Yahoo Movies Veteran James Bond and Superman stuntman Rocky Taylor 'fighting for his life' due to coronavirus
One of Hollywood’s most beloved and experienced stuntmen, Rocky Taylor, is fighting for his life in hospital after contracting COVID-19.
The 73-year-old Brit holds the record for being the world’s oldest stunt performer and has worked in the industry for more than 35 years.
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He is best known for serving as a stunt double to both Sean Connery and Roger Moore during their time as James Bond, as well as working on Superman and Indiana Jones films.
In a message posted on Taylor’s official Twitter account, a representative confirmed that the Hollywood legend is on a coronary care unit as he “cannot breathe independently”.
Rocky is fighting for his life tonight in CCU as he has the covid19 virus and cannot breathe independently.
I’m sure you will join me in saying a prayer from him tonight. He’s a strong man, but won’t be able to get through this without your help. He has got to pull through.— Rocky Taylor (@StuntmanRocky) April 1, 2020
His condition appears to be improving though, as his family updated his Twitter account on Thursday, 2 April saying that Taylor is “breathing on his own now”.
NEWS.....Rocky is still in hospital but the doctors have reduced the amount of oxygen he needs as he is breathing on his own now. This is great news. Thank you for all your love. We will keep you posted x
— Rocky Taylor (@StuntmanRocky) April 2, 2020
Taylor is one of the most respected stunt performers in the history of modern Hollywood, with credits on dozens of major movies.
He was also the original voice of the Honey Monster in the iconic Sugar Puffs adverts.
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Taylor fractured his spine on the set of Death Wish 3 in 1985 when a stunt involving a fall from a burning building went wrong.
Happy birthday to the very best. Sean Connery. I had the great pleasure of working with him on a number of occasions and was his double on Never Say Never Again,Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and Highlander 2. #happybirthday #Stunts #SeanConnery pic.twitter.com/OCLlxQwA66
— Rocky Taylor (@StuntmanRocky) August 25, 2018
He completed the stunt successfully in 2011 when he threw himself off a 40-foot-high inferno at Battersea Power Station.
British actor Celia Imrie was among those offering her words of hope to Taylor, stating on Twitter that she was “saying a prayer across the sea” for the industry icon.
Several Hollywood stars have tested positive for coronavirus, including Tom Hanks, Idris Elba and Daniel Dae Kim.
Read more: Idris Elba is out of quarantine after coronavirus diagnosis
This week, songwriter Adam Schlesinger — known for his work on That Thing You Do! and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend — passed away as a result of COVID-19 at the age of 52.
Hanks, who directed and starred in That Thing You Do!, was among the Hollywood figures to pay tribute to Schlesinger with an affectionate message on social media.
