Google has celebrated the 77th birth anniversary of the late Kitty O’Neil
Google has celebrated the 77th birth anniversary of the late Kitty O’Neil, a renowned American stuntwoman, with a Google Doodle on March 24, 2023. The Doodle showcases O’Neil in action, performing one of her most famous stunts – driving a rocket-powered vehicle at over 600 miles per hour. O’Neil’s groundbreaking career saw her break barriers for women in the film industry and beyond, and her legacy continues to inspire generations.
Long before Kitty O’Neil was a legendary stunt artist and record-setting daredevil
Long before Kitty O’Neil was a legendary stunt artist and record-setting daredevil, she had to overcome losing her hearing as a baby. Rather than let her impairment be a barrier to success, she often referred to it as an asset, as it let her focus on her tasks while on her way to becoming “the world’s fastest woman.
On Friday, Google dedicated its Doodle to O’Neil on her 77th birthday, highlighting the inspirational figure she became.
Born March 24, 1946, in Corpus Christi, Texas, O’Neil was 5 months old when she was simultaneously diagnosed with mumps, measles and smallpox. The conditions caused a high fever that led to her deafness. Her mother, a Cherokee homemaker, taught O’Neil speech and to lip-read rather than use sign language. (Her mother would eventually become a speech therapist and open a school for the hearing impaired.)
Google has celebrated the 77th birth anniversary of the late Kitty O’Neil
Kitty O’Neil’s remarkable career as a stuntwoman began in the 1970s and spanned over two decades. During this time, she performed daring stunts in numerous films, television shows, and commercials, often risking her life in the process. In addition to her work in the entertainment industry, O’Neil also made a name for herself as a professional race car driver, setting numerous land speed records and becoming the first woman to drive a vehicle at over 500 miles per hour.
O’Neil’s success was not without its challenges
However, O’Neil’s success was not without its challenges. As a woman in a male-dominated field, she faced discrimination and was often overlooked for opportunities. Despite these obstacles, O’Neil persisted and became a trailblazer for women in the industry, paving the way for future generations of female stunt performers.
The Google Doodle celebrating O’Neil’s life and legacy is a fitting tribute to her remarkable accomplishments and serves as a reminder of the importance of breaking down barriers and pursuing one’s dreams, no matter the odds.
