‘Lucifer‘ season 5 part 2 (or season 5B) continues the adventures of Lucifer Morningstar as he faces his toughest opponent yet: his twin brother Michael.
The popular supernatural series has been an immense hit for Netflix since the streaming giant acquired the show, starting with season 4.
As the heated battle between Lucifer and Michael comes to a conclusion in season 5 episode 16, there is a huge status-quo change.
We cut to credits honoring a certain Merritt Yohnka before the audience or Lucifer can process the significance of the shift.
Naturally, if you binged through the season, you must be curious about the person the season 5 part 2 finale is dedicated to.
Here’s everything you need to know about Merritt Yohnka!
Who is Merritt Yohnka That Lucifer Paid Tribute to?
Merritt Yohnka isn’t one of the most recognizable names in Hollywood, but certainly an enduring one. Yohnka was a celebrated stunt coordinator and stunt performer.
During his over three-decades-long career in Hollywood, Yohnka worked on many popular films and shows, including ‘Chuck,’ ‘Rizzoli & Isles,’ ‘Transformers,’ and ‘Die Hard 4.0.’
Yohnka served as a stunt coordinator on ‘Lucifer’ from 2017-2019. His total episode count for the show was 29.
If you are an avid viewer of ‘Lucifer,’ you must know the show’s third and fourth seasons are comparatively more action-heavy.
The wonderful action sequences of the aforementioned seasons are a testament to Yohnka’s exemplary work.
Yohnka also received the coveted Emmy Award twice (in 2008 and 2009) for Outstanding Stunt Coordination for his exceptional work in the field of stunt coordination on the spy thriller series ‘Chuck.’
Yohnka sadly passed away in 2020 and ‘Lucifer season 5 episode 16 titled ‘Chance at a Happy Ending,’ is dedicated to Yohnka’s memory.
How Did Merritt Yohnka Die?
Merritt Yohnka was born on April 1, 1958, in Chebanse, Illinois. First, he got his education at Western Illinois University in Macomb, then he moved to Hollywood and made it big.
Knott’s Berry Farm in southern California employed him, and his “Wild West Stunt Show” was a big draw.
Yohnka also occasionally worked as a security guard at night during that time. He eventually landed a recurring role as Joey on the soap opera ‘Days of Our Lives.’
In addition to his roles as a stunt double and stunt coordinator, Yohnka also appeared on many television shows in supporting roles.
In 1992, while filming a car commercial in which they played husband and wife, Yohnka met his wife of 24 years, Cindy Yohnka.
The couple tied the knot in 1996 and resided in Sherwood Forest, Los Angeles County. The couple has three children, Emily, Steven, and Garrett.
Despite his busy work schedule, Yohnka always spent time with his family and enjoyed outdoor activities such as boating, jet skiing, and fishing.
Yohnka battled cancer for many years before passing away on September 16, 2020. All of his loved ones were present when he passed away.
Tom Ellis, who plays Lucifer’s lead role, is just one of many cast and crew members who have paid tribute to Yohnka on social media.
The late stunt coordinator, Yohnka, is survived by his wife, children, and many friends and colleagues whose lives he touched with his kindness and noble character.
The ‘Lucifer’ cast and crew celebrated Yohnka’s legacy and will always remember his contributions.
