Kitty O'Neil: The Inspiring Life of a Deaf Stuntwoman and Racing Driver

 

Kitty O'Neil was a woman who defied the odds and made history with her incredible achievements in the fields of stunt work and racing. Despite being deaf since the age of five months, she refused to let her disability hold her back and went on to become one of the most successful stuntwoman in Hollywood.

Early Life and Career

Kitty was born on March 24, 1946, in Corpus Christi, Texas. At the age of five months, she contracted measles, which left her permanently deaf. Despite her disability, she was a fearless child who loved to swim, ride horses, and play sports. She also developed a keen interest in cars and racing from an early age.

In 1976, Kitty made history when she became the first woman to drive a rocket-powered vehicle, reaching speeds of up to 512 mph. She also set several land speed records, including a record-breaking run in a three-wheeled vehicle that reached a top speed of 308 mph. Her success as a racing driver led her to become a stunt driver in Hollywood.

Personal Life

Kitty was married twice in her life. Her first marriage was to a man named Richard and lasted for a short time. Her second marriage was to a man named Duffy Hambleton, who was also a stuntman. The two were married for over 30 years until Duffy passed away in 2016.

Kitty's deafness did not hold her back in her personal life either. She was an avid scuba diver and skydiver, and she even flew planes. She also enjoyed playing poker and was known to be a skilled player.

In 1982, Kitty was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, which eventually forced her to retire from stunt work. However, she remained active in the deaf community and continued to inspire others with her achievements.

Honors and Awards

Kitty received many honors and awards throughout her career, including induction into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and the Hollywood Stuntmen's Hall of Fame. She was also the recipient of the National Courage Award and the President's Award for Outstanding Sports Achievement.

In 1978, Kitty was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated, which helped to raise awareness of her achievements and brought attention to the deaf community

Stunt Work and Legacy

Kitty's career as a stuntwoman began in the 1970s, and she quickly gained a reputation as one of the best in the business. Her daring stunts included jumps from tall buildings, car chases, and high-speed motorcycle stunts. She was the stunt double for famous actresses such as Lindsay Wagner in "The Bionic Woman" and Lynda Carter in "Wonder Woman."

In addition to her work in the entertainment industry, Kitty was also an advocate for the deaf community. She served as a role model and inspiration to deaf people around the world, showing that deafness does not have to be a barrier to success.

In addition to her work as a stuntwoman and racing driver, Kitty was also a successful swimmer. She won three gold medals and one silver medal at the 1967 National Deaf Olympics.

Kitty's record-breaking run in a three-wheeled vehicle in 1978 set a land speed record for female drivers that still stands today.

Despite her impressive achievements in the male-dominated fields of stunt work and racing, Kitty faced discrimination and sexism throughout her career. However, she refused to let this hold her back and persevered to achieve her goals.

In 1981, Kitty performed one of her most memorable stunts when she jumped a rocket-powered car over a series of buses, setting a world record for the longest and fastest jump by a woman.

Kitty was also a successful businesswoman, owning her own stunt company and working as a stunt coordinator for films and TV shows.

Throughout her career, Kitty performed stunts for over 450 films and TV shows, including "Smokey and the Bandit II," "The Blues Brothers," and "Magnum, P.I."

In 1979, Kitty was featured in the documentary "Silent Victory: The Kitty O'Neil Story," which chronicled her life and achievements.

Kitty passed away in 2018 at the age of 72. Her legacy as a trailblazer for women in racing and as an advocate for the deaf community lives on. She proved that anything is possible with hard work, determination, and a positive attitude.

Conclusion

Kitty O'Neil was a remarkable woman who achieved great success in the face of adversity. Her career as a stuntwoman and racing driver broke down barriers and inspired countless others to follow their dreams, regardless of their disabilities. Her legacy as a trailblazer and advocate will continue to inspire generations to come