ID
2103
Nationality
American
Native American (Cherokee)
Occupation
Stunt woman
Stunt performer
Summary
Born at Corpus Christi, TX; her mother was a Cherokee Indian. Grew up in Wichita Falls, TX; deafened by multiple diseases at age 4 months. Attended public schools, graduating Anaheim [CA] High School in 1963. A champion swimmer and diver in her student days; broke the water speed-skiing record for women in 1970. Performed many stunts for movies and television programs; also tested and broke records for land speed record cars. Performed the stunts for her own character in the TV movie about her, Silent Victory: The Kitty O'Neil story; retired from stunting in 1982 and moved to South Dakota.
References
Great Deaf Americans, The Second Edition, p.358-363; Encyclopedia of Women and Sports, p.222; Deaf Heritage, p.297-298; Courageous Deaf Adults, p.1-3; Step Into the Circle, p.100-101; Deaf Women, p.170.
Dates
24 March 1946-