The Daring Life of Kitty O’Neil: Kitty O’neil Husband

Introduction

The career of a daredevil demands stillness and fearlessness, qualities that few possess. Kitty O’Neil, an acclaimed stuntwoman, award-winning diver, and racer, embodied these traits, pushing the boundaries for women and disabled individuals in Hollywood. Let’s delve into the fascinating life and legacy of Kitty O’Neil, often hailed as “the fastest woman in the world.”

Who Is Kitty O’Neil?

Born on March 24, 1946, in Corpus Christi, Texas, Kitty Linn O’Neil was a pioneering American stuntwoman and racer, earning the moniker “the fastest woman in the world” for her numerous speed records. From a young age, O’Neil displayed a passion for speed that would shape her extraordinary career. As highlighted in The New York Times obituary, even at the age of 4, Kitty boldly insisted that her father prop her atop his lawnmower and ride it at its maximum speed. This early fascination with velocity foreshadowed the remarkable journey of a woman who would go on to break barriers and set records in the world of stunts and racing. O’Neil’s indomitable spirit and fearlessness would define her legacy as a trailblazer in Hollywood, pushing boundaries for women and disabled individuals, and leaving an indelible mark on the world of daredevilry.

Early Life and Family

Born on March 24, 1946, in Corpus Christi, Texas, Kitty Linn O’Neil emerged as a remarkable figure in the world of stunts and speed. Her father, John O’Neil, an oil wildcatter, passed away in a tragic airplane accident when Kitty was young. Her mother, Patsy Compton O’Neil, played a crucial role in her life, teaching her to lip-read and speak after realizing Kitty’s permanent deafness.

Overcoming Deafness

Deaf since infancy due to a high fever caused by measles, mumps, and smallpox, O’Neil turned her deafness into an asset, focusing and excelling in death-defying stunts and racing. Emphasizing the capabilities of the deaf, she once declared, “Deaf people can do anything.”

Education and Early Years

Educated at home by her mother, who became a speech therapist, Kitty learned to read lips and speak, ensuring she wasn’t entirely reliant on sign language. Her foray into public school at the age of 8 marked a significant milestone. Her mother later established the School of Listening Eyes in Wichita Falls, Texas.

Almost an Olympic Diver

O’Neil’s journey into extreme sports began as a competitive platform diver. Despite winning multiple medals, a broken wrist shattered her Olympic diving dreams. Disenchanted with the sport, she sought excitement in hang gliding, scuba diving, water skiing, and skydiving.

Kitty O’neil Husband

While competing in a motorcycle race in Valencia, California, in the 1970s, O’Neil met stuntman Ronald “Duffy” Hambleton. After Duffy pulled O’Neil out of a race and took her to an emergency room for a cycle crash that severely injured her — an act that saved the use of her fingers — the two entered a long-term relationship. This partnership became a crucial support system for O’Neil, as Duffy played a pivotal role in her life, both personally and professionally.

From Racing to Stunt Work

Following the motorcycle race incident, O’Neil transitioned from racing to stunt work. She became the first woman to join Stunts Unlimited, showcasing her versatility in film and television. Notable appearances include stunts on “The Bionic Woman” and as Lynda Carter’s stunt double on “Wonder Woman.”

Land Speed Record

On December 6, 1976, in Oregon’s Alvord Desert, O’Neil set the land-speed record for female drivers, reaching an astounding 618 miles per hour in an SMI Motivator. This record endured until 2019, solidifying her status as a trailblazer.

Legacy and Retirement

Kitty O’Neil’s story captivated Americans for decades, inspiring movies like “Silent Victory: The Kitty O’Neil Story” and a Mattel action figure. After retiring in the early 1980s due to the death of friends in the industry, she moved to Minneapolis and eventually to Eureka, South Dakota.

End of an Era

Kitty O’Neil passed away on November 2, 2018, in Eureka, South Dakota, leaving behind a legacy of fearlessness. Her net worth was estimated at $1.2 million at the time of her death, and pneumonia was cited as the cause. Even in her final days, O’Neil remained an indomitable spirit, a testament to a life lived on the edge.