Yakima Canutt

Yakima Canutt (November 29, 1896 - May 24, 1986) was an American actor and stuntman in Hollywood movies of the 1920s through the 1950s.

Related Topics:
November 29 - 1896 - May 24 - 1986 - American - Actor - Stuntman - Hollywood - 1920s - 1950s

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Born Enos Edward Canutt in the rough ranchlands near Colfax, Washington, many people think that "Yak" Canutt moved as a young man to Yakima, Washington and that the town provided his nickname but, he never did live there. As a young man, he gained fame as a very successful rodeo rider. He met actor Tom Mix at a rodeo in Los Angeles, and was persuaded to work as a cowboy in films.

Related Topics:
Colfax, Washington - Yakima, Washington - Nickname - Rodeo - Tom Mix - Los Angeles - Cowboy

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He met and married Kitty Wilks at the 1916 Pendleton Round-Up in Pendleton, Oregon, in which she was the All-Around Champion Cowgirl. They divorced in 1919.

Related Topics:
Kitty Wilks - 1916 - Pendleton Round-Up - Pendleton, Oregon - All-Around Champion Cowgirl - 1919

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He had some success as an actor, primarily playing "heavies," or villians, but he was more successful as a stuntman and stunt coordinator. He staged some memorable action scenes in film, including the chariot race segment in the 1959 film Ben-Hur.

Related Topics:
Heavies - Villians - Stuntman - 1959 - Ben-Hur

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For his contribution to the motion picture industry, Yakima Canutt has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1500 Vine Street. In 1967, he was given an Honorary Academy Award for achievements as a stunt man and for developing safety devices to protect stunt men everywhere. He was inducted into the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (Hall of Fame).

Related Topics:
Hollywood Walk of Fame - 1967 - Honorary Academy Award - National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

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His sons Joe Canutt and Tap Canutt also worked as stuntmen. His autobiography "Stuntman" was published in 1979.

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Passed away at the age of 89 in North Hollywood, California

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