Craig Breedlove was an American actor who is best known for White Salt and Sunshine, One Second from Eternity: The History of the Land Speed Record, and Hot Rod Action.
Personal and Family Life
Craig Breedlove was born on March 23, 1937, in Los Angeles, California. He had several marriages, including Yadira Figueroa Gracian, Lee Roberts, Marge Toombs, and Marilyn. He had three children from his first marriage to Marge Toombs. His father was Norman Breedlove.
Career Highlights
Craig Breedlove was famous for setting the world land speed record of 600.601 miles per hour on November 15, 1965, using the “Spirit of America” jet car. A significant moment in his career occurred in 1964 at Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats when a failure of key controls led his car to crash into a pond at top speed, producing the world’s longest skid marks, which earned him a Guinness World Record. Breedlove’s achievements inspired cinematic elements, such as the pod race scenes in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, directed by George Lucas. In recognition of his contributions to automotive history, he was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in 2009.
Death and Legacy
Craig Breedlove passed away on April 4, 2023, in Rio Vista, California, after battling cancer. His legacy as a pioneer in land speed racing remains significant. He is remembered not only for his record-setting speeds but also for inspiring future generations in the world of racing and automotive design.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1973 | White Salt and Sunshine | Actor |
| 1973 | One Second from Eternity: The History of the Land Speed Record | Self |
| 1969 | Hot Rod Action | Actor |
| – | Various Archive Footage | Self |