“Back to the Future Part II” Actress Says Her Stunt Double Got Seriously Injured Filming Hoverboard Scene

**Stunt Double’s Serious Injury on Back to the Future II Sets the Record Straight**

Darlene Vogel, known for her role as Leslie “Spike” O’Malley in the beloved film *Back to the Future Part II*, recently revealed the serious injuries sustained by her stunt double, Cheryl Wheeler, during filming. This revelation has caused a stir among fans who mistakenly believed that it was Vogel herself who was injured in the incident.

During a recent appearance on *The Patrick LabyorSheaux* podcast hosted by actor Patrick Labyorteaux, Vogel shared her memories of filming the iconic 1989 movie. The actress, now 63, described filming exhilarating hoverboard scenes, where performers were suspended from a crane via wires, allowing them to simulate flying. “We had these belts on underneath our clothes,” she explained. “They were connected to these piano wires… It was so fun.”

Despite the enjoyment experienced by the cast, one particular hoverboard scene proved catastrophic for Wheeler. Vogel recounted how many fans believe that she was the one who suffered injury, stating, “I’m surprised that a lot of [fans] don’t know… my stunt double got hurt in the crash.”

This incident occurred during a scene where Wheeler was supposed to crash through a window. However, due to a miscalculation involving the crane, she fell 14 feet onto a cement surface instead of landing on cushioned pads as intended. “She crashes into the pole… and drops down,” Vogel explained, detailing the unfortunate turn of events. “The crane was off a little bit, and they were all supposed to crash through the window.”

Wheeler’s injuries were severe, requiring “multiple surgeries” for her to recover. Despite the devastating incident, she continued her career as a stunt double and later crossed paths with Vogel again when they both worked on the TV series *Pacific Blue*.

Interestingly, even actors who starred alongside Vogel were unaware of the identity of the injured person. The actress recounted a recent encounter with her co-star Michael J. Fox in New York, where he mistakenly assumed she was the one who had been hurt. “I said, ‘No. That was my stunt double, Cheryl,'” Vogel recalled, highlighting the misconceptions that still surround the incident.

As reported in a statement from Wheeler’s attorney, she endured “incredible injuries” as a result of the fall, and a settlement was reached in a 1993 book titled *The Danger of Martial Arts Movie Stunts*. Unfortunately, Wheeler passed away in 2020 at the age of 59, leaving behind a legacy that includes significant contributions to stunt work in the film industry.

The revelation of Wheeler’s tragic accident serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by stunt performers, often overlooked in the shadow of their on-screen counterparts. The emotional impact of such injuries extends beyond the set, affecting not only the individuals directly involved but also the entire production team and their fans.

As Vogel continues to reflect on her experiences while filming *Back to the Future Part II*, she also emphasises the importance of acknowledging the hard work and sacrifices made by stunt doubles like Wheeler. Actors often receive the spotlight, but it is crucial to recognise the unsung heroes who make their performances possible.

In light of this revelation, fans are encouraged to appreciate the artistry and dedication of all individuals involved in the filmmaking process, particularly those who take on dangerous roles in the name of entertainment. As the film celebrates its legacy over three decades since its release, the stories behind the scenes are a poignant reminder of the complexities that come together to create iconic cinema.