Hollywood stuntman, director and race team owner Hal Needham has died at age 82. He was a former Army paratrooper before getting involved with stuntwork in the '50s. He was also co-owner with Burt Reynolds of the Harry Gant NASCAR team. He was also involved with Stan Barrett's Bonneville ventures. A true motorhead. R.I.P Hal
Imagine how many people got into cars after watching a Hal Needham movie! His contribution to the hobby was huge.
Hot Rod mag did an interview with him a couple issues back. For his accomplishments he was a humble guy.
Back when Burt always gave Hal credit for making the action happen like it did. The guy lived a big life, set some records too.
I read that he wrote the script and directed smokey and the bandit The others he directed Cannonball run Cannonball run ll Hooper Stroker ace Mega force Rad .........Among others R.i.p Hal Posted from AR
When he filmed Hooper here in Alabama he hired some locals for fabrication work.. Two of my friends were hired. They said Mr. Needam was nice acted like a normal person not like a star.. After inspecting their work he complimented them on their skills..
The Jalopy Journal
