Back to the Future Part II Actress Reveals Stunt Double Was Seriously Injured While Filming Hoverboard Scene

Actress Darlene Vogel, who appeared in the classic 1989 movie “Back to the Future Part II,” recently shared a shocking story from the film’s production. She explained that her stunt double was seriously injured while filming one of the movie’s famous hoverboard scenes.

Vogel talked about the accident during the March 10 episode of The Patrick LabyorSheaux Podcast, hosted by actor Patrick Labyorteaux. During the conversation, she recalled what it was like filming the action sequences for the popular science-fiction movie.

In “Back to the Future Part II,” Vogel played the character Leslie “Spike” O’Malley. Much of her role involved riding a hoverboard, which became one of the most memorable parts of the film. Vogel said the scenes were exciting to shoot because the actors were lifted into the air using piano wires and harness belts hidden under their costumes.

She explained on the podcast that the stunt setup allowed performers to look like they were flying. A crane system would lift them while they moved through the scene. According to Vogel, filming those sequences felt fun and thrilling at the time.

However, one particular scene turned into a dangerous accident for her stunt double, Cheryl Wheeler. Vogel said that many fans still believe she was the person who got hurt, but it was actually Wheeler who suffered the injuries.

The accident happened during a scene where several characters crash into a building window during a hoverboard chase. The stunt performers were supposed to crash through the glass and land safely on padding placed inside the building.

But according to Vogel, the crane used for the stunt was slightly off position. Instead of landing on the padded area, Wheeler was accidentally dropped about 14 feet onto hard cement. In the film, viewers can briefly see the moment where the stunt performer hits a pole before falling.

Vogel explained on the podcast that the fall caused severe injuries, and Wheeler needed multiple surgeries afterward. Despite the accident, Wheeler later recovered and continued working as a professional stunt performer.

Years later, Vogel even reunited with Wheeler when they both worked on the television series “Pacific Blue.” The actress said she was happy to reconnect with the woman who had performed many of her dangerous stunts.

Vogel also shared a surprising moment when she met Michael J. Fox, the star of the Back to the Future franchise, in New York after the pandemic. When she reminded him about her role in the movie, Fox reportedly asked if she was the one who had been injured during filming. Vogel clarified that it was her stunt double, Cheryl Wheeler, who was hurt in the accident.

According to People, Wheeler later received a legal settlement after the incident. Sadly, the longtime stunt performer passed away in 2020 at the age of 59.

Vogel’s story highlights the real risks stunt performers face while helping bring exciting movie scenes to life. Even in beloved films like “Back to the Future Part II,” the action seen on screen sometimes comes with serious behind-the-scenes challenges.