Stunt Pedigree**Ronnie Rondell Jr.’s entry into the demanding world of stunt work was not coincidental; he was born into a family with deep roots in the Hollywood entertainment industry, particularly in the realm of stunts. His father, Ronald S. Rondell (also known as Ronald R. Rondell), was himself an actor and a veteran assistant director, known for his work on films such as the 1956 adaptation of “Around the World in 80 Days” and television programs including “Bachelor Father” and “The Jack Benny Show.” This familial connection provided Mr. Rondell with early exposure to film sets and the intricacies of production.
Carrying on this legacy, both of Mr. Rondell’s sons, R.A. Rondell and Reid Rondell, followed in their father’s footsteps, becoming involved in the stunt industry. This multi-generational commitment to a high-risk profession underscored the unique blend of passion, skill, and lineage that characterized the Rondell family’s presence in Hollywood. R.A. Rondell notably served as the supervising stunt coordinator for his father’s final performance in “The Matrix Reloaded,” a poignant collaboration that spanned across generations.
The family’s collective contribution to cinematic action sequences is extensive, marking them as a significant dynasty within the stunt community. This continuity not only speaks to the allure and specialized nature of stunt work but also to the supportive and collaborative environment that can exist within families dedicated to this craft. The Rondell name thus became synonymous with daring feats and professional excellence in the film industry.
4. **The Early Path to Daredevilry: His Youth and Entry into the Field**Ronald Reid Rondell was born on February 10, 1937, in Hollywood, California, a locale that seemed destined to shape his professional path. His early fascination with stunt work was kindled by frequent visits to movie sets with his father. As a young boy, he was allowed the rare privilege of playing with props, including swords and guns, immersing him in the fantastical world of film production from a tender age.
Beyond the allure of the film set, Mr. Rondell cultivated impressive athletic abilities during his youth. In high school, he excelled as a diver, actively competing on the three-meter springboard. Following his high school years, he joined the U.S. Navy, where he further refined his skills, specializing in scuba diving and mine force demolition. These experiences undoubtedly honed his physical capabilities, discipline, and comfort with high-pressure situations, laying a strong foundation for his future career.
Upon his discharge from the Navy, Mr. Rondell initially pursued work in construction. However, his latent ambition for stunt work soon resurfaced. While working as an extra on a Western film, he had a serendipitous encounter with actor Lennie Geer. Geer, recognizing his potential, took Mr. Rondell under his wing, beginning to school him in the fundamental techniques of fights, falls, and horseback riding. This pivotal mentorship ultimately paved his way into professional stunt work, a decision he relayed to his father, who simply responded, “Well, go ahead.” His first acting role was as a teenager in the early 1950s film “Ma and Pa Kettle at the Fair,” and his inaugural stuntman role was for the TV series “Soldiers of Fortune,” which aired from 1955 to 1957.
5. **Mastering the Craft: Diving, Gymnastics, and Versatility**Ronnie Rondell Jr.’s long and impactful career was built upon a diverse foundation of athletic and physical capabilities. He was widely recognized for his exceptional gymnastics and diving skills, attributes that provided him with a unique advantage in performing a wide array of demanding stunts. Standing at five feet, ten inches and weighing 170 pounds in his prime, Mr. Rondell was lauded for his daring prowess in diving, gymnastic maneuvers, and even hang-gliding, demonstrating a comprehensive command over his body and its movements.
His versatility extended far beyond these specific disciplines. Over the years, Mr. Rondell engaged in an astonishing variety of stunts, including driving exploding cars, executing precise flips over flaming cannons, and, as famously documented, enduring controlled immolation. This extensive repertoire of skills allowed him to seamlessly transition between different types of action sequences, making him an invaluable asset on any film or television set. Whether it was a dramatic fall, a complex fight choreography, or a high-speed vehicle maneuver, Mr. Rondell consistently delivered with precision and flair.
This broad skill set contributed significantly to his longevity in a profession known for its unforgiving demands. His ability to perform a wide range of stunts meant he was consistently in demand, securing roles in countless productions over five decades. It was this adaptability and mastery of multiple physical disciplines that truly underscored his status as a premier stunt performer in Hollywood.
6. **The Stunt Coordinator’s Vision: Behind the Scenes Leadership**Beyond his individual performances, Ronnie Rondell Jr. also made significant contributions to the film and television industry as a highly respected stunt coordinator. In this crucial role, he was responsible for designing, planning, and overseeing complex action sequences, ensuring both their dramatic impact and, most critically, the safety of all involved. This shift from performing to coordinating highlighted his comprehensive understanding of stunt work, from execution to logistical planning.
Mr. Rondell coordinated stunts for a remarkable number of television series, showcasing his organizational skills and creative vision. His extensive credits include popular shows such as Aaron Spelling-produced productions like “Charlie’s Angels,” which ran from 1976 to 1981, as well as “The Rookies,” “S.W.A.T.,” “Fantasy Island,” “Dynasty,” “Vegas,” “Hart to Hart,” and “T.J. Hooker.” His involvement ensured that these series delivered exciting and believable action week after week.
His expertise as a stunt coordinator also extended to major motion pictures. He applied his leadership and technical knowledge to films such as “Batman & Robin” (1997), “La Bamba” (1987), “The Two Jakes” (1990), “The Mighty Ducks” (1992), “Sliver” (1993), and “Star Trek: First Contact” (1996). In these roles, Mr. Rondell was instrumental in transforming cinematic visions into reality, orchestrating intricate sequences that captivated audiences while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and safety on set.
