Nick Bon Tempi (January 10, 1930 – March 21, 2018) was a multifaceted American professional whose life was defined by an extraordinary breadth of experience, ranging from the fantastical world of Hollywood cinema to the precision-driven field of aerospace engineering. Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, to Italian immigrant parents, he and his twin brother, Paul, developed a lifelong bond that would see them serve together in the United States Marines. Following his military service, Bon Tempi embarked on an eclectic series of pursuits that spoke to his restless curiosity and varied talents, including stints as a firearms instructor, a Golden Glove boxer, a uranium miner, and even a hairdresser and draftsman.
His brief but memorable foray into the film industry occurred in the early 1960s, most notably in the 1962 fantasy epic The Magic Sword. Alongside his brother Paul, he was cast in the unique role of the “Left Siamese Twin,” a performance that required seamless physical coordination and provided a striking visual element to the Bert I. Gordon production. While his time in front of the camera was relatively short-lived, the role allowed him to participate in the vibrant culture of mid-century Hollywood, contributing to a cult classic that remains a favorite among fans of the genre.
Despite his screen success, Bon Tempi’s primary legacy lies in his significant contributions to the American space program and national defense. Transitioning from the creative arts to technical engineering, he joined the Rocketdyne Corporation as a draftsman and was quickly promoted to engineer, where he played a role in developing components for the historic Apollo missions. He later moved to Hughes Aircraft, where he spent several decades as a ballistics expert. His work there was instrumental in the development of sophisticated missile systems, including the AIM-54 Phoenix and the AIM-120 AMRAAM, showcasing a high-level technical proficiency that helped shape modern aerospace technology.
In his later years, Bon Tempi retired from his engineering career to enjoy a life centered around his family and personal passions. An avid golfer and a devoted dog lover, he spent much of his time with his many children and grandchildren in Southern California. He passed away in 2018 at the age of 88 after a courageous battle with leukemia. Nick Bon Tempi is remembered not only for his unique cinematic appearance but as a true “Renaissance man” whose life journey took him from the shores of Iwo Jima and the soundstages of Hollywood to the very frontiers of the moon landing.
