**Hollywood Stuntman Ronnie Rondell Jr. Passes Away at 88**

**Ronnie Rondell Jr., whose impressive career in Hollywood spanned over half a century, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of thrilling stunts and memorable roles in film and television.**

Ronnie Rondell Jr., the Hollywood stuntman renowned for his fiery appearance on the cover of Pink Floyd's iconic album *Wish You Were Here*, has died at the age of 88. The cinematic veteran passed away on August 12 in a Missouri care home, as per his online obituary.

Rondell's illustrious career covered more than fifty years, featuring numerous credits in television and film. His work included popular titles such as *Lethal Weapon*, *Thelma and Louise*, and *Star Trek: First Contact*. He is survived by his wife Mary and their son, Ronald Jr.

Born in California in 1937, Rondell's passion for acting began in his teenage years, landing him a role in the 1950s film *Ma and Pa Kettle at the Fair*. His first assignment as a stuntman was for the television series *Soldiers of Fortune*, which aired from 1955 to 1957.

Throughout the decades, Rondell contributed to a flurry of U.S. TV series, including *Charlie's Angels*, *Dynasty*, and *Baywatch*. He also starred in cinematic masterpieces like *Spartacus*, *Diamonds Are Forever*, and *The Karate Kid*. One of his most memorable stunts involved leaping from a burning pole, showcased in the 1963 film *Kings of the Sun*.

Rondell's skillset further showcased in the 1965 film *Shenandoah*, a bar brawl in 1974’s *Blazing Saddles*, and spectacular fire scenes in *The Towering Inferno*, released the same year. Later, he transitioned to stunt coordination for films like *Batman and Robin* and *The Mighty Ducks*.

While many might not recognize his name, they are likely familiar with Rondell’s unforgettable fiery stunt for the 1975 Pink Floyd album cover, where he was filmed igniting while shaking hands with fellow stuntman Danny Rogers. During the shoot, a sudden gust of wind caused the fire to blow into his face, resulting in his losing an eyebrow and part of his characteristic moustache.

Rondell also established his own stunt company, Stunts Unlimited, in California in 1970 and worked until retirement in 2001, with his last stunt credit appearing in *The Matrix Reloaded* in 2003, where he contributed to a challenging car chase sequence. In 2004, he was honored with a lifetime achievement award at the Taurus World Stunt Awards.

His legacy continues within his family; both his father, Ronald R Rondell, and his sons were involved in the entertainment industry. One of his sons, Reid, tragically passed away while performing a helicopter stunt on the TV series *Airwolf* in 1985.