Remembering Ronnie Rondell Jr.: The Brave Stuntman Behind Pink Floyd's Fiery 'Wish You Were Here' Icon

Hollywood bids farewell to a true unsung hero, Ronnie Rondell Jr., the legendary stuntman whose fiery embrace of danger etched one of the most iconic images in music history onto the minds of millions. Rondell, the man famously depicted engulfed in flames on Pink Floyd's seminal 1975 album, Wish You Were Here, passed away on May 12 at the venerable age of 94.

His fearless spirit and unwavering commitment to his craft brought to life an artwork that perfectly encapsulated the album's themes of absence, betrayal, and the stark reality of the music industry.

The striking image, orchestrated by the visionary design group Hipgnosis (Storm Thorgerson and Aubrey "Po" Powell), features two businessmen shaking hands, one of whom is ablaze.

This powerful visual metaphor was conceived to represent "empty gestures" and the hollow nature of the music business, a sentiment deeply rooted in the band's feelings about their former frontman, Syd Barrett. It was at the Warner Bros. Studio lot in Burbank in 1975 where Rondell, with fellow stuntman Danny Rogers by his side, bravely brought this concept to life.

Aubrey "Po" Powell, reflecting on the arduous shoot, recounted the sheer bravery of Rondell.

The process was fraught with peril: Rondell donned a fire-retardant suit beneath his business attire and a special wig, but the risks were immense. To ensure the flames were visible and dramatic, he had to be set alight with his back to the wind, causing the fire to blow directly into his face. Powell vividly remembers Rondell's mustache being singed and his genuine discomfort, yet he maintained a stoic professionalism throughout.

Rogers, in turn, had the equally challenging task of keeping a poker face while his colleague was literally engulfed in fire. This extraordinary dedication resulted in a photograph that is as haunting as it is memorable.

Beyond this singular, unforgettable moment, Rondell's career as a stuntman was extensive and illustrious.

His filmography reads like a who's who of cinematic classics, including uncredited work in Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo and pivotal roles in action blockbusters like Dirty Harry, The French Connection, and James Bond's Diamonds Are Forever. He lent his daring talents to epics such as The Deer Hunter, comedies like The Blues Brothers, and sci-fi groundbreaking films like Tron and Star Trek: The Motion Picture.

Television audiences might also recognize his work doubling for leading men Burt Reynolds and Lee Majors on hit shows like The Fall Guy.

Ronnie Rondell Jr. was more than just a stuntman; he was an artist of physical expression, whose willingness to push boundaries created moments of pure cinematic and artistic magic.

His legacy is not just in the countless falls, fights, and fiery moments he endured, but in the iconic handshake that continues to ignite conversations and capture imaginations, forever linking his name to one of rock's most profound album statements. May his daring spirit continue to inspire.