Kitty O’Neil was a legendary stuntwoman and auto-racer, who broke many speed records and performed daring feats in movies and TV shows. She was also deaf since childhood, but that did not stop her from pursuing her passions. But who was the man behind this fearless woman? Who was Kitty O’Neil’s husband and how did he help her achieve her dreams?
Duffy Hambleton: A Fellow Stuntman and Film Executive
According to GudStory, Kitty O’Neil’s husband was Duffy Hambleton, who was also a stuntman and a film executive. He was born in 1937 and worked as a stunt performer and actor in several movies, such as THX 1138 and Bring Me The Head Of Alfredo Garcia2.
Kitty met Duffy in 1972, when she was racing motorcycles. She had an accident that severed two of her fingers, and Duffy took her to the hospital to re-attach them. They fell in love and moved in together, and some sources claim they married in 1972.
Duffy played an important role in Kitty’s life and career. He encouraged her to pursue stunt work, and introduced her to his friends Hal Needham and Dar Robinson, who were leading stuntmen in Hollywood. He also helped her train and prepare for her speed records, and supported her financially when she needed it.
The Fastest Woman in the World
With Duffy’s help, Kitty became one of the most successful stuntwomen in history. She joined Stunts Unlimited, the leading stunt agency, and performed in many TV shows and movies, such as The Bionic Woman, Airport ’77, The Blues Brothers, and Smokey and the Bandit II4. She even had her own action figure, made by Mattel.
But Kitty’s greatest achievement was breaking the women’s absolute land speed record in 1976. She drove a rocket-powered vehicle called the SMI Motivator at a speed of 512.71 mph (825.13 km/h) in Oregon This record stood until 2019, when it was broken by Jessi Combs Kitty also set other speed records on water and land, earning her the nickname “the fastest woman in the world”.
A Quiet Life in South Dakota
Kitty retired from stunt work in 1982, after suffering several injuries and illnesses. She moved to South Dakota in 1993 with her companion Raymond Wald, who was a rancher. She lived a quiet life there, enjoying gardening, painting, and writing poetry. She had no children with any of her partners.
Kitty passed away on November 2, 2018, at the age of 72. She died due to pneumonia at a hospital in Eureka, South Dakota She had no surviving immediate family members, but she left behind a legacy of courage, determination, and excellence.
Kitty O’Neil’s husband was more than just a spouse. He was a partner, a mentor, a friend, and a fan. He helped her overcome her challenges and reach her potential. He was there for her through thick and thin. He was one of the reasons why Kitty O’Neil became an inspiration for many people around the world.
