A Motorcycling Legend Is Gone:
Bud Ekins Passes Away at 77
Tuesday October 9, 2007
Famed Hollywood stuntman and offroad racer Bud Ekins performed the legendary motorcycle jump in "The Great Escape," drove the tires off the Mustang GT 390 Fastback in "Bullitt," and was one of the first Americans to compete in the International Six Days Trial in the 1960s. He passed away of natural causes at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles this past Saturday at the age of 77.A few months ago, I was fortunate to spend some time interviewing Bud in his Hollywood home while researching my upcoming book. Irascible and opinionated, Bud was everything you'd imagine a motorcycling icon to be; he was never shy about defending or demystifying friends like Steve McQueen and Von Dutch, and loved to talk shop about bikes. Regarding the "Great Escape" days, he said simply, "It's not like nowadays, it was a completely different era."
His passing only reinforces that sentiment.
Photo © Michele Bergman
Comments
Bud was involved in some great films! Can’t believe he’s gone.
I’m going to have to watch those movies again.
Growing up that was my favorite show. Gonna miss that ole hillbilly jed…
My condolenses to his family and friends. I don’t remember movies like the Great Escape, but perhaps it’s time to watch. May he have beautiful roads to cruise on the next leg of his journey.
The motorcycle chase part of the Great Escape always stuck with me - it was fantastic. I thought that Stve McQueen did a lot of his own riding in that but looks like I was misinformed.
My condolences to his family. The man could ride!
I believe Bud did the stunts in “Then Came Bronson” too. A great rider, sorry to hear of this.
The driving in Bullitt was legendary! I don’t think a car chase scene has ever come close to the level of skill display during those chases. Godspeed to you, Bud, and say hello to Steve for us!
Greetings. I was saddened to hear about the passing of Bud Elkins. He is of a Breed that is rare and royal to me.
As we carry on the tradition of two wheeled adventures, let us carry his memory in our hearts. Ride on Brother!
We will miss him!
Who…?
praise be to thee ,the bike gpd and may he rest peacefully in biker heaven he was a hero a warrior and a free spirit
“Great Escape” an unforgettable movie and nice to know that late stuntman Bud Ekins has got his memorium in a world of superstar movie icons.