Kim Kahana, a legendary stunt performer, teacher, coordinator, and war hero known for his work in Hollywood, has passed away at the age of 94. He died of natural causes at his home in Groveland, Florida, as confirmed by his wife, Sandy Kahana.
Standing at 5-foot-7 and weighing 150 pounds, Kahana was a prominent figure in the world of stunts. He taught stunts to thousands of students in California and Central Florida since the mid-1970s, many of whom went on to successful careers in show business. In addition to his stunt work, Kahana held six different black belt degrees and worked as a professional bodyguard for celebrities.
Originally from Hawaii, Kahana began his career as a biker in the film 'The Wild One' (1953) before transitioning to stunt work. He learned the art of stunts and coordinating from the renowned Yakima Canutt, an iconic figure in the industry.
One of Kahana's notable roles was as Chongo in the live-action serial 'Danger Island' on 'The Banana Splits Adventure Hour.' His athleticism and stature allowed him to double for various actors and actresses in numerous films and TV shows.
Throughout his career, Kahana worked on a wide range of projects, including 'Cool Hand Luke' (1967), 'Patton' (1970), 'Smokey and the Bandit' (1977), and 'Jeepers Creepers' (2001). His dedication to his craft led him to perform daring stunts, earning him a reputation for his fearlessness and skill.
Aside from his contributions to the entertainment industry, Kahana was a war hero, receiving two Bronze Stars, a Silver Star, and two Purple Hearts for his service during the Korean War. His remarkable life story was captured in the documentary 'Kim Kahana: The Man Who Changed Hollywood,' released in 2023.
Kim Kahana's legacy lives on through his family, including his wife, children, and grandchildren, many of whom followed in his footsteps in the stunt business. His impact on Hollywood and the stunt community will be remembered for years to come.
