Spanky Spangler (born November 4, 1947) is an American daredevil and theatrical stunt man who currently claims to hold the

world record A world record is usually the best global and most important performance that is ever recorded and officially verified in a specific skill, sport, or other kind of activity. The book ''Guinness World Records'' and other world records organization ...

distance for a jump performed in an automobile at 328 feet (100 meters). The most common stunt that he performs is jumping off a platform or

hot air balloon A hot air balloon is a lighter-than-air aircraft consisting of a bag, called an envelope, which contains heated air. Suspended beneath is a gondola or wicker basket (in some long-distance or high-altitude balloons, a capsule), which carries p ...

over 150 feet in the air into an air bag on the ground. Another notable Spangler stunt is a successful jump over the

Rio Grande The Rio Grande ( and ), known in Mexico as the Río Bravo del Norte or simply the Río Bravo, is one of the principal rivers (along with the Colorado River) in the southwestern United States and in northern Mexico. The length of the Rio G ...

in a rocket-powered truck. Prior to becoming a stunt man, Spangler was a

Green beret The green beret was the official headdress of the British Commandos of the Second World War. It is still worn by members of the Royal Marines after passing the Commando Course, and personnel from other units of the Royal Navy, Army and RAF wh ...

in the

United States Army The United States Army (USA) is the land service branch of the United States Armed Forces. It is one of the eight U.S. uniformed services, and is designated as the Army of the United States in the U.S. Constitution.Article II, section 2, cla ...

, claiming to be the youngest ever green beret. Spanky Spangler currently holds 23 World records and is a regular performer at Evel Knievel Days in Butte, Montana. He often works behind the scenes as a stunt coordinator for

Robbie Knievel Robert Edward Knievel II (born May 7, 1962) is an American daredevil and son of stunt performer Evel Knievel. He has also used the code name "Kaptain Robbie Knievel". Family Robbie Knievel is the son of the stuntman Robert "Evel" Knievel and ...

External links

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Official site
American male film actors American stunt performers Living people 1947 births {{US-film-actor-stub