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Kitty O’Neil was a renowned American stuntwoman and racer known for her remarkable achievements in both fields. Born on March 24, 1946, in Corpus Christi, Texas, she overcame significant challenges to become a trailblazer in the world of stunts and speed.

Here are some key aspects of Kitty O’Neil’s life and career:

1. Deafness: One of the most notable aspects of Kitty O’Neil’s life was her profound hearing impairment. She lost her hearing at the age of four after contracting measles, mumps, and smallpox. Despite her deafness, she refused to let it limit her aspirations.
2. Stuntwoman Career: O’Neil gained prominence as a highly skilled and fearless stuntwoman. Her work in television and film included performing stunts for popular shows like “Wonder Woman” and “The Bionic Woman.” She became known for her ability to execute daring and dangerous stunts with precision.
3. Land Speed Records: In addition to her success as a stuntwoman, Kitty O’Neil excelled in the world of motorsports. She set several land speed records during the 1970s. In 1976, she set the women’s land-speed record for a four-wheel vehicle, reaching an average speed of 512.71 miles per hour in the Alvord Desert.
4. Water Skiing: O’Neil also achieved success as a professional water skier. She competed at a high level and won numerous championships in water skiing, showcasing her versatility in different extreme sports.
5. Olympic Ambitions: O’Neil had aspirations to compete in the Olympics as a speed skater. While she was a competitive skater, her dreams of Olympic participation didn’t materialize.
6. Retirement: Kitty O’Neil retired from active stunt work in the late 1970s. Her groundbreaking career paved the way for other women in the stunt industry, demonstrating that gender or physical challenges should not hinder one’s pursuit of success in the field.
7. Legacy: Kitty O’Neil’s life and career left an indelible mark on the worlds of stunt performance and motorsports. Her achievements served as an inspiration to many, proving that determination and skill could overcome significant obstacles.
8. Personal Challenges: Beyond her professional accomplishments, O’Neil faced personal challenges, including health issues. She battled pneumonia and cancer during her later years.

Kitty O’Neil passed away on November 2, 2018, but her legacy endures as a testament to her tenacity, courage, and pioneering contributions to the fields of stunt work and speed records.

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