Ronnie Rondell Jr., Iconic Pink Floyd Album cover Stuntman, Dies at 88
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Hollywood stunt performer ronnie Rondell Jr.passed away on august 12th in Missouri at the age of 88,leaving behind a legacy etched in both film and music history.Rondell’s career spanned decades, contributing to numerous productions including “Hell Weapon,” “Thelma & Louise,” and “Space Ways.”
The Iconic ‘Wish You Were Here’ Stunt
While Rondell’s filmography is extensive, he is perhaps most recognized for his daring role on the cover of Pink Floyd’s 1975 album, “Wish You were Here.” The visual-a man engulfed in flames-became instantly iconic, and Rondell was the performer who bravely endured the stunt.He shook hands with fellow stuntman Danny Rogers immediately after the take.
Did You Know? The “Wish You Were Here” album cover is consistently ranked among the most recognizable and impactful album artworks of all time.
A Reluctant Flame
Aubrey Powell, the photographer behind the album cover, revealed in a 2020 interview with The Guardian that Rondell was initially hesitant about being set ablaze. Powell described the stunt as more hazardous than many action sequences performed in films. [[3]]
To mitigate the risk, Rondell was outfitted in a suit and wig treated with flame retardant and coated in a protective gel.Despite these precautions, the stunt wasn’t without incident.
Fourteen attempts proved prosperous, but during the fifteenth, a shift in wind direction blew flames toward rondell’s face, resulting in the loss of a portion of his eyebrow and his signature mustache.
A Lifetime of Achievement
Rondell’s contributions to the stunt community were formally recognized in 2004 when he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Taurus World Stunt Awards. This prestigious award celebrates individuals who have demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication to the art of stunt work.
Pro Tip: Stunt performers often undergo rigorous training in various disciplines, including martial arts, acrobatics, and precision driving, to ensure their safety and effectiveness on set.
A family Legacy
The passion for stunt work ran in the Rondell family. Rondell’s son, Reid Rondell, also pursued a career in the field, tragically dying in 1985 during the filming of a helicopter scene for the television series “Airwolf.”
Ronnie Rondell Jr.: Key Facts
| fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| date of Death | August 12th, 2025 |
| Age at Death | 88 |
| Notable Work | “Wish you Were Here” album cover (Pink Floyd), “Hell Weapon,” ”Thelma & Louise,” “Space Ways” |
| Award | Lifetime Achievement award, Taurus World stunt Awards (2004) |
What aspects of Rondell’s career do you find most compelling – his film work or his iconic contribution to Pink Floyd’s legacy?
How do you think the role of stunt performers has evolved as Rondell began his career?
The role of stunt performers has become increasingly refined over the decades, with advancements in technology and safety protocols. While the core principles of risk assessment and physical prowess remain essential, modern stunt work often incorporates CGI and digital effects to enhance realism and minimize danger.The legacy of performers like Ronnie Rondell Jr. continues to inspire and inform the next generation of stunt professionals.
Frequently Asked questions about Ronnie Rondell jr.
- Who was Ronnie Rondell Jr.? Ronnie Rondell Jr.was a veteran Hollywood stuntman best known for being the “burning man” on Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” album cover.
- How did Ronnie Rondell Jr. die? He passed away on August 12th, 2025, in Missouri, at the age of 88.
- What was the most dangerous part of the ‘Wish You Were Here’ stunt? The wind shifting direction during the 15th attempt, blowing flames towards his face and causing injuries.
- Did Ronnie Rondell Jr. win any awards? Yes, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Taurus World stunt Awards in 2004.
- Was Ronnie Rondell Jr.’s son also a stuntman? Yes, Reid Rondell followed in his father’s footsteps but tragically died in a helicopter stunt accident in 1985.
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