Stuntman Set on Fire for Pink Floyd's 'Wish You Were Here' Cover Dies at 88

A Legacy of Fire and Film: Remembering Ronnie Rondell Jr.

Ronnie Rondell Jr., a legendary figure in the world of Hollywood stunts, has passed away at the age of 88. His death was announced by his family, marking the end of an extraordinary career that spanned several decades. Rondell Jr. was known for his daring performances on set, but it is the image of him engulfed in flames that remains one of the most iconic moments in music history.

Rondell Jr. died on Tuesday, August 12, at a senior living facility in Osage Beach, Missouri. While the cause of his death was not disclosed, his contributions to both film and music will be remembered for years to come.

The Iconic Image from Pink Floyd’s Album Cover

Perhaps the most famous moment of Rondell Jr.’s career came when he was set on fire for the cover of Pink Floyd's 1975 album Wish You Were Here. The striking photo, captured on the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank, California, features Rondell Jr. in a business suit, half-burning, shaking hands with fellow stuntman Danny Rogers. This image became one of the most recognizable in rock history.

The photograph was created by Storm Thorgerson and Aubrey Powell of the design group Hipgnosis. It took around 15 attempts to get the perfect shot due to wind and other environmental factors. During one of these attempts, Rondell Jr. suffered minor burns, losing part of his eyebrow and mustache. According to Powell, the final shot was worth the effort. “I knew I had got a special picture,” he said in a 2020 interview. “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.”

A Career Spanning Decades

Beyond his role in the Wish You Were Here album cover, Rondell Jr. had a long and varied career in film. He appeared in numerous movies, including How the West Was Won (1962), Lethal Weapon (1987), and The Matrix Reloaded (2003). His work on these films showcased his versatility and dedication to the craft of stunt performing.

Some of his other notable film credits include Kings of the Sun (1963), Shenandoah (1965), Grand Prix (1966), Diamonds Are Forever (1971), Blazing Saddles (1974), To Live and Die in L.A. (1985), They Live (1988), The Hunt for Red October (1990), Thelma & Louise (1991), Last Action Hero (1993), Speed (1994), and The Crow (1994).

Contributions to Television

In addition to his work in film, Rondell Jr. also made significant contributions to television. He served as a stunt coordinator for several Aaron Spelling-produced series, including The Rookies, S.W.A.T., Charlie's Angels, Fantasy Island, Dynasty, Vegas, Hart to Hart, and T.J. Hooker. These roles allowed him to mentor and support the next generation of stunt performers.

A Return to the Screen

Although Rondell Jr. retired in 2000, he made a brief return for a chase scene in The Matrix Reloaded (2003). His son, R.A. Rondell, was the supervising stunt coordinator for the film, highlighting the family's deep connection to the industry.

A Lasting Impact

Ronnie Rondell Jr.'s legacy extends far beyond the flames that defined one of the most iconic album covers in music history. His career, filled with action-packed scenes and memorable performances, left an indelible mark on both film and television. As fans and colleagues remember him, they celebrate a man who brought danger and drama to the screen with skill, courage, and a passion for his craft.