Deaf. Daredevil. Record-breaker. Was Kitty O’Neil net worth measured in millions, or something far more valuable? Explore her daring stunts, record-breaking achievements, and the true treasures she left behind. This is a story that will inspire you to chase your dreams, no matter the odds. Click to read about her incredible journey! #KittyONeil #NetWorth #Inspiration #DisabilityAwareness
Kitty O’Neil’s Career – Overcoming the Challenges
Remarkable milestones and achievements marked Kitty O’Neil Net Worth and career. She set 22 speed records on land and water, including a women’s water speed record of 275 mph and a rocket dragster record with an average speed of 279.5 mph.
Despite facing challenges such as a diving career-ending injury and spinal meningitis, she fearlessly pursued her passions. Eventually became the first woman to be accepted into Stunts Unlimited, an organization of Hollywood’s top stunt performers. Her extraordinary career was the basis for the 1979 Hollywood movie “Silent Victory: The Kitty O’Neil Story,” where many of the stunts were performed by the real Kitty O’Neil.
Kitty O’Neil Net Worth Information
Pinpointing O’Neil’s exact net worth is tricky, with estimates ranging from $2 million to $6 million at her passing in 2018. But we can explore her main income sources to understand how she built her wealth:
- Hollywood Stunts: As a sought-after stuntwoman in over 40 films and TV shows, she likely earned per-stunt fees, with bigger productions bringing higher payouts.
- Racing Victories: Prize money from competitions and sponsorships fueled her income, especially after setting land-speed records for women in 1976 and 1977.
- Public Appearances: Her fame opened doors for endorsements, speaking engagements, and other opportunities, adding to her overall earnings.
Her financial success reflected her talent, perseverance, and the lasting impression she made in her industry. By the way, these are just estimates, and her income probably fluctuated throughout her career.
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Kitty O’Neil Movies
Kitty is known for her remarkable achievements as a stuntwoman and racer, had notable appearances in several movies and TV shows. Some of her notable works include
- “The Blues Brothers,”
- “Damien: Omen II,”
- “Wonder Woman,”
- “Airport ’77,”
- “Smokey and the Bandit II,”
- “The Bionic Woman,”
- “Airport 1975,” and
- “Foul Play.”
Her extraordinary life and accomplishments were the basis for the biographical movie “Silent Victory: The Kitty O’Neil Story,” which portrayed her inspiring journey. Additionally, her likeness was made into an action figure, reflecting the impact of her work and legacy in the entertainment industry.
Kitty O’Neil Biography
This brave athlete wasn’t your typical Hollywood stuntwoman. Deaf since infancy, she defied not only the roaring engines and fiery explosions of the silver screen but also the societal expectations that often confined people with disabilities. Her story is one of courage, determination, and breaking boundaries, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire today.
Early Life – Kitty O’Neil Age
She was born on March 24, 1946, in Corpus Christi, Texas. According to the birthday, her age was 72 at the time of her demise.
Parents and Siblings
Her father John O’Neil, an officer in the United States Army Air Forces, and Patsy Linn Compton, a Cherokee Native American. Tragically, her father passed away in an airplane accident shortly after her birth. Her mother is Patsy Compton O’Neil, a Cherokee Native American. She had a brother named John O’Neil III, born on May 1, 1947.
Education
Her mother taught her to lip-read and speak, eschewing sign language. Due to her deafness, she was homeschooled by her mother, who believed in the importance of lip-reading. By the age of eight, Kitty was able to attend a regular public school. She excelled in swimming and diving during her elementary and high school years, eventually becoming a competitive diver. Her diverse cultural background and early struggles laid the foundation for her remarkable resilience and determination, which would define her future accomplishments.
Kitty O’Neil Husband
She kept details of her personal life largely private, so information about her relationships was limited. According to available information, Kitty did not have any children, though, we do know she was married twice.
Her first marriage was to Ronald “Duffy” Hambleton, a former bank executive and stunt performer. They met in the 1970s through motorcycle racing and lived together for a time. This relationship is credited with introducing Kitty to the world of professional stunting.
Later, she married fellow stunt performer Bobby Unser, a two-time Indianapolis 500 winner. This union solidified her connection to the world of motorsports, and they were known as a formidable team both on and off the track.
