He Was A Hollywood Stunt Driving Legend
Bill Hickman made a permanent mark on Hollywood as one of cinema’s greatest stunt drivers. Best remembered for choreographing and driving some of the most memorable chase sequences on film, his career story was one of precision, courage, and creativity. But behind the scenes was also a man whose personal life, friendships, and tragedies marked his life journey right from the very beginning.
He Had An Early Entry Into Hollywood
Born in 1921, Hickman grew up in Bakersfield, California, where he got hooked on cars at a young age. He started out as a stunt double in the 50s, and soon progressed from background work into skilled precision driving. His mechanical instincts and fearlessness set him apart from other stunt drivers, and eventually gave him the opportunity for historic collaborations with actors and directors.
They Were Fast Friends
On the set of the George Stevens-directed classic Giant (1956), Hickman became a close friend of James Dean, and even became his driving coach. They both shared a love of racing, but Hickman recognized Dean’s reckless streak in addition to his talent behind the wheel. It wasn’t long before the friendship collided with one of Hollywood’s most tragic accidents.
Michael Ochs Archives, Getty Images
He Was First On The Scene
On September 30, 1955, Hickman was following in another car as Dean was at the wheel of his Porsche 550 Spyder. Hickman witnessed the crash near Cholame, arriving first at the wreckage. Hickman pulled Dean from the mangled car, and stayed with the young star during his final moments. The traumatic event would haunt him, but it also influenced his later safety-focused professionalism.
He Was Haunted By The Loss
The loss of James Dean was devastating, but it heightened Hickman’s sense of caution behind the wheel. He developed a strong sense of the balance between thrill and safety, and this became his professional hallmark. The tragedy shaped his driving philosophy, and ultimately helped him refine his future stunts. His driving skills came in handy in other ways as well.
He Chased Down A Real Life Robber
In 1963 Hickman was in traffic when he witnessed a bank robber speed by. He chased down the suspect after witnessing him attempt to shoot a law enforcement officer. Hickman pursued the suspect until cornering him in a parking lot until police showed up. The suspect lost his life in the ensuing confrontation.
He Got A Breakthrough Role In Bullitt
Hickman’s defining moment came in Bullitt (1968). Playing a hitman at the wheel of a black Dodge Charger, he orchestrated one of cinema’s most memorable car chases through San Francisco. His driving mastery along with Steve McQueen’s on-screen charisma, created an unforgettable sequence. But behind all the action lay immense technical challenges.
Warner Bros.-Seven Arts, Bullitt (1968)
The Cars Of Bullitt
Hickman drove the menacing Charger R/T 440 with its power pitted against McQueen’s Ford Mustang GT 390. Coordinating high-speed maneuvers on steep hills demanded absolute concentration and unmatched control, while also maintaining safety for crews. Hickman’s work behind the wheel gave the Charger almost as much star power as McQueen himself. But there was an even bigger challenge involved.
Solar Productions, Bullitt (1968)
Technical Challenges Of Bullitt
Filming Bullitt involved weaving through the streets of San Francisco at breakneck speed. Hickman managed several camera cars, shifting speeds while staying mere inches from collisions. One crash sequence was done in real time, requiring absolute trust in his skill. The chase sequence has some continuity flaws but it was so riveting nobody cared. A new standard for realism in cinema had been set and Hickman was on to his next assignment.
Solar Productions, Bullitt (1968)
He Broke Through With The French Connection
In 1971, Hickman collaborated with director William Friedkin on The French Connection. Here, he portrayed federal agent Mulderig and drove the Pontiac LeMans for Gene Hackman in the film’s landmark chase. It was like Bullitt, but even more raw and chaotic, as it was shot on New York streets without permits. The realism brought new level of intensity to stunt driving.
Twentieth Century, The French Connection (1971)
The Cars Of The French Connection
Hickman maneuvered a 1971 Pontiac LeMans, careening through crowded streets in pursuit of an elevated subway train carrying a fleeing suspect. The challenge was daunting: maneuvering through real traffic and pedestrians while hitting all the proper marks. Unlike staged chases, this sequence was dangerously authentic, and deepened Hickman’s reputation as Hollywood’s most fearless driver.
