Ronnie Rondell Jr., the stunt performer pictured on fire in the handshake photograph for Pink Floyd’s 1975 album Wish You Were Here, died on August 12, 2025, at age 88. Obituary reports place his death at a senior living facility in Osage Beach, Missouri; one report said no cause was provided.
Who was Ronnie Rondell Jr.?
Rondell was a Hollywood stunt performer, coordinator and director whose career reached far beyond the album image familiar to Pink Floyd listeners. He co-founded Stunts Unlimited in 1970. His reported film and television credits include The Matrix Reloaded, Lethal Weapon, Charlie’s Angels and Baywatch. The San Francisco Chronicle’s obituary and ABC News Australia’s report describe his work across stunts and screen production.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Wish You Were Here | $31.82 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Wish You Were Here - Yellow Flame Colored Vinyl | $35.69 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Wish You Were Here (50th Anniversary) | $58.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Wish You Were Here | $44.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Wish You Were Here (50th Anniversary) | $199.95 | Buy on Amazon |
What happened during the ‘Wish You Were Here’ cover stunt?
The cover photograph shows two stuntmen shaking hands, with Rondell appearing as the man whose suit is ablaze. He wore a fire-retardant layer beneath his business suit. During one take, wind pushed the flames toward his face and singed his moustache. The accounts agree on these essentials, though they differ in some details of the protective treatment and incident.
Rondell described the stunt to TheWrap as “pretty easy to do, not too life threatening, and paid well.” The San Francisco Chronicle also reported his remark about the moment the wind shifted: “When it gets in your face, you’re going to move.”
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
- Released: 2016-10-14...
- Format: Vinyl...
- Format: Vinyl...
- Best Sellers: Top Seller...
- Genre: Rock...
How was Rondell remembered?
Stunts Unlimited remembered Rondell as a generous mentor whose talents set a standard for aspiring stunt performers. That description is the organization’s tribute, reported by TheWrap and ABC News Australia, rather than an independent ranking of his influence. His legacy includes both the striking image on a major album and decades of work behind the scenes in film and television.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Format: Vinyl...
- Genre: Rock...
- Released: 2025-12-12...
Rank #4
- Ships in Certified Frustration-Free Packaging
Rank #3
- ----------------------------------------...
- ----------------------------------------...
- ----------------------------------------...
- Format: Vinyl...
- Released: 2025-12-12...
Rank #2
- Tracks...
- 1 Shine on You Crazy Diamond (PTS. 1-5)...
- 2 Welcome to the Machine...
- 3 Have a Cigar...
- 4 Wish You Were Here...
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
