David Hardin Sharpe (February 2, 1910 - March 30, 1980) was an
American actor and stunt performer, sometimes billed as Davy Sharpe.He
was called the "Crown Prince of Daredevils"[according to whom?] and
ranks alongside Yakima Canutt as one of Hollywood's all-time greatest
stuntmen. He appeared in more than 5,000 films over six decades,
although most were uncredited appearances.Sharpe won the US National
Tumbling Championship in 1925 and 1926. He began his film career as a
child actor in the 1920s. He was married for a short time to film
actress Gertrude Messinger. Eventually he became the "Ramrod" (stunt
coordinator) for Republic Pictures from 1939 until mid-1942 when
America entered World War II. He was replaced in this role by Tom
Steele while Sharpe joined the Army Air Corps in 1943. Gertrude
Messinger's brother, Buddy, died in 1965. Sharpe married Buddy's
widow, Margaret Messinger.He died in 1980 of Lou Gehrig's disease.
Tony Curtis gave the eulogy at his funeral. His ashes were either
given to a friend or family.
American actor and stunt performer, sometimes billed as Davy Sharpe.He
was called the "Crown Prince of Daredevils"[according to whom?] and
ranks alongside Yakima Canutt as one of Hollywood's all-time greatest
stuntmen. He appeared in more than 5,000 films over six decades,
although most were uncredited appearances.Sharpe won the US National
Tumbling Championship in 1925 and 1926. He began his film career as a
child actor in the 1920s. He was married for a short time to film
actress Gertrude Messinger. Eventually he became the "Ramrod" (stunt
coordinator) for Republic Pictures from 1939 until mid-1942 when
America entered World War II. He was replaced in this role by Tom
Steele while Sharpe joined the Army Air Corps in 1943. Gertrude
Messinger's brother, Buddy, died in 1965. Sharpe married Buddy's
widow, Margaret Messinger.He died in 1980 of Lou Gehrig's disease.
Tony Curtis gave the eulogy at his funeral. His ashes were either
given to a friend or family.
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