Bob Yerkes, a celebrated Hollywood stunt performer whose daring feats graced iconic films like Star Wars and Back to the Future, has passed away at the age of 92. He died Tuesday morning at his home in Northridge, California, leaving behind a legacy of courage and mentorship.
The news of his passing was shared by fellow stunt performer Darlene Williams Bostock, who credited Yerkes as a vital influence in her career. In a heartfelt Facebook post, she expressed her sorrow: “I am horribly sad to hear that my mentor and stunt coach Bob Yerkes passed away this morning. Bobby opened his home and backyard to everyone needing a place to stay or train. I would not have had a career in stunts without him.”
Yerkes, born Brayton Walter Yerkes on February 11, 1932, in Los Angeles County, started his journey as an acrobat in a circus at just 15. He made his onscreen stunt debut in Julia Misbehaves (1948) and quickly became a sought-after stunt double, standing in for Hollywood legends such as Paul Newman, Robert Duvall, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
His impressive filmography includes thrilling performances in Airport (1970), Earthquake (1974), The Towering Inferno (1974), Return of the Jedi (1983), Ghostbusters (1984), Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986), Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988), Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989), Hook (1991), Batman Forever (1995), and Poseidon (2006).
Beyond his stunt work, Yerkes was known for his backyard boot camp in Los Angeles, where he trained many aspiring stunt performers, outfitted with extensive stunt rigging and a wealth of knowledge.
Reflecting on his profound impact, Bostock remarked, “There will never be another Bob Yerkes! My heart is broken. I am proud and honored to have known him. He was a true legend!” As the industry mourns the loss of this remarkable talent, Yerkes’ contributions to film and the lives he touched will not be forgotten.
