Orval the Daredevil Clown

[Jerry Lee]

Anyone remember this guy?

One of the craziest stunt men in the business, Orval the Daredevil Clown appeared all over the country thrilling crowds with his spectacular stunts.

He made a few appearances at Englewood Speedway during the '70's jumping trucks and crashing cars, and on July 13, 1974 he blew himself up in the middle of Englewood's X while sitting on sticks of dynamite. Someone once described him as "kind of a nutty guy who couldn't hear a word you were saying!". No wonder!

Here's an article that appeared in the program the night he performed his "Russian Death Chair" trick.


(J.L. McGuire collection)

Orval Kisselburg died peacefully in his sleep in March 2008 at the age of 86.

Here's another great must read article on Orval and his exciting career. CLICK HERE

[Indybail]

Somebody please tell me what the "Russian Death Chair" stunt is!

[Jerry Lee]

Originally Posted by Indybail

Somebody please tell me what the "Russian Death Chair" stunt is!

Well....like the article states: "He actually blows himself up with four sticks of dynamite while sitting in a chair."

Thanks to Olen here's an old promo pic of Orval holding the said dynamite!

[waynedew]

This isn't Orval, but I think it is the same stunt:

Dynamite Death Chair Act - YouTube

Dynamite Death Chair Act - YouTube

[Jerry Lee]

Yeah Wayne, looks like the same stunt. Not sure how many sticks of dynamite that guy used though. When Orval was asked if he ever made a mistake when doing the stunt he replied "Well, you're only allowed one."

I think it's cool (or just plain crazy) that Orval did some other spectacular stunts & jumps that even the great Evel Knievel turned down. Gotta love a guy who risked his life just for our entertainment.

On Find A Grave is a photo of Orval Kisselburg's gravesite. Etched on his tombstone is the saying "I told 'em I was sick!".

Long live Orval!

[Jerry Lee]

From a July 6, 1974 Englewood program....


(J.L. McGuire collection)

[BTxpress]

Originally Posted by Jerry Lee

Anyone remember this guy?

One of the craziest stunt men in the business, Orval the Daredevil Clown appeared all over the country thrilling crowds with his spectacular stunts.

He made a few appearances at Englewood Speedway during the '70's jumping trucks and crashing cars, and on July 13, 1974 he blew himself up in the middle of Englewood's X while sitting on sticks of dynamite. Someone once described him as "kind of a nutty guy who couldn't hear a word you were saying!". No wonder!

Here's an article that appeared in the program the night he performed his "Russian Death Chair" trick.


(J.L. McGuire collection)

Orval Kisselburg died peacefully in his sleep in March 2008 at the age of 86.

Here's another great must read article on Orval and his exciting career. CLICK HERE

Saw him at Sky Valley Speedway in Monroe, Wa in the late 60's

[PNWJohn]

Hi all,

I realize this post is several years old. Nevertheless… here goes

Orval taught my dad all his stunts. My dad and I travelled with Orval and occasionally he would fill in for Orval when he was injured and unable to complete his stunts (towards the end of his career). When Orval retired, my dad bought his stunt truck and continued the legacy. I think he may have actually toured as Orval for a short time, before renaming himself "Flywheel the daredevil clown".
I was extremely young during these years, but Orval has a special place in my heart as he was always very kind to me.

I may be interested in any memorabilia as a lot of it was lost over the years. Particularly Thrill Seekers which was an episode of a tv show that they filmed together in Tenino in 1973.
Hope to resurrect the thread and hear from some of you

[PNWJohn]

BTW, it was 3-4 sticks of dynamite. Eventually (in the 80's i think), it became my job to prep the dynamite for the show! Yes, 4th of July was a hoot at our place

[webby]

Originally Posted by PNWJohn

Hi all,

I realize this post is several years old. Nevertheless… here goes

Orval taught my dad all his stunts. My dad and I travelled with Orval and occasionally he would fill in for Orval when he was injured and unable to complete his stunts (towards the end of his career). When Orval retired, my dad bought his stunt truck and continued the legacy. I think he may have actually toured as Orval for a short time, before renaming himself "Flywheel the daredevil clown".
I was extremely young during these years, but Orval has a special place in my heart as he was always very kind to me.

I may be interested in any memorabilia as a lot of it was lost over the years. Particularly Thrill Seekers which was an episode of a tv show that they filmed together in Tenino in 1973.
Hope to resurrect the thread and hear from some of you

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