Tony McFarr, Hollywood Stunt Double for Actor Chris Pratt, Dies at 47

The World Premiere of “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.” at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Calif., on April 19, 2017. Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Disney

Hollywood stuntman Tony McFarr, best known for doubling for actor Chris Pratt in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” and “Jurassic World,” has passed away at the age of 47.

The Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office in Florida confirmed his death in a statement to The Epoch Times.

Mr. McFarr was found dead on May 13 at his home just outside of Orlando. The cause and manner surrounding his death remain unknown at this time, pending a toxicology report.

Taking to social media, Mr. Pratt offered his condolences and prayers to the McFarr family, calling the performer a true professional and gentleman.

“Devastated to hear about the loss of my friend and former stunt double Tony McFarr. We did several movies together. We golfed, drank whiskey, smoked cigars, and spent endless hours on set. I’ll never forget his toughness,” he continued. “He’ll be missed.”

He went on to highlight an incident on set that displayed his “toughness,” recalling when Mr. McFarr got hurt during production together but still showed up to work.

“I remember he took a nasty shot to the head (in the title sequence of Guardians 2) and got several staples in his head – he came right back to work ready to go again. He was an absolute stud,” said Mr. Pratt.

Mr. McFarr is survived by his parents, sister, and his daughter. The family will reportedly be holding a celebration of life before he is buried near his grandmother in Pennsylvania.

Stuntman Career

Born Antonio Gerard McFarr in 1976, the stuntman launched his career as a television actor. He first appeared in “Burn Notice” in 2007 and made cameos on shows like “One Tree Hill,” “Graceland,” and “MacGyver.”

Mr. McFarr’s career was mainly devoted to stunt work, however, and he got his big break in 2011 as an uncredited stunt double on the television series “Bones.”

Stepping into the shoes of some of Hollywood’s biggest names, his stunt credits include a range of blockbusters, Marvel movies, and TV shows, holding 60 total productions between 2011 and 2022.

“Captain America: Civil War,” “Ant-Man and the Wasp,” “The Hunger Games” series, “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,” and “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” are just some of the major motion pictures he performed in before first connecting with Mr. Pratt on the set of “Jurassic World” in 2015.

In 2016, Mr. Pratt shared a photo of the two in costume on the last day on the set of “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” praising their partnership that led to friendship.

“Here’s me and my stunt-man Tony McFarr (also Tommy Harper stunt coordinator and our first AD Lars Winther) on set. Been working with Tony since Jurassic World. Love you buddy! Happy wrap!” reads the post.

Mr. McFarr was also a successful restaurant owner, opening up three locations, including the Reel Bowls poké bar, a film-themed establishment, and The Fit Kitchen alongside his wife. He was inspired to open the restaurants after trying the cuisine in Hawaii while shooting the “Jurassic World” films.