The Extraordinary Life of Kitty O'Neil: A Trailblazer in Stunt Performance

Kitty O'Neil was a remarkable woman who achieved a number of extraordinary feats during her lifetime. Born in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1946, she was profoundly deaf from the age of five months. Despite this setback, Kitty refused to let her disability define her or limit her ambitions.

Kitty's talent for athletics was evident from a young age, and she quickly began to excel in a range of sports. She was particularly skilled at swimming and diving, and by the age of 14 she had already set several national records. However, it was in the field of motorsports that Kitty truly made her mark.

In the early 1970s, Kitty began working as a stuntwoman and stunt driver in Hollywood. Her skills behind the wheel were unparalleled, and she quickly became known for her daredevil antics. In 1976, she set a land-speed record for women by driving a rocket-powered car at a speed of 512 miles per hour. This was a remarkable achievement in its own right, but it was made all the more impressive by the fact that Kitty was not only deaf, but also partially blind due to an accident in her youth.

Kitty's record-breaking drive was just one of many feats of bravery and skill that she accomplished during her career. She performed stunts in a range of movies and TV shows, including the 1978 film "Hooper," in which she played a stunt double for actress Sally Field. She also performed as a stunt double for actresses such as Lynda Carter, Lindsay Wagner, and Farrah Fawcett.

Throughout her career, Kitty faced numerous challenges as a woman in a male-dominated field. However, she refused to be deterred, and instead used her experiences to inspire and empower others. She was a trailblazer for women in the stunt industry, and her legacy continues to inspire generations of young women to this day.

In addition to her stunt work, Kitty was also a passionate advocate for people with disabilities. She used her platform to raise awareness of the challenges faced by deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, and worked tirelessly to promote accessibility and inclusion. Her commitment to these causes earned her numerous awards and accolades, including the Amelia Earhart Memorial Award and the Outstanding Disabled American Veteran of the Year Award.

Kitty O'Neil passed away in 2018 at the age of 72, but her legacy lives on. She was a true pioneer, and her achievements continue to inspire people around the world. Her life serves as a reminder that with determination, talent, and a willingness to take risks, anyone can achieve their dreams.