Date of Birth: March 6, 1931
Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Date of Death: October 25, 2013
Biography
Hal Needham was an American stuntman, film director, actor, and writer, renowned for his contributions to action and comedy films. Born Harold Brett Needham in Memphis, Tennessee, Needham began his career as a stuntman in the 1950s, performing dangerous stunts for numerous films and TV shows. He was known for his work in iconic films such as “The Spirit of St. Louis,” “How the West Was Won,” and “Little Big Man.” Transitioning from stuntman to director, Needham made his directorial debut with “Smokey and the Bandit” in 1977, which became a massive hit and cemented his status in Hollywood. He followed up with other successful films like “Hooper” (1978), “The Cannonball Run” (1981), and “Stroker Ace” (1983). His films were known for their humor, high-paced action sequences, and spectacular stunts. Needham’s innovative work in the film industry earned him an Academy Award for Scientific and Technical Achievement in 1986, recognizing his contribution to stunt safety and mechanical effects. He was also inducted into the Stuntmen’s Hall of Fame for his pioneering work. Hal Needham passed away on October 25, 2013, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking contributions to the film industry.
5 Interesting Facts about Hal Needham
1. Hal Needham was once one of the highest-paid stuntmen in Hollywood.
2. He served as a paratrooper during the Korean War before starting his career in Hollywood.
3. Needham broke 56 bones, his back twice, and punctured a lung performing stunts.
4. He directed the first film to feature outtakes during the end credits: “Smokey and the Bandit II.”
5. Hal Needham was a close friend of actor Burt Reynolds, who starred in many of his films.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Hal Needham
1. “I spent my whole life trying to be a professional, but not necessarily a gentleman.”
2. “Stuntmen are paid to take risks, and I was very good at taking risks.”
3. “I always said that if you can make the audience laugh and feel like they’re on a roller coaster, you’ve done your job.”
4. “I wanted to make movies that I would want to see.”
5. “The greatest compliment I ever got was when people walked out of my movies smiling.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Hal Needham’s net worth was estimated to be around $2 million.
Children
Hal Needham had one child, a son named David Needham.
Relevant Links
1. [IMDb: Hal Needham](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0624144/
2. [Wikipedia: Hal Needham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hal_Needham
4. [Hollywood Walk of Fame: Hal Needham](http://www.walkoffame.com/hal-needham
5. [Academy Awards: Hal Needham](https://www.oscars.org/news/hal-needham-receive-governors-award
