Hollywood is mourning the loss of Neil Summers, the veteran stuntman and actor whose career spanned decades.
Summers passed away at the age of 81 from natural causes, according to reports, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and daring stunts.
Fans and colleagues have been paying tribute to Summers, remembering him not only for his on-screen roles but also for his warmth and professionalism off-set.
A Career That Spanned Decades
Summers was best known for his role as The Rodent in the 1990 crime-action classic Dick Tracy, but his contributions to film went far beyond a single performance.
He appeared in iconic movies including RoboCop, The Shawshank Redemption, My Name Is Nobody, and Mars Attacks!, among many others.
As a stuntman, Summers was a fixture in Hollywood productions ranging from Holes and Bedazzled to U.S. Marshalls, Howard the Duck, and multiple Naked Gun films.
His ability to blend into action scenes while maintaining precision made him a trusted professional for generations of filmmakers.
Sharing the Screen with Legends
Over the years, Summers shared sets with some of Hollywood’s biggest names, including Elvis Presley, John Wayne, and Clint Eastwood.
His work seamlessly bridged the worlds of stunt performance and acting, allowing him to leave a distinct mark on both.
Summers was not just a stunt performer; he was also an accomplished actor.
He appeared in numerous classic TV shows like Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Barnaby Jones, The High Chaparral, Daniel Boone, and The Fall Guy, proving his versatility across genres.
Memorable Roles and On-Screen Moments
Fans remember Summers for roles such as Dougy in RoboCop, a member of crime boss Clarence Boddicker’s gang who meets his dramatic end at a steel mill hideout.
His portrayal of The Rodent in Dick Tracy remains another fan favorite.
Born in London, England, Summers launched his Hollywood career in 1963 when he traveled to Tucson, Arizona, to work as a stunt extra in McLintock!.
Over the years, he doubled for stars like Warren Oates, Roddy McDowall, Michael Anderson Jr., and Michael J. Pollard, establishing himself as one of Hollywood’s most reliable stunt professionals.
Westerns and Beyond
Summers’ love for Westerns was well known. He appeared in classic films like El Dorado, True Grit, Duel at Diablo, Rio Lobo, and Heaven with a Gun.
Off-screen, he owned one of the largest Western collections in the world, earning admiration from fans who called him a “gentleman and cowboy at heart.”
He also shared many memorable moments in blockbuster hits like Wild at Heart, Rough Night in Jericho, and The Shawshank Redemption, showcasing his versatility across action, drama, and comedy.
Fond Memories and Tributes
Tributes have been pouring in from fans and friends. One fan wrote, “I learned that actor/stuntman Neil Summers, who portrayed The Rodent in Dick Tracy, has passed away.
He was 81 years old. RIP sir.” Another shared, “I’m very sad to hear that my dear friend Neil Summers has passed away. You were a real Cowboy.”
Summers is survived by his sister, niece, nephew, and longtime partner, Karen.
His enduring presence in Hollywood and his contributions to film and television will not be forgotten.
A Lasting Hollywood Legacy
From performing death-defying stunts to carving out memorable acting roles, Neil Summers left an indelible mark on Hollywood.
His career spanned decades, genres, and generations, making him a beloved figure both on and off the screen.
This story is developing as fans and colleagues continue to share their memories of a true Hollywood legend.