Chris Pratt Mourns Death of Longtime Stunt Double Tony McFarr: “I’ll Never Forget His Toughness”

Kevin Dolak
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Tony McFarr, a professional stunt performer best known in Hollywood for his work as action star Chris Pratt’s double in the Jurassic World and Guardians of the Galaxy franchises, died in Florida this week. McFarr was 47 years old.

The Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office in Orlando told The Hollywood Reporter that McFarr died on Monday and that a cause of death is still pending as of Friday morning. His death was also posted on the website of the Wylie-Baxley Funeral Home in Merritt Island, Florida. But, according to a staff member at the funeral home, his obituary was removed at the request of his family.

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On Thursday. TMZ reported that McFarr’s mother, Donna, told the outlet that her son’s death at his home in Orlando was “unexpected and shocking.” On Friday, Pratt wrote a message on Instagram mourning the loss of his colleague and friend.

“Devastated to hear about the loss of my friend and former stunt double,” Pratt wrote in a message on his Instagram story, adding “We did several movies together. We golfed, drank whiskey, smoked cigars, and spent endless hours on set. I’ll never forget his toughness,” he wrote.

In the post, Pratt recounted how McFarr sustained an injury while shooting Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Despite needing multiple staples placed in his head, McFarr returned to the shoot the following day. “He was an absolute stud. He was always a gentleman and a professional. He’ll be missed. My prayers go out to his friends and family, especially his daughter,” Pratt concluded.

McFarr launched his TV and film career in 2007 on an episode of Burn Notice, a series he returned to with a small part in 2010.  He also appeared in other hit TV series including “One Tree Hill,” “Army Wives,” “Graceland,” “Cell” and “MacGyver” over this career.

Stunt work soon became McFarr’s forte when he first worked alongside Pratt in 2015’s Jurassic World and again alongside the actor in Passengers the following year; 2017’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2; and 2018’s Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.

McFarr’s long list of credits includes work on some of the biggest Hollywood blockbusters of the past decade. His stunt work includes performances in Captain America: Civil War, Ant-Man and the Wasp, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Parts 1 and 2, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and several more.

McFarr recently opened restaurants in the Orlando area, TMZ reports. His Instagram account includes a post about the opening of Reel Bowls, a movie-themed poke and salad restaurant.

McFarr is survived by a daughter, a sister and his mother and father.

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