Needham, who died in 2013, worked as a Hollywood stuntman for over 40 years. In this 2011 interview, he detailed some of his most death-defying feats — and why he disliked modern special effects.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will make the best stunt design Oscar an official award starting with the 100th show in 2028.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will make the best stunt design Oscar an official award starting with the 100th show in 2028.

This is FRESH AIR. Hal Needham probably was one of the most famous Hollywood stunt doubles. He did all kinds of stunts in all kinds of movies, but he got his start in Western movies and TV shows ...