Kitty O'Neil (1946-2018) was a stuntwoman, racer, and daredevil who became famous in the 1970s for setting speed records and performing dangerous stunts. She was born deaf and had to overcome many challenges throughout her life. Despite this, she pursued her dreams of becoming a stuntwoman and accomplished many feats that were once thought impossible.
Setting the women's land-speed record in 1976, driving a rocket-powered vehicle at a speed of 512 miles per hour.
Performing stunts in movies and TV shows such as "The Bionic Woman," "Wonder Woman," and "The Blues Brothers."
Becoming one of the first female members of the Hollywood Stuntmen's Hall of Fame.
Kitty O'Neil's life and career were the subject of a 1979 made-for-TV movie called "Silent Victory: The Kitty O'Neil Story." She passed away in 2018 at the age of 72.
additional facts about Kitty O'Neil:
Before becoming a stuntwoman, O'Neil worked as a dental hygienist and a model. She was discovered by a Hollywood stunt coordinator while working as a model and was encouraged to pursue a career in stunts.
In addition to her land-speed record, O'Neil also set several other records, including the women's water-speed record and the fastest quarter-mile time by a woman in a dragster.
O'Neil was known for performing high-risk stunts that required precision and skill. She performed stunts such as jumping a motorcycle over 13 buses and driving a car off a 12-story building.
In 1978, O'Neil suffered a serious injury while performing a stunt on the set of "The Bionic Woman." She fell more than 60 feet from a helicopter and broke several bones. Despite her injuries, she continued to perform stunts after her recovery.
O'Neil was a role model for many people, especially those with disabilities. She proved that anyone can achieve their dreams with hard work and determination.
After retiring from stunts, O'Neil worked as a stunt coordinator and also became involved in drag racing. She was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2018.
Overall, Kitty O'Neil was an inspiring and trailblazing figure in the world of stunts and racing, and her legacy continues to inspire people today.
O'Neil was born on March 24, 1946, in Corpus Christi, Texas. She was the third of four children in her family.
As a child, O'Neil contracted measles, mumps, and smallpox, which left her with partial hearing loss. By the time she was a teenager, she was completely deaf.
O'Neil learned to communicate through lip-reading and sign language. She also became skilled at reading vibrations, which allowed her to sense when someone was speaking to her or when a car engine was running.
O'Neil's deafness was an advantage in her work as a stuntwoman because it made her more focused and aware of her surroundings. She was able to concentrate on the visual cues and vibrations of the stunts she performed.
O'Neil was a pioneer for women in the male-dominated field of stunts. She was often the only woman on set and had to work twice as hard to prove herself. She broke down barriers for women in the industry and paved the way for future generations of female stunt performers
O'Neil was also involved in charitable work and was a spokesperson for several organizations that supported deaf and disabled people.
In 1982, O'Neil was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which forced her to retire from stunt work. However, she remained active in the industry as a coordinator and mentor to young stunt performers.
O'Neil passed away on November 2, 2018, in Eureka, South Dakota, at the age of 72. She will always be remembered as a courageous and inspiring woman who overcame adversity and achieved her dreams.
O'Neil was a friend and colleague of Evel Knievel, the famous motorcycle stunt performer. She worked as his stunt double in the 1977 movie "Viva Knievel!" and also performed alongside him in several live shows.
O'Neil's record-breaking land-speed run was not officially recognized by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) because the vehicle she used was not wheel-driven. However, her achievement was widely celebrated and earned her international recognition.
O'Neil's land-speed record attempt was featured in an episode of the popular TV series "That's Incredible!" in 1980. The episode showcased her preparation and training for the record attempt and included footage of the run itself.
O'Neil was a member of the Hollywood Stuntmen's Association and was one of the few women to be accepted into the organization. She was also a member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.
O'Neil's story has been an inspiration to many people with disabilities. She proved that deafness and other physical challenges do not have to be limitations and that anyone can achieve greatness with determination and hard work.
O'Neil's life and career have been the subject of several books, documentaries, and articles. Her story continues to inspire people today, and she is remembered as a true pioneer and trailblazer in the world of stunts and racing.
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