On Wednesday I missed another anniversary, although I admit that this one is a little more obscure. On the 24th of March, legendary film star and noted motorcyclist, Steve McQueen would have had his 80th birthday. Now I’m not a movie junkie at all, but when this piece of information was brought to my attention, I immediately thought it was worthy of mention.
For those of you who are unfamiliar, here’s the excellent Wikipedia biography (including a wonderful “mug shot” taken of him when he was arrested once for DUI). In November this year it will be the 30th anniversary of his death, at the very early age of 50. Years of smoking and working with asbestos materials during his time as a Marine contributed to the dvelopment of mesothelioma and it was complications from this disease that eventually claimed his life.
McQueen was once quoted as saying, “Racing is life; everything else is just waiting around.” And, if it had wheels and an engine, he was into it. As far as motorcycling is concerned, he is remembered most for the famous “over the barbed wire” stunt in the movie “The Great Escape” and his leading role in the classic motorcycle documentary, “On Any Sunday”.
I do recommend you read the biography as it shows the breadth of his interests and hobbies and also that, despite being dyslexic and partially deaf, he overcame these disabilities and made a success of his life.
RIP, Steve McQueen.
As a matter of interest, here’s a recent re-enactment of the famous barbed wire stunt. Well worth watching.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4DE3r-x7FM&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]