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Hollywood stuntman set on fire for Pink Floyd cover dies aged 88

August 17, 2025

Ronnie Rondell Jr. , the renowned Hollywood stuntman who was famously photographed on fire for Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" album cover, died on August 12 at age 88 in Missouri. His extensive career spanned from the 1950s through 2003, including work on notable productions like "Lethal Weapon," "Thelma and Louise," and numerous TV series such as "Charlie's Angels" and "Baywatch.

Who is affected

  • Ronnie Rondell Jr.'s wife Mary and his son Ronald
  • The Stunts Unlimited company, which Rondell co-founded
  • The stunt community and film industry who respected and admired him
  • Pink Floyd fans who recognize his iconic work on the "Wish You Were Here" album cover

What action is being taken

  • Stunts Unlimited is publicly commemorating Rondell on social media, describing him as "deeply respected, admired and loved"
  • Information about Rondell's death is being shared through an online obituary

Why it matters

  • Rondell was a pioneering figure in the stunt industry, helping to found Stunts Unlimited in 1970
  • His work appears in culturally significant productions spanning nearly five decades, including iconic films and TV shows
  • His most visible work on Pink Floyd's album cover has become one of the most recognizable images in music history
  • His career represents the often unrecognized but dangerous contributions stunt performers make to entertainment
  • He set standards for stunt work that influenced generations of performers, described as setting "the bar for every aspiring stunt person"

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC