Here is the requested response:
Lathan McKay's biography:
Lathan McKay is the Co-Founder of the Evel Knievel Museum, CEO of Evel Knievel Enterprises, and a.k.a. Color Me Lucky. He is a collector, curator, and preeminent historian on Evel Knievel, the most notorious daredevil in modern times. McKay has worn many hats, including co-producer and executive producer of films, an impresario of events, a screenwriter, actor, entrepreneur, and "manifestor."
Early Life and Career:
McKay became a professional skateboarder at the age of 14 and traveled across America as a pro boarder for 10 years under the name Erik McKay. He was inspired by Evel Knievel, who represented the daredevil nature, determination, skill, precision, and moxie needed to face one's fears.
Passion for Film:
McKay's love for film ignited a passion for creativity that still fuels most of his waking moments. He became a '70s-era cinephile, preferring films like "Cisco Pike," "Two Lane Blacktop," and the essential "Thunderbolt and Lightfoot." He learned to value the gritty realism embodied by talents like Warren Oates, Kris Kristofferson, Lee Marvin, Sam Peckinpah, and his ultimate mentor and friend Monte Hellman.
Career Highlights:
McKay has been involved in various projects, including the filming of Hellman's 2010 oeuvre, "Road to Nowhere," and set in motion two screenplays he'd co-written with Monte's daughter, Melissa Hellman, McKay's partner in Melhell Productions. He is also in pre-production on a film co-written with Melissa's brother Jared Hellman called "Falling Forward."
Evel Knievel Museum:
McKay has been instrumental in bringing Evel Knievel's life-long dream of a museum to fruition. The museum, housed at Historic Harley-Davidson in Topeka, Kansas, is set to open at the end of 2016. McKay has worked tirelessly to collect and restore Evel Knievel's memorabilia, earning him the nickname "Evel Archaeology."
Personal Life:
McKay is a survivor and has been inspired by the words of his father and Evel Knievel. He has also been influenced by his close friends and peers, including Monte Hellman, who drove home to McKay the realization that it's important to "spend time authentically."
