Kitty O'Neil: The First Woman to Break the Sound Barrier
Who was kitty O' Neil?
Kitty O'Neil was a renowned American stuntwoman, speed record-holder, and deaf activist. Despite being deaf since childhood, she made a name for herself in Hollywood as a fearless stuntwoman, performing dangerous stunts in movies and TV shows.
O'Neil's impressive career spanned over several decades, during which she set numerous speed records and became the first woman to perform several high-risk stunts. She also worked as a stunt double for some of Hollywood's biggest stars, including Lynda Carter, Lindsay Wagner, and Farrah Fawcett.
In addition to her work in the entertainment industry, O'Neil was an advocate for the deaf community, serving as a role model and inspiring many people with her resilience and determination. In this article, we will take a closer look at the life and career of this remarkable woman, exploring her achievements, challenges, and legacy.
She died on November 2 2018, at the age of 72
| Early Life and Challenges | Stunt Career and Achievements | Racer | Legacy |
Early Life
Kitty O'Neil's early life was marked by numerous challenges due to her deafness. At the age of five months, she contracted measles which left her completely deaf. Her parents were not initially prepared to raise a deaf child, and they struggled to find resources to help her. However, O'Neil was a determined and strong-willed child who refused to let her deafness hold her back.
Growing up in Corpus Christi, Texas, O'Neil was often ostracized and excluded from social activities due to her hearing impairment. She struggled in school and was often left behind due to the lack of accommodations for deaf students. Despite these challenges, she developed a love for sports and outdoor activities, which would eventually lead her to discover her passion for speed.
When she was 16 years old, O'Neil moved to California to attend a school for the deaf. It was during this time that she began racing cars and motorcycles. Initially, she faced skepticism and discrimination due to her deafness, but her talent and determination soon earned her respect within the racing community.
O'Neil's love for speed and adrenaline continued to grow, and she soon found herself drawn to the world of stunt work. She began working as a stuntwoman in Hollywood in the early 1970s, where she quickly made a name for herself as one of the most talented and fearless stuntwomen in the industry.
Despite the fact that the world of stunt work was traditionally male-dominated, O'Neil refused to let gender or disability hold her back. She became known for her willingness to take on the most dangerous and challenging stunts, and her talent and fearlessness soon earned her the respect and admiration of her peers.
O'Neil's most notable achievements as a stuntwoman include becoming the first woman to perform a full-body burn, the first woman to drive a car through a wall of fire, and the first woman to complete a high fall in a full body burn suit. She also served as a stunt double for several iconic actresses, including Lynda Carter, Lindsay Wagner, and Farrah Fawcett.
Throughout her career, O'Neil used her platform to advocate for the deaf community and to promote deaf culture and sign language. She was a role model and inspiration for many, and her legacy as a trailblazer in the world of stunts and as an advocate for the deaf community continues to inspire people to this day.
Stunt Performer
Kitty O'Neil's career as a stuntwoman began in the early 1970s, and she quickly established herself as one of the most talented and fearless stuntwomen in the industry. Despite facing discrimination and skepticism due to her deafness, O'Neil refused to let it hold her back and worked tirelessly to earn respect within the industry.
O'Neil's early work as a stuntwoman included work on TV shows such as "The Bionic Woman" and "Wonder Woman," as well as movies such as "Smokey and the Bandit II" and "The Blues Brothers." She quickly gained a reputation for her willingness to take on the most dangerous and challenging stunts, and her talent and fearlessness soon earned her the respect and admiration of her peers.
One of O'Neil's most notable achievements as a stuntwoman was becoming the first woman to perform a full-body burn. This stunt involves covering the body in flammable liquid and then setting it on fire, before quickly extinguishing the flames. The stunt is incredibly dangerous and requires a high level of skill and precision to execute safely. O'Neil performed the stunt multiple times throughout her career, and it became one of her signature moves.
In addition to her work as a stuntwoman, O'Neil also worked as a stunt coordinator and second unit director on several films. This work involved coordinating and overseeing stunts and action scenes, and required a deep understanding of the technical aspects of filmmaking as well as a high level of physical fitness and skill.
O'Neil's talent and fearlessness as a stuntwoman also earned her the opportunity to work as a stunt double for several iconic actresses. She doubled for Lynda Carter on "Wonder Woman," Lindsay Wagner on "The Bionic Woman," and Farrah Fawcett on "Charlie's Angels." Her work as a stunt double allowed her to showcase her skills and prove that disability and gender should not be barriers to success in the entertainment industry.
