Kitty O’Neil was a remarkable woman who broke barriers and records in her career as a stuntwoman and auto-racer. She was often called “the fastest woman in the world” for her various speed records, including the women’s absolute land speed record that stood until 2019. She was also deaf since childhood, but that did not stop her from pursuing her passions and living an adventurous life. Sadly, she passed away in 2018 due to pneumonia. This article will explore her life story, her achievements, and her legacy.
Early Life and Challenges
Kitty Linn O’Neil was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on March 24, 1946. Her father was an officer in the United States Army Air Forces, who had been an oil wildcatter. He died in an airplane crash when Kitty was a child. Her mother was of Cherokee descent and taught her lip-reading and speech, eventually becoming a speech therapist and co-founding a school for students with hearing impairment in Wichita Falls, Texas.
At five months of age, O’Neil contracted simultaneous childhood diseases, losing her hearing. She also suffered from other illnesses in her early adulthood, such as spinal meningitis and cancer, that threatened her ability to walk and dive. She was a competitive diver and trained with Olympic coach Sammy Lee, but had to give up her Olympic dreams due to her health problems.
Racing and Stunt Career
O’Neil did not let her disabilities or difficulties deter her from seeking thrill and excitement. She took up racing on water and land, participating in the Baja 500 and Mint 400. She met stuntmen Hal Needham and Ron Hambleton while racing motorcycles, and lived with Hambleton for several years. She also entered stunt work, training with Needham, Hambleton and Dar Robinson. In 1976, she became the first woman to perform with Stunts Unlimited, the leading stunt agency.
As a stuntwoman, she appeared in The Bionic Woman, Airport ’77, The Blues Brothers, Smokey and the Bandit II and other television and film productions. She also set several speed records, such as the women’s water skiing record of 104.85 mph in 1970, the women’s land speed record of 512.710 mph in 1976, and the women’s three-wheel motorcycle record of 229 mph in 1978. She used a specially designed rocket car called the SMI Motivator for her land speed record, which made her the fastest woman in the world.
Later Life and Death
O’Neil retired from stunt and speed work in 1982 after losing several stunt colleagues in a fatal accident. She moved to Eureka, South Dakota with her companion Raymond Wald in 1993, where she lived a quiet life. She enjoyed gardening, painting, and collecting dolls. She also supported various causes for deaf people and animal welfare.
She died of pneumonia on November 2, 2018 at the age of 72 in Eureka, South Dakota. She had no surviving immediate family members. She was honored at the 91st Academy Awards in 2019 and with a Google Doodle on March 24, 2023.
Legacy
Kitty O’Neil was a trailblazer who inspired many people with her courage, determination, and talent. She broke gender stereotypes and proved that women can excel in fields that are traditionally dominated by men. She also showed that deafness is not a limitation but a challenge that can be overcome with hard work and perseverance.
She left behind a legacy of records that are still admired today. Her women’s absolute land speed record was only surpassed by Jessi Combs in 2019, who died in the attempt. Her women’s water skiing record still stands as of 2023.
She also left behind a legacy of kindness and generosity. She donated some of her earnings to charities for deaf children and animals. She also mentored young deaf people who wanted to pursue their dreams.
Kitty O’Neil was a remarkable woman who lived a remarkable life. She will always be remembered as the fastest woman in the world and a hero to many.
