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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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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1896: 1896 was a leap year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar)....

May 24: May 24 is the 144th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (145th in leap years). There are 221 days remaining....

1986: 1986 is a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar....

Yakima Canutt related Images and Photos (experimental)

The New Yakima Gateway to Rainier National Park Poster Circa 1925