Despite her success and accomplishments as a stuntwoman, O'Neil's career was not without its challenges. In addition to facing discrimination due to her deafness, she also suffered several serious injuries throughout her career. These injuries included a broken back, broken ribs, and a shattered wrist, among others. However, O'Neil refused to let these setbacks hold her back, and she continued to work as a stuntwoman and advocate for the deaf community until her retirement in the early 1980s.
Today, O'Neil's legacy as a trailblazer in the world of stunts and as an advocate for the deaf community continues to inspire people around the world. She was a true pioneer who broke down barriers and paved the way for future generations of stunt performers and individuals with disabilities.
Racer
Kitty O'Neil's most significant achievements came as a result of her work as a stuntwoman and racer. She began her career in racing as a hobby, and quickly found that she had a natural talent for speed. Her first major race came in 1974, when she competed in the Baja 500 off-road race in Mexico. She was the only woman in the race and she finished in a respectable time, earning the respect of her fellow racers.
After her success in the Baja 500, Kitty turned her attention to land speed racing. In 1976, she set her first land speed record by driving a rocket-powered car at a speed of 512 mph. This achievement earned her the title of "Fastest Woman on Wheels." She would go on to break more records in the coming years, including the women's land speed record in 1978, when she drove a three-wheeled rocket-powered vehicle at a speed of 396 mph.
Kitty's success in racing was due in part to her determination and her ability to push the limits of what was thought possible. She was never content with simply reaching a certain speed; she always wanted to go faster. Her competitive spirit was evident in her racing, and it helped her to overcome obstacles and setbacks along the way.
Aside from her success in racing, Kitty was also a talented stuntwoman, and she performed stunts in a number of popular movies and television shows. Her work as a stuntwoman was just as daring as her racing, and it required a great deal of physical skill and bravery. She was often called upon to perform stunts that other stunt performers were unwilling or unable to do, and she always rose to the challenge.
Overall, Kitty O'Neil's achievements in racing and stunt work were groundbreaking. She shattered records and expectations, and she paved the way for future generations of female racers and stunt performers. Her legacy will always be remembered as a testament to the power of determination and hard work.
Legacy
Kitty O'Neil's legacy is one of determination, hard work, and breaking barriers. Her achievements as a racer and stuntwoman paved the way for future generations of women in those fields, and her impact is still felt today.
One of the most significant aspects of Kitty's legacy is her impact on women's sports. She was one of the first women to achieve significant success in a male-dominated sport, and her accomplishments opened doors for other women to follow in her footsteps. She proved that women were just as capable as men when it came to speed and skill, and her achievements helped to break down the gender barriers that had previously prevented women from participating in sports at a high level.
Kitty's impact on the world of stunt work is also significant. She was one of the few women in the industry at the time, and she proved that women were just as capable as men when it came to performing dangerous stunts. Her willingness to take risks and push the limits of what was possible inspired other women to pursue careers in the field, and she helped to create a more inclusive and diverse industry.
Another important aspect of Kitty's legacy is her work as an advocate for people with disabilities. After a diving accident left her partially deaf, she became involved with organizations that supported people with disabilities, and she used her platform to raise awareness of their needs. She also worked as a motivational speaker, sharing her own experiences and inspiring others to overcome their own obstacles.
Kitty's legacy is also evident in the impact she had on popular culture. She was a trailblazer in a number of ways, and her achievements inspired countless people to follow in her footsteps. She was the subject of documentaries, and her story has been told in a number of books and articles. She remains an inspiration to people all over the world, and her legacy is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and breaking barriers.
In addition to her impact on the world of sports, stunt work, and disability advocacy, Kitty's legacy also serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance. She faced a number of obstacles throughout her life, including a serious diving accident that left her partially deaf, but she never gave up on her dreams. She continued to push herself to new heights, and she proved that anything was possible with hard work and determination.
Overall, Kitty O'Neil's legacy is one of inspiration and breaking barriers. She shattered gender stereotypes and paved the way for future generations of women in sports and stunt work. She advocated for people with disabilities and served as a reminder of the power of perseverance. Her impact is still felt today, and she remains an inspiration to people all over the world.