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 organizatio ...

distance for a jump performed in an automobile at . 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 carri ...

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 ( or ) in the United States or the Río Bravo (del Norte) in Mexico (), also known as Tó Ba'áadi in Navajo language, Navajo, is one of the principal rivers (along with the Colorado River) in the Southwestern United States a ...

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, a special-forces unit active during World War II. It is still worn by members of the Royal Marines after passing the Commando Course, and personnel from other units of the Roy ...

in the

United States Army The United States Army (USA) is the primary Land warfare, land service branch of the United States Department of Defense. It is designated as the Army of the United States in the United States Constitution.Article II, section 2, clause 1 of th ...

, 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 (May 7, 1962 – January 13, 2023) was an American motorcycle jumping stunt performer. He had also used the stage name Kaptain Robbie Knievel. His last daredevil jump was in 2011, and he died in 2023 at age 60 of pan ...

External links

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