Remembering Ronnie Rondell Jr.: The Man Behind the Fire

Ronnie Rondell Jr., the iconic stuntman recognized by rock enthusiasts for his role as the on-fire businessman on the cover of Pink Floyd’s legendary album Wish You Were Here, has passed away at the age of 88. He died of unspecified causes at a senior living center in Missouri on August 10, as confirmed by his family.

The Fiery Photo Shoot

Rondell’s most famous moment came during the photo shoot for the Wish You Were Here cover. In a 2020 interview with the Guardian, Aubrey Powell, who captured the striking image, shared that Rondell was initially hesitant about the shoot. “He said, ‘It’s dangerous for a man to stand still on fire. Normally, you’re running and the fire’s spreading behind you, or you’re falling and the fire is above you, or you can always make out with camera angles that the stunt person is closer to the fire than they really are, but to stand still…?”

A Brave Performance

Despite his apprehensions, Rondell ultimately agreed to participate. Wearing a suit and wig soaked in flame retardant, he was set ablaze 15 times to ensure the perfect shot. However, on the 15th attempt, a gust of wind unexpectedly wrapped the flames around his face, resulting in burns. Powell recounted, “He said: ‘That’s it! I’m done.’

The Perfect Shot

Fortunately, this near-miss turned out to be the magic moment. Powell 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.”

A Stuntman’s Legacy

Beyond his iconic album cover, Ronnie Rondell was a highly skilled stuntman, contributing to numerous films throughout his career. His impressive filmography includes classics like How the West Was Won (1962), Blazing Saddles, Diamonds Are Forever, Lethal Weapon, They Live, and his final work in The Matrix Reloaded in 2003.

Conclusion

Ronnie Rondell Jr. leaves behind a remarkable legacy, not only as a talented stuntman but also as a pivotal figure in rock history. His bravery during the infamous Pink Floyd photoshoot solidified his place in the annals of music and film, reminding us of the risks and dedication that come with the art of performance. He will be remembered for his contributions to the film industry and the iconic image that continues to resonate with music fans around the world.

FAQs

What was Ronnie Rondell Jr. known for?

Ronnie Rondell Jr. was best known for his role as the on-fire businessman on the cover of Pink Floyd’s album Wish You Were Here, as well as for his extensive career as a stuntman in numerous films.

How did Ronnie Rondell Jr. die?

Ronnie Rondell Jr. passed away at the age of 88 due to unspecified causes at a senior living center in Missouri.

What safety precautions did Ronnie Rondell Jr. take during the photoshoot?

During the photoshoot, Rondell wore a suit and wig soaked in flame retardant to minimize the risks associated with being set on fire.

What other films did Ronnie Rondell Jr. appear in?

Rondell appeared in many films, including How the West Was Won, Blazing Saddles, Diamonds Are Forever, Lethal Weapon, and The Matrix Reloaded.