Bob Yerkes, a prolific stuntman whose Hollywood career spanned seven decades, has died at the age of 92.

Yerkes, of Star Wars fame, passed away in Northridge, California, due to natural causes, and his death was confirmed by Darlene Ava Williams, a fellow stunt performer and close colleague, as the Daily Mail reports.

Yerkes’ career in entertainment began in the circus. Born as Brayton Walter Yerkes in Los Angeles County, he found his passion for acrobatics at an early age. At just 11 years old, he started performing aerial and tightrope acts at Muscle Beach.

Following his parents' divorce, he joined the DeWayne Bros. Circus at the age of 15. This early involvement in circus performances led him to Hollywood, where he landed his first uncredited stunt role in the 1948 film Julia Misbehaves.

Early Circus Roots Shaped His Career

Yerkes’ circus background helped him develop the athleticism and courage needed to tackle Hollywood’s most dangerous stunts. After performing in circuses like Clyde Beatty Circus and Ringling Bros., Yerkes began working on films and live performances across the U.S., including Las Vegas and the Catskills.

However, his career was briefly interrupted by the Korean War, where he served his country before returning to Hollywood. Upon his return, Yerkes resumed his stunt work, taking part in films such as The Silver Chalice (1954), Trapeze (1956), and The Big Circus (1959).

From Circus to Major Hollywood Films

One of Yerkes' most memorable moments came in 1985 when he performed a daring stunt in Back to the Future. He doubled for Christopher Lloyd's character, rappelling down from the clock tower in the film's iconic climax. Yerkes reprised his stunt work in the 1990 sequel, Back to the Future Part III.

Yerkes’ extensive filmography includes other notable works such as Return of the Jedi (1983), in which he played Boba Fett in one scene. He also worked on beloved films like Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) and Her Alibi (1989), in which he was injured while performing stunts.

Tragedies and Triumphs in a Dangerous Career

Injuries were an occupational hazard for Yerkes. In 1975, while filming Breakout, Yerkes broke both of his legs during a stunt. With a touch of humor, Yerkes later quipped about the incident, “I was getting ready for the stunt and the guy said, 'Break a leg!,' and I broke them both.” Despite the danger, Yerkes never shied away from challenging stunts and continued to work on high-profile films into the 1990s.

During the 1970s and 1980s, Yerkes contributed to disaster movies like Airport (1970), Earthquake (1974), and The Towering Inferno (1974), in addition to horror classics such as Poltergeist (1982) and Ghostbusters (1984). He remained an active presence in the stunt world, working on Batman Forever (1995) and the TV competition show American Gladiators from 1989 to 1996.

A Legacy of Training the Next Generation

Yerkes' passion for stunts extended beyond his own performances. He transformed his backyard into a stunt training ground, a space where fellow performers could practice and, in some cases, even live for free. This generosity earned him deep respect within the stunt community.

Notable actors such as Brooke Shields, Todd Bridges, and Willie Aames were among those who trained under Yerkes for the CBS specials Circus of the Stars. Darlene Ava Williams recalled, “There will never be another backyard like Bob's where you could train for free or even live for free if you needed a place to stay.”

A Life of Courage and Dedication

Despite numerous injuries throughout his career, Yerkes remained dedicated to his craft. His work ethic and daring stunts earned him recognition and respect from his peers and the Hollywood industry at large.

He became one of the go-to stunt performers for high-risk scenes, bringing an unparalleled level of skill and authenticity to every role he took on.

Survived by Family and Admired by Many

Yerkes is survived by his son Mark, who followed in his father’s footsteps as a stunt performer.

Sadly, his other son, Gerald, died in Vietnam. Yerkes' passing marks the end of an era for Hollywood stunt performers, many of whom were inspired and trained by him.

A Life Well-Lived

Bob Yerkes' passing at 92 leaves behind a remarkable legacy of stunt work that has influenced countless performers. His contributions to Hollywood stretched beyond his stunts, as he generously trained others and supported the next generation of stunt performers.

With iconic roles in films like Back to the Future and Return of the Jedi, Yerkes’ impact on the entertainment industry will continue to be remembered.  His career serves as a testament to courage, skill, and dedication in the face of danger, forever cementing his place in the history of Hollywood stunts.