What were Neil Summers' most iconic roles? Career highlights explored as veteran stuntman and actor dies at 81

Veteran actor Neil Summers passed away on September 4, 2025, leaving a legacy of iconic films and recognizable talent. The stuntman turned actor reportedly passed away in his Utah home, surrounded by family and loved ones, aged 81.

A cause of death is yet to be revealed. TMZ reports that the actor is believed to have died from natural causes. Summers began his career in Hollywood as a stuntman before transitioning into acting.

Some of his most iconic roles include Dougy in the 1987 sci-fi classic Robocop and criminal Rodent in the 1990 action film directed by Warren Beatty, Dick Tracy. His film credits include Western blockbusters like The Greatest Story Ever Told, Heaven with a Gun, Guns of a Stranger and Shawshank Redemption.

His stunt work saw him doubling for actors like Michael J. Pollard, Warren Oates, Michael Anderson Jr, and Roddy McDowall.

More details about Neil Summers as legendary actor dies at 81

Born on April 28, 1944, Neil Summers worked as a stuntman in the 1960s. Some of his early works include Death Valley Days, Cheyenne Autumn, and McLintock! And The Greatest Story Ever Told.

Throughout the 80s, 90s and the early 2000s, Summers worked as a stuntman appearing in Holes and an episode of General Hospital. He was a stunt coordinator on the Unrest and Doc West movie sets.

His work brought him in contact with the likes of Elvis Presley, John Wayne and Clint Eastwood. Fans are remembering the late stuntman and actor

@DickTracyMovie wrote on X:

'I learned that actor/stuntman Neil Summers, who portrayed The Rodent in Dick Tracy, has passed away. He starred in numerous film & TV westerns and owned one of the largest western collections in the world. He was a true gentleman and cowboy at heart. He was 81 years old. RIP, sir.'

Neil Summers is survived by his partner Karen, his sister, niece and nephew.

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