Terry Richards, a prolific British stuntman who cemented a spot in cinema history as the man shot by Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark, has died. He was 81-years-old.
His family confirmed his death to the BBC. “He fought Indiana Jones, James Bond, Luke Skywalker and Rambo - there's not many people who can say that,” his son, Terry Richards Jr., said.
Richards worked in films for 50 years before he retired in 1999. He appeared in nine James Bond films, making his last appearance in the franchise in Tomorrow Never Dies (1997). In addition, he worked on The Princess Bride, Zulu, The Dirty Dozen and the U.K. Avengers.
“He was a great character, a good story teller, very charming and full of humour, and was well loved and respected in the film industry,” his family said in a statement.
Despite all that work, Richards will always be remembered for his moment in Raiders of the Lost Ark. While in Cairo, Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) is chased by a group that includes a threatening swordsman, played by Richards. The swordsman underestimates Indy, who then takes out his pistol. And then...
According to Entertainment Weekly, Harrison Ford said during a 30th anniversary event for the film that they did plan a longer fight scene, but he wasn’t feeling well that day.
“I was no longer capable of staying out of my trailer for more than it took to expose a role of film,” Ford recalled. “Which was 10 minutes, and then I would have to flee back there for sanitary facilities.”