Kitty O’Neil Bio-Data
| Real Name/ Full Name | Kitty Linn O’Neil |
| Nick Name | Kitty O’Neil |
| Gender | Female |
| Date of Birth | March 24, 1946 |
| Date of Deatch | November 2, 2018 |
| Age | 72 years old |
| Birth Place | Corpus Christi, Texas, United States |
| Parents Name | Father – John R O’Neil Mother – Patsy Linn Compton O’Neil |
| Height | 5 feet 2 inches (157.5 cm) |
| Weight | 97 pounds (44 kg) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Siblings | John O’Neil III (Brother) |
| Languages | English |
| Ethnicity | Irish and Cherokee Native American descent |
| Religion | Not available |
| Nationality | American |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Boyfriend | Not available |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse Name | Ronald “Duffy” Hambleton (Divorced) Bobby Unser (Divorced) |
| Children Name | 2 Children (from Ronald “Duffy” Hambleton) |
| Profession | Stuntwoman, race car driver, and athlete |
| Kitty O’Neil Net Worth | $4 Million |
Social Media Profiles
Unfortunately, Kitty didn’t have any online persona. Hence, she had no account in all these social media. Last year, Google featured Kitty O’Neil in Google Doodle on her 77th Birthday. Here you can visit her Google Doodles
| Social Media Site | Linked Destination |
| Not Available | |
| Not Available | |
| Not Available |
Special Detail
This specially-abled athlete’s life and accomplishments were immortalized in the 1979 Hollywood movie “Silent Victory: The Kitty O’Neil Story,” where many of the stunts were performed by the real Kitty. Her enduring influence was further recognized at the 91st Academy Awards in March 2023 with a Google Doodle celebrating her legacy.
Kitty O’Neil: Beyond the Roar of Speed – Intriguing Facts You Might Not Know
- Nicknamed “The Billowing Bandit”: Her fiery red hair billowed out during stunts, earning her this eye-catching nickname.
- Mastered Sign Language at 5: Despite losing her hearing early, she became fluent in multiple sign languages.
- Almost Raced in the Indy 500: In 1977, she became the first woman to qualify, but a sponsorship fell through at the last minute.
- Fastest Water Speed on a Motorcycle: In 1975, she set a Guinness World Record, leaving men in her wake!
- Founded “Kitty O’Neil Inc.”: This organization empowered others to overcome challenges, inspired by her journey.
- Held the Land Speed Record for Women for 43 Years: Her 1976 achievement wasn’t broken until 2019!
- Performed High-Fall Stunts While on Fire: Talk about defying danger and stereotypes!
- Stunt Double for Wonder Woman and Bionic Woman: Hollywood action heroes had Kitty as their daring secret weapon.
- Overcame Prejudice: Being deaf in a male-dominated field, she shattered barriers with her talent and spirit.
- Left a Legacy of Inspiration: Kitty’s story continues to motivate people to chase their dreams, no matter the odds.
These are just a few glimpses into the remarkable life of this brave stuntwoman. Her courage, perseverance, and achievements make her a true inspiration!
Cause of Death
The legendary stuntwoman and racer, passed away on November 2, 2018, at the age of 72 in Eureka, South Dakota. According to her close friend Ky Michaelson, she died due to pneumonia, which is the swelling of the tissue in the lungs. Her passing was a great loss to the entertainment industry and to those who admired her fearlessness and determination.
Life’s Mission, Charity & Philanthropy
This renowned racecar driver’s Contribution towards Charity and Philanthropy actively promoted the message that “deaf people can do anything,” inspiring many. She also dedicated time to promoting awareness of breast cancer, despite not having the illness herself, emphasizing the importance of regular screenings. Her resilience and achievements continue to inspire aspiring individuals, particularly those with disabilities, to pursue their dreams.
Conclusion – A Legacy Worth More Than Millions: Kitty O’Neil Net Worth
Kitty O’Neil net worth was estimated to be $4 million in 2023, a testament to her successful career as a stuntwoman and racer. Her financial success was a reflection of her talent, perseverance, and the lasting impression she made in her industry. Despite facing numerous challenges, Kitty O’Neil never gave up on her dreams, inspiring countless individuals to pursue their passions and overcome obstacles. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, serving as a reminder that anything is possible with hard work, dedication, and a refusal to give up in the face of adversity. This celebrated stuntwoman’s life and accomplishments were a true inspiration, and her story will continue to inspire individuals worldwide.
FAQ – Kitty O’Neil Bio
How did Kitty O’Neil become deaf?
Kitty O’Neil became deaf at the age of five months due to a high fever caused by a simultaneous diagnosis of mumps, measles, and smallpox. This fever destroyed her auditory nerves, leading to her profound hearing loss.
How did Kitty O’Neil die?
She died due to suffering from pneumonia.
Where did Kitty O’Neil go to school?
She was homeschooled by her mother due to her deafness and later attended a regular public school by the age of eight.