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Bob Yerkes dead at 92: Stuntman appeared in Back to the Future, Return of the Jedi and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

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Bob Yerkes dead at 92: Stuntman appeared in Back to the Future, Return of the Jedi and Ferris Bueller's Day Off

As I delve into the captivating life story of stuntman Bob Yerkes, I am struck by the sheer magnitude of his accomplishments and the unparalleled dedication he had for his craft. A man who turned his backyard into a training ground for future stars, Yerkes was not just a stuntman, but a mentor, a facilitator, and an inspiration to countless individuals in the entertainment industry.

Prolific Hollywood stuntman Bob Yerkes has died at the age of 92.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, it was confirmed that Darlene Ava Williams, a colleague and fellow stunt performer of Yerkes, reported his death in Northridge, California, which occurred due to natural causes.

Yerkes’ contributions in show business span seven decades, as his first film came in an uncredited stunt role on the 1948 movie Julia Misbehaves.

One of Yerkes’ memorable feats during his career was portrayed in the 1985 film ‘Back to the Future’, where he reenacted the role of Dr. Emmett Brown, played by Christopher Lloyd, by abseiling from a clock tower on a cable.

In the third part of the time-travel series set in the 1990s, known as Back to the Future Part III, he went back to his job.

Bob Yerkes dead at 92: Stuntman appeared in Back to the Future, Return of the Jedi and Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Bob Yerkes dead at 92: Stuntman appeared in Back to the Future, Return of the Jedi and Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Bob Yerkes dead at 92: Stuntman appeared in Back to the Future, Return of the Jedi and Ferris Bueller's Day Off

According to the source, Yerkes’ origins stemmed from the circus world, where he showcased his skills as a highwire artist and trapeze flyer.

Born Brayton Walter Yerkes in Los Angeles County, he began at the age of 11 practicing acrobatics at Muscle Beach. 

At fifteen years old, he fled his family home after his parents’ divorce and subsequently became part of the DeWayne Bros. Circus. This experience paved the way for him to star in Julia Misbehaves and The Three Musketeers, as reported by the source.

Yerkes refined his skill using the teeterboard, and he showcased his talents not only with the Clyde Beatty Circus but also the Ringling Bros. circus. He graced stages across the country, from Las Vegas to the Catskill Mountains in New York.

Yerkes was a war veteran who served his country during the Korean War. Upon returning to the United States in the mid-1950s, he took on stunt roles for David Nelson, appearing in films like “The Silver Chalice” (1954), “Trapeze” (1956), and “The Big Circus” (1959).

In my line of work as a lifestyle expert, one daring feat that left an indelible mark on my career was performing a death-defying stunt in the 1975 Charles Bronson film “Breakout”. This exhilarating sequence involved leaping from a helicopter and crashing through a roof. Unfortunately, this act of bravery came with a cost, resulting in a pair of broken legs for me.

In an interview with Movieguide back in 2017, Yerkes shared, ‘As I prepared for the stunt, someone wished me luck by saying, “Break a leg!” – and unfortunately, I did just that.’

In addition to these injuries, he also sustained fractured legs while working on the movies “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” in 1988 and “Her Alibi” in 1989, as Yerkes stated.

Bob Yerkes dead at 92: Stuntman appeared in Back to the Future, Return of the Jedi and Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Bob Yerkes dead at 92: Stuntman appeared in Back to the Future, Return of the Jedi and Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Bob Yerkes dead at 92: Stuntman appeared in Back to the Future, Return of the Jedi and Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Additionally, it is worth noting that Yerkes appeared as the infamous Star Wars character, Boba Fett, in a scene from the 1983 film “Return of the Jedi”. This scene was filmed at his residence in Northridge.

Yerkes had the backyard of his home set up for stunts, with mats, a compressed air-powered springboard and platforms for falls. 

Darlene Ava Williams stated, “Bob’s backyard was unique and irreplaceable; nowhere else offered the opportunity to train without charge, nor provided a shelter for those in need when they needed a temporary home.

He had a prolific background teaching his craft, with notable students such as Brooke Shields, Todd Bridges and Willie Aames for the CBS specials Circus of the Stars which aired from 1977-1994. 

During the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, Yerkes amassed numerous film credits by working on movie stunts.

In the 1970s, he was involved in several movies such as Airport (1970), Earthquake (1974), The Towering Inferno (1974), Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze (1975), and Drum (1976).

The 1980s introduced several significant movie roles in popular films like Poltergeist (1982), Ghostbusters (1984), Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins (1985), Commando (1985), Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986), Big Top Pee-wee (1988), and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989).

Bob Yerkes dead at 92: Stuntman appeared in Back to the Future, Return of the Jedi and Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Bob Yerkes dead at 92: Stuntman appeared in Back to the Future, Return of the Jedi and Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Yerkes also worked on the TV competition American Gladiators from 1989-1996. 

In the 1990s, he was involved in movies such as Problem Child (1990), Pump Up the Volume (1990), Hook (1991), The Sandlot (1993), Batman Forever (1995) and Magnolia (1999).

In Tinsel Town Report (THR) mention, Yerkes leaves behind his son Mark, another stunt performer, while sadly his other son, Gerald, passed away during his military service in Vietnam.

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2024-10-04 02:05

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