Bud Ekins Dies

Bud Ekins, a renowned off-road racer and stuntman who performed the famous motorcycle jump over barbed wire in "The Great Escape" and bounced a Mustang up and down the hills of San Francisco in "Bullitt," has died. He was 77.

Ekins died of natural causes at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on Saturday, family spokesman Paul Bloch said.

Ekins, a friend and mentor of fellow biker Steve McQueen, had a stunt career that lasted for 30 years and appeared in dozens of movies, including "Diamonds Are Forever," "Earthquake" and "The Blues Brothers." He also had bit parts in about a dozen films.

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In addition to his brother, Ekins is survived by a sister, Vivian Gorrindo; daughters Susan Ekins and Donna Ekins Kapner; and two granddaughters.

Rest In Peace, Bud.