Ronnie Rondell Jr., the Hollywood stuntman who was famously set on fire for the cover of Pink Floyd’s 1975 album Wish You Were Here, has died at the age of 88. He passed away on August 12, 2025, at a senior living facility in Osage Beach, Missouri.

Rondell Jr. was known for performing the perilous stunt that became the iconic album cover—shaking hands while engulfed in flames. He had suited up in flame‑retardant gear and was set alight 15 times to capture the perfect shot. On the final attempt, a gust of wind swept the flames into his face, burning part of his eyebrow and mustache.

His career spanned decades, including stunt work in films and TV such as How the West Was Won, Blazing Saddles, Diamonds Are Forever, Lethal Weapon, The Matrix Reloaded (his final credit in 2003), Thelma & Louise, Star Trek: First Contact, Twister, Speed, The Crow, among many others.

He co‑founded the stunt company Stunts Unlimited in 1970, raising the bar for safety and professionalism in stunt performance. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Taurus World Stunt Awards in 2004.

He was born February 10, 1937, in Hollywood, California. His father, Ronald R. Rondell, had been an extra and assistant director. He is survived by his wife Mary, his son R.A. Rondell (also a stunt professional), grandchildren, and a great‑grandchild.