Yakima Canutt

Yakima Canutt ( born November 29, 1895 in Colfax, Washington; † 24 May 1986 as Hollywood, California; Enos Edward Canutt actually ) was an American rodeo rider, stuntman and second-unit director.

Life

His stage - name " Yakima " he received after the city in the U.S. state of Washington. Yakima ' Yak ' Canutt was first known as rodeo star and secured in the years 1917, 1919, 1920 and 1923 respectively the title of World All-Around Rodeo Champion. Thus he was spotted by film producers for action scenes and stunts in movies.

Beginning of the 30s ran all consultations and training for action and stunt and the planning of action sequences over Canutt. During this time he also worked with a young man named John Wayne. Yakima Canutt was a pioneer for a variety of today's stunts.

In 1939 Canutt for the John Ford Western Ringo some of his most famous stunts. He dove (in the role of an attacking Indian ) at full gallop of his horse to the draft horses then a frenzied stagecoach. He was then " shot ", dropped between the horses and the carriage rolled away about yourself. Then he ( now in the role of John Wayne ) jumped from the box of the carriage on the third, then the second and finally to the leading team of horses. ( These scenes were varied among others, in Raiders of the Lost Ark. )

1959 Canutt staged and directed by Andrew Marton the spectacular chariot race in Ben Hur.

Yakima Canutt had two sons, Edward "Tap " ( b. 1932 ) and Harry Joe (* 1937), and a daughter, Audrea Elaine "Honey" (* 1940). His sons later worked also as a professional stuntmen.

Honors

For his achievements as a stuntman and initiated by him security developments in this branch of the profession, the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences ( AMPAS ) Yakima Canutt 1967 was marked with an honorary Oscar. In his honor, there is a star on the Walk of Fame. In 1975, he was inducted into the Rodeo Hall of Fame of the Rodeo Historical Society. Also in the Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City Canutt is represented.