Dar Robinson, a trailblazing stuntman and innovator in the modern US cinema, left an indelible mark on the film industry despite appearing in a relatively limited number of movies. His life was tragically cut short in an off-set motorcycle accident, but his legacy as a pioneer in stunt performances continues to inspire and awe.
Robinson's on-screen career began with a memorable debut in Papillon (1973),where he doubled for Steve McQueen, jumping into the sea from a cliff top. The following year, he leapt into the sea again, this time doubling for David Soul in Magnum Force (1973). His impressive repertoire of stunts also included doubling for Henry Silva in Sharky's Machine (1981),where he took a dramatic plunge out of a skyscraper window, landing safely on an airbag many floors below.
As a high-fall specialist, Robinson's most remarkable stunt was doubling for Christopher Plummer in Highpoint (1982),where the villain falls from the 1,170-foot-high CN Tower in Toronto, Canada. With a concealed parachute, Robinson took the leap and opened it at the last moment, earning $150,000 for his work.
Robinson also appeared in several minor acting roles on screen, showcasing his versatility as an artist. His most notable acting credit came in 1985 when he played the sadistic albino villain "Moke" in the crime thriller Stick, directed by Burt Reynolds. Not only did he act in front of the camera but also designed and performed an incredible stunt where "Moke" falls to his death from a high balcony, seemingly straight onto the pavement below. In reality, Robinson was rigged to a complex wire rig that decelerated his fall, making the use of an airbag unnecessary.
Dar Robinson was deeply loved by many in Hollywood, and his tragic passing left the movie industry mourning the loss of a stunt genius and a sincere friend. Director Richard Donner dedicated his high-voltage action film Lethal Weapon (1987) to Dar's memory, a testament to the lasting impact he had on the world of cinema.
