Credit: Marvel StudiosChris Pratt is one of the most famous actors in Hollywood, leading multiple massive franchises with grand followings. Now, the recent death that has come from his camp, the passing of his stunt double Tony McFarr, finally has a resolve.
Chris Pratt, the charismatic actor known for his roles in Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World, has emerged as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after stars. His journey from community college dropout to leading man is a testament to his talent, hard work, and determination.
Pratt’s acting career began with minor roles in television shows like Everwood and The O.C. However, his breakthrough came with the sitcom Parks and Recreation, where he played the lovable and quirky Andy Dwyer. His performance in the series earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.
In 2014, Pratt’s career took a dramatic turn with his starring roles in Guardians of the Galaxy and The Lego Movie. His portrayal of Star-Lord in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Emmet Brickowski in the animated comedy solidified his status as a leading man.
Pratt’s success has continued with his roles in the Jurassic World trilogy and other high-profile films. His ability to balance comedy, action, and drama has made him a versatile and appealing actor.
In his personal life, Pratt is married to Katherine Schwarzenegger, daughter of Arnold Schwarzenegger. They have two children together. Pratt is also a stepfather to Schwarzenegger’s children from a previous relationship.
Chris Pratt’s journey from community college dropout to Hollywood A-lister is a testament to his talent, hard work, and unwavering determination.
Sadly, Pratt had to mourn the death of his stunt double Tony McFarr earlier this year, and now the cause of death has been revealed.
The daughter of renowned Hollywood stuntman Antonio ‘Tony’ McFarr, who passed away unexpectedly on May 13 at his Orlando-area home, is urging police not to release photos of his remains.
McFarr, best known for his stunt work with Chris Pratt in Jurassic World and Guardians of the Galaxy, was found deceased several days after his passing. An autopsy later revealed that alcohol poisoning and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease contributed to his death.
Now, his 21-year-old daughter, Jade McKee, has filed a complaint against the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the District Nine Medical Examiner’s Office, requesting that officers refrain from sharing photos depicting the condition in which her father was found.
“In the process of [their] investigations, it is believed that defendants created records which may include photographs, video recordings, audio recordings, statutorily protected autopsy information, and all other statutorily protected information,” reads the complaint filed in June by Jade and her grandparents, McFarr’s mother and father.
The family’s attorneys noted in the filing, that the records “graphically depict [McFarr], his likeness or features, or parts of him,” and are currently held by the police and the medical examiner’s office.
“Upon information and belief, certain news and media outlets have filed or plan to file public records requests pursuant to the Florida Public Records Act… requesting Defendants release the records to the public,” the complaint further states.
The family is now seeking a court order to prevent these agencies from releasing the photos and images to the public.
The complaint, filed in Orange County Circuit Court, requests “a temporary and permanent injunction precluding [the] defendants from releasing the records to anyone except… [McFarr’s] surviving parents and daughter.”
As of this article’s publishing, the outcome of the filing remains uncertain, though recent photos of the stuntman suggest a decline in his once-robust physique.
The last known photos of McFarr online appear to have been taken in 2021, along with a professional shot he posted to his Instagram in August 2023.
In both, he appears significantly different from the man who could once easily be mistaken for Pratt—a possible indication of the alcohol abuse mentioned in the medical examiner’s report.
The Orange County Medical Examiner determined McFarr’s death was caused by an irregular heartbeat and heart valve issues, exacerbated by his history of alcohol abuse.
The examiner also noted that when McFarr was discovered unresponsive at his suburban home, his body had already begun decomposing.
He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the medical examiner, as obituaries and recollections from friends and relatives shed light on the final days of the man who performed stunts for the so-called Star-Lord.
Born at the Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida, McFarr spent most of his life in the state. For over a decade, he traveled to Hollywood to perform stunts in films like Transformers: Dark of the Moon, Furious 7, and Captain America: Civil War.
He also appeared on various TV shows, including Ballers and Bones, and was a regular performer at the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios before his career took off.
McFarr was also a veteran, having served in the U.S. Air Force in the early 2000s. His work at Walt Disney Corp. in Orlando led to a role in a single episode of Bones before he landed a spot in the Transformers sequel that year.
Over the next decade, McFarr performed stunts in 58 more productions, according to his IMDb page—four of which were as Pratt’s double.
In McFarr’s obituary, relatives wrote about how he moved to a neighboring state “to pursue stunt work and stunt acting on the bigger stage of Hollywood, where he was immensely successful.”
More movies followed for McFarr, along with three Oscar nominations.
“Devastated to hear about the loss of my friend and former stunt double. We did several movies together. We golfed, drank whiskey, smoked cigars, and spent endless hours on set. I’ll never forget his toughness,” Pratt wrote on Instagram on May 16, after McFarr’s death was reported.
“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. He was always a gentleman and professional,” Pratt added.
“He’ll be missed. My prayers go out to his friends and family, especially his daughter,” Pratt said.
We wish Tony’s friends and family our condolences during this time.