Star Wars and Back to the Future stuntman Bob Yerkes dies aged 92-Kitty Chrisp-Entertainment – Metro

Bob Yerkes, renowned Hollywood stunt double, has died (Picture: Beck Starr/FilmMagic)

Back to the Future and Star Wars stuntman Bob Yerkes has died at the age of 92, fellow stunt performer Darlene Ava Williams has announced.

Taking to social media on October 3, 2024, she wrote: ‘I am horribly sad to hear that my mentor and stunt coach Bob Yerkes passed away this morning in Northridge, California.’

Born Brayton Walter Yerkes on February 11, 1932, in California, the Hollywood legend started tumbling as a teenager and ran away from home at the age of 15 to join the Clyde Beatty Circus as an acrobat.

He would go on to perform stunts for over 70 years, doubling for stars including Paul Newman, Robert Duval, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

In Back to the Future, Yerkes doubled for Christopher Lloyd in the epic scene which saw him sliding down a clock tower cable.

Continuing in a touching tribute, Darlene wrote: ‘Bobby opened the door to his home and backyard to everyone that either needed a place to stay or to train for a job.

He starred in so many blockbusters, from Back to the Future to Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins (Picture: David Livingston/Getty Images)

He was much loved in Hollywood over a decades-long and glittering career (Picture: American Broadcasting Companies via Getty Images)

‘Bobby knew my parents before I was born and knew me as a kid growing up in the circus.

‘At one time, long before me, my dad and Bob performed in a flying trapeze act together in the circus. As a kid I remember visiting his backyard. I remember watching him train celebrities and stunt people.’

She went on to explain how Bob would always think of her when stunt jobs came up, and before she knew it she was a stunt woman.

‘I would not have had a career in stunts without Bob Yerkes,’ she said, adding: ‘I am so thankful that we got to celebrate Bob Yerkes induction into the Circus Ring of Fame this year for Coach of the Year.

‘I am so happy we got to also celebrate his 92nd birthday with him here in Sarasota,’ Darlene said, concluding: ‘There will never be another Bob Yerkes! My heart is broken. I am proud and honoured to have known him. He was a true legend!’

This is a breaking news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.

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