In 1989, familiar faces returned to the big screen in the beloved film “Back to the Future Part II.” Michael J. Fox reprised his role as Marty McFly, joined by Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Thomas F. Wilson, Elisabeth Shue, Jeffrey Weissman, and new addition Darlene Vogel as Leslie “Spike” O’Malley, a member of Griff’s gang in the futuristic setting of 2015.
One of the most memorable scenes from the sequel featured Marty being chased by the notorious bad guy Griff and his gang on hoverboards, culminating in a dramatic crash into the Hill Valley clock tower.
Rumors have circulated over the years regarding Vogel’s supposed injury during the filming of the scene, with some even claiming she tragically lost her life during the stunt. However, Vogel herself set the record straight during a recent podcast appearance, revealing that a stunt double, Cheryl Wheeler, actually performed the dangerous crash sequence.
Wheeler suffered a serious accident during the filming, falling 14 feet onto concrete due to a crane mishap. Despite the rumors, Vogel was unharmed and had an enjoyable time filming the hoverboard chase scenes.
Years later, Wheeler opened up about the harrowing incident, recounting the multiple surgeries she underwent to repair the extensive injuries sustained during the fall. Unfortunately, Wheeler’s life took a tragic turn, as she passed away in 2020 following a shootout involving her ex-husband and his new wife.
Vogel and Wheeler’s experiences on the set of “Back to the Future Part II” serve as a reminder of the often overlooked risks and challenges faced by stunt performers in the entertainment industry. The dedication and sacrifices of individuals like Cheryl Wheeler highlight the importance of recognizing the unsung heroes behind the scenes of our favorite films.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.