Hal Needham, the world's highest paid stuntman, has had a remarkable career spanning over four decades. With a total of 4500 television episodes and 310 feature films under his belt, Needham has worn many hats, including stuntman, stunt coordinator, 2nd unit director, and ultimately, director.
As a stuntman, Needham has had his fair share of injuries, breaking 56 bones, including his back twice, puncturing a lung, and knocking out a few teeth. Despite these setbacks, he continued to push the boundaries of what was possible in the world of stunts.
Needham's directorial debut was the box office smash, Smokey and the Bandit (1977),which was followed by a string of successful films, including Hooper (1978) and The Cannonball Run (1981). The latter film was based on a real-life outlaw race from coast-to-coast, where Needham drove a fake ambulance that could reach speeds of up to 150 mph.
Needham was not only a master of stunts, but also an innovator. He invented and introduced several devices and techniques that made stunts safer and more spectacular, including the air ram, air bag, car cannon turnover, nitrogen ratchet, jerk-off ratchet, rocket power, and The Shotmaker Camera Car.
Throughout his career, Needham has been recognized for his contributions to the film industry. He has won numerous awards, including an Emmy and an Academy Award, and has been inducted into the Hollywood Stuntmen's Hall of Fame.
In addition to his work in the film industry, Needham has also had a successful career in NASCAR, owning a race team and using telemetry technology to gain an edge over his competitors. He has also set Guinness World Records and was the financier and owner of The Budweiser Rocket Car, which is now on display at the Smithsonian's National Air & Space Museum.
Needham's legacy extends beyond his impressive filmography and numerous awards. He has mentored a new generation of stuntmen and fought for the respect and recognition that stuntmen and stuntwomen deserve for their contributions to moviemaking.
Throughout his life, Needham has been driven by a passion for innovation, creativity, and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. His incredible career has left a lasting impact on the film industry and beyond, inspiring countless others to pursue their dreams and never give up on their passions.
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