Joe Kirkwood Jr.(1920-2006)

Joe tried to draw up a trust fund for his ex-wife, Cathy Downs, after learning she was suffering from terminal cancer and living in abject poverty. Downs died before he could set it up.

I tried using a double once during one of the films...and the fights just didn't look real. Now I tell the boxers who are cast against me to do their best because I'm ready for them and the better man is going to get the best shots. I don't mind getting knocked out as long as they revive me by waving my paycheck across my face. Achilles might have had his heel, but I've got a glass temple and glass ear. -- JK, in describing the stunt work done on his Joe Palooka film series