Twentieth Century, The French Connection (1971)
The Challenge Of The French Connection
The chase demanded dangerous stunts: Hickman narrowly avoided several real accidents during filming. The authenticity made a big impression on audiences and earned the film five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Hickman’s pinpoint accuracy maintained safety throughout the chaos. His performance under pressure confirmed him as the industry’s go-to driver for realism, setting the stage for one more iconic chase scene.
Twentieth Century, The French Connection (1971)
His Starring Role In The Seven-Ups
In 1973, Hickman choreographed and starred in The Seven-Ups. Playing the villainous driver, he engaged in a wild pursuit through New York streets. The film’s 10-minute chase scene is often considered the “spiritual sequel” to Bullitt, with Hickman again showing his talents as both actor and driver.
20th Century Fox, The Seven-Ups (1973)
Cars Of The Seven-Ups
Hickman drove a 73 Pontiac Grand Ville pursued by Roy Scheider in a Pontiac Ventura. The extended chase had some brutal crashes, narrow escapes, and tense close-quarters driving. Hickman staged one of the most memorable cinematic stunts: a car slamming under a truck. His creativity and realism peaked here.
20th Century Fox, The Seven-Ups (1973)
Technical Legacy Of The Seven-Ups
Hickman’s technical skills brought The Seven-Ups chase into legendary status. Unlike earlier chases, this sequence blended Hollywood spectacle with authentic street-level danger. Hickman’s ability to choreograph chaos made him a pioneer of modern stunt driving. But his career was made up of far more than just three films.
20th Century Fox, The Seven-Ups (1973)
Other Roles, Other Stunts
Beyond his famed chases, Hickman appeared in films like Patton (1970) and Our Man Flint (1966). He performed stunts in dozens of productions, moving easily between acting and driving. His versatility made him a great asset to filmmakers, a rare combination of performer and technician. Still, Hickman generally preferred to be behind the wheel.
20th Century Fox, Patton (1970)
He Was Calm Under Pressure
Colleagues admired Hickman’s professionalism and calmness under pressure. Hickman was well known for balancing thrill with safety, one of the skills he’d developed from witnessing Dean’s horrific accident. His reputation gained him steady work and the respect of his peers. He wasn’t merely another stuntman, but was seen as a master of automotive choreography.
Twentieth Century, The French Connection (1971)
Not A Speed Demon Off The Set
Despite his fame for car chases, Hickman never drove recklessly in real life. Off the set, he was careful to the point of caution. He also acted in minor roles, often as bad guys, but is career was slowing down by the 80s.
CU: Robert Culp on Bill Hickman and the real car from the French Connection, Grant's Crazy Brother
Later Years And Death
Hickman’s career was slowed by the 1980s, though he was still influential. He passed away in 1986 at the age of 65 from cancer. His death went largely unnoticed by mainstream Hollywood, but car enthusiasts and stunt drivers acknowledged the passing of a man whose legacy was still tied to every chase scene he put together.
CU: Robert Culp on Bill Hickman and the real car from the French Connection, Grant's Crazy Brother
His Hollywood Legacy Goes On
Today, Hickman is seen as the “godfather” of movie car chases. His work on Bullitt, The French Connection, and The Seven-Ups set benchmarks still studied by stunt drivers. Each high-octane chase carries echoes of his skills at the wheel. His friendship with James Dean and his unforgettable chases guarantee him a fascinating place in cinema history.
Solar Productions, Bullitt (1968)
He Was Master Of A Dangerous Art
From San Francisco’s hills to the chaos of the streets of New York, he made car chases cinema’s most thrilling spectacle. Today’s high-tech movie car chases are the result of the perfect union of danger and artistry that was the stunt driving career of Bill Hickman.
20th Century Fox, The Seven-Ups (1973)
You May Also Like:
Actors Who Permanently Damaged Their Bodies For A Role
Rare Behind-The-Scenes Photos From The Making Of Iconic Films
