RIP Robert Orrison and Gary McLarty

Rancho Cordova, Calif.–Two veteran, retired Hollywood stuntmen (and, occasionally, actors), Robert Orrison and Gary McLarty, were killed in a traffic accident here Oct. 11. Orrison was 86. McLarty was 73. Both appeared in the movie featured in episode 512- MITCHELL, a movie in which several stuntmen were cast in small roles. MSTies will remember them as “Mistretta Hood #1” and “Mistretta Hood #2”, respectively.
According to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department, the two men were traveling in a blue Chevy truck when they made a U-turn causing a white Jeep Cherokee to slam into their vehicle. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene. The occupants of the Jeep Cherokee were transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.
Orrision was a stunt performer and background actor on Star Trek: The Original Series, having minor roles in three second-season episodes. He also performed stunts for television’s “The Dukes of Hazzard” and for such films as “The Wild Bunch” (1969), “Smokey and the Bandit” (1977), “Die Hard 2” (1990), “Speed” (1994), “Stargate” (1994) and “The Wedding Planner” (2001).
McLarty’s career was not without controversy. He is known for his work on “The Blues Brothers” (1980), “Jurassic Park” (1993) and “Beverly Hills Cop” (1984). McLarty drove the motorcycle up the frat house stairs in the movie “Animal House,” and doubled as “The Fonz” for motorcycle scenes on the “Happy Days” television series.
However, on July 23, 1982, McLarty was in the helicopter, as a stunt coordinator, when actor Vic Morrow and two children died in an accident on a “Twilight Zone” movie set. The helicopter was hovering about 24 feet above them when pyrotechnic explosions damaged the chopper causing it to crash on top of the three actors.
McLarty also testified against his long-time friend Robert Blake when Blake was accused of killing his wife. But, Blake’s defense team successfully undermined the his credibility, introducing evidence of mental illness, drug addiction, etc. Blake was acquitted.

Thanks to Duane for the heads up.