Summary: Born in 1947, Kitty O’Neil was a stuntwoman and racer who is known for her work on a number of popular television shows and movies in the 1970s and 1980s. She was also a world record holder in speed racing and worked as a stunt double for some of the biggest actresses of her time. In this article, we will explore her net worth and how she earned it.
1. Early Life and Career
Kitty O’Neil was born on March 24, 1947, in Corpus Christi, Texas. She was born deaf but this didn’t stop her from pursuing her dreams. Her first job was as a telephone operator before she moved to Hollywood to try her hand at stunts.
She quickly found work as a stuntwoman and appeared in several TV shows and movies like The Bionic Woman, Wonder Woman and Smokey and the Bandit II. She went on to become the first female president of the Stuntmen’s Association of Motion Pictures in Hollywood.
It was during this time that she also became interested in racing and set her sights on breaking records.
2. Record-Breaking Accomplishments
Kitty O’Neil began racing in the 1970s and quickly established herself as a top contender in a male-dominated field. She set multiple land-speed records and was once named the “Fastest Woman in the World” by the Guinness Book of World Records.
In 1976, she set the women’s land-speed record by driving a rocket-powered vehicle called the SMI Motivator at a speed of 512 miles per hour in the Alvord Desert in Oregon. She also set records for speed water skiing and jumping a car over 40 feet through the air.
O’Neil’s record-breaking accomplishments brought her fame and recognition, but they also put her in grave danger. She suffered numerous injuries throughout her career, including a near-fatal crash during a stunt driving performance.
3. Stunt Work and Acting
Kitty O’Neil was also a highly sought-after stunt double during the 1970s and 1980s. Her work included doubling for actresses like Lindsay Wagner on The Bionic Woman and Sharon Gless on Cagney and Lacey.
She also appeared in small roles in a number of movies and TV shows, such as Airport ’77 and The Blues Brothers, in addition to her stunt work. Her work as a stuntwoman and racer earned her a place in the Hollywood Stuntmen’s Hall of Fame in 2001.
O’Neil’s talent and dedication to her craft made her one of the most respected women in the industry and helped her amass a sizable net worth.
4. Net Worth and Legacy
Kitty O’Neil’s net worth is estimated to be around $4 million at the time of her death in 2018. She earned her fortune through her work as a stuntwoman, racer, and actress. Her world records and pioneering achievements as a female stunt performer paved the way for other women in the industry.
O’Neil’s legacy goes beyond her accomplishments on the track and on screen. She was an inspiration to many, demonstrating that with hard work and determination, anyone can achieve their goals, regardless of their gender or disability.
Today, she is remembered as a trailblazer who broke barriers and paved the way for others to follow in her footsteps.
Conclusion:
In summary, Kitty O’Neil was an accomplished stuntwoman, racer, and actress who made a name for herself in Hollywood during the 1970s and 1980s. Her dedication and talent helped her amass a net worth of around $4 million. Her achievements as one of the first female stunt performers and record-breaking racer have cemented her place in history as a trailblazer and an inspiration to all.