Kitty O’Neil is an American stunt performer and race car driver, commonly known as “fastest woman in the world” because of her many speed records.
She is recognized for her daring stunts and record-breaking achievements, establishing herself as a pioneer in the male-dominated world of stunt work.
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- Full Name: Kitty Linn O’Neil
- Date of birth: March 24, 1946
- Age: 77 years old (as of 2023)
- Gender: Female
- Place of birth: Corpus Christi, Texas, United States
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Stuntman, race car driver
- Height: 5’8”
- Parents: John O’Neil (father), Patsy Compton O’Neil (mother)
- Siblings: None
- Spouse: Duffy Hambleton (divorced)
- Children: 2
- Relationship status: Divorced
- Net worth: $3 million
Early life and education
Kitty O’Neil, 77 years old in 2023, was born on March 24, 1946 in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Her father, John O’Neil, was an officer in the United States Air Force and an illegal oil trader, but he tragically died in a plane crash when Kitty was young.
Her mother, Patsy Compton O’Neil, who claimed to be of Cherokee descent, played a major role in Kitty’s upbringing.
When Kitty was just five months old, she contracted a series of childhood illnesses, including measles and smallpox, which left her with hearing loss.
Despite this setback, her mother taught her to read lips and speak, eventually becoming a speech therapist. She also co-founded a school for deaf students in Wichita Falls, Texas.
As a teenager, Kitty showed her athletic talent and became a professional diver. She excelled in the 10-meter springboard and 3-meter springboard, winning the Amateur Athletic Union championship.
However, a series of unfortunate events, including a broken wrist and spinal meningitis, prevented her from participating in the 1964 Olympics and eventually led her to turn to other adventurous activities such as water skiing, scuba diving, skydiving and paragliding.
Personal life
Kitty O’Neill’s personal life is worth chronicling in detail. Kitty O’Neill was first married in the 1970s to Ronald “Duffy” Hambleton, a former banker turned stuntman. However, their marriage ended in divorce.
Kitty O’Neill remarried, but sadly, that marriage also resulted in divorce. O’Neill had several other relationships throughout her life, although the identities of her other partners have not been revealed to the public. She and Ronald “Duffy” Hambleton had two children together.
Career
Kitty O’Neil’s career spanned everything from racing to stunt work. In the 1970s, she competed in land and water racing events such as the Baja 500 and Mint 400, gaining recognition as a skilled racer.
However, her real breakthrough came when she moved into the world of stunt acting.
Training with renowned stuntmen Hal Needham, Ron Hambleton and Dar Robinson, O’Neil quickly established herself as a pioneering stuntwoman.
In 1976, she became the first woman to join Stunts Unlimited, a leading stunt company in Hollywood.
Throughout her career, she has worked on numerous film and television projects, including appearing in “The Bionic Woman,” “Airport ’77,” “The Blues Brothers,” And “Smokey and the Bandit II.“
Her skill and fearlessness in performing high-risk stunts have earned her widespread acclaim and admiration in the industry.
Net worth
Kitty O’Neil’s net worth is estimated at $3 million.
Her career as a stuntwoman and race car driver, along with her many record-breaking achievements, contributed to her financial success.
Death
Kitty O’Neil died on November 2, 2018 in Eureka, South Dakota, at the age of 72.
She died of pneumonia after a life of dedicated service.
Social media
- Instagram Name: None
- Twitter Username: None
List of movies played
- Bionic Woman
- Airport ’77
- Blues Brothers
- Smokey and the Bandit II
