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Veteran James Bond and Superman stuntman Rocky Taylor 'fighting for his life' due to coronavirus

Hollywood stuntman Rocky Taylor, 64, after breaking the Guinness World Record for 'largest breakaway glass structure smashed by a car'. (Photo by Dominic Lipinski/PA Images via Getty Images)
Hollywood stuntman Rocky Taylor, 64, after breaking the Guinness World Record for 'largest breakaway glass structure smashed by a car'. (Photo by Dominic Lipinski/PA Images via Getty Images)

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.

Read more: Contagion science advisor blasts those ignoring guidelines

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”.

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”.

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.

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.

British stuntman Rocky Taylor, aged 64, poses above the entrance of the Prince Charles Cinema in central London. (Credit: PA)
British stuntman Rocky Taylor, aged 64, poses above the entrance of the Prince Charles Cinema in central London. (Credit: PA)

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.