| Kurt Yaeger | |
|---|---|
| Born | Kurt Yaeger January 3, 1977 San Francisco, California, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 2002–present |
Kurt Yaeger is an American actor, model, director, professional athlete and a below-the-knee amputee.
Contents |
Kurt Yaeger was born in San Francisco, California on January 3, 1977 and was raised in South San Francisco. He currently resides in the Los Angeles area.
Yaeger's first acting experience began by being cast in his church's play about the birth of Christ. Upon seeing the crowded theater he promptly sat down on his hands and refused to go on stage. The show went on without him.
Yaeger later found himself in the midst of the BMX culture and gaining the nickname Crowbar.[1] He acquired sponsors, went on tours and competed in events. During an interesting chain of events he auditioned for a Nickelodeon/Clear Channel Communications live tour based on the popular cartoon show Rocket Power. What was thought to be an acting role, he was actually trying out for an athletic/stunt role. Landing the part and upon the first day of rehearsals the Director found out that his BMX talent was at professional level and incorporated it into the show. The show briefly toured the U.S. Midwest in spring 2002, before being canceled over low ticket sales. It had originally been scheduled to tour about 40 cities all over the U.S., all the way into the fall. Eventually injuries were starting to take their toll and he decided to go back to college to pursue a Masters Degree in Hydrogeology. While attending school he was in a motorcycle accident which permanently altered the course of Yaeger's life.[2]
His left leg was amputated, his right Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and Medial collateral ligament (MCL) were torn, his pelvis was torn in half along with his bladder, seven vertebra were broken, his lungs collapsed, his ribs broken and a severe concussion.[3] One year later Yaeger made a full recovery. He has now dedicated himself to his passion, film.[4]
Yaeger started taking acting courses and instantly began acquiring role after role.[5] He hit his stride starring in Michael Anderson's: Tenderloin, a story about the troubles and tribulations of one of the most infamous neighborhoods in San Francisco. The film premiered at the Mill Valley Film Festival in October 2009.[6] Some of his recent work includes Dolphin Tale with Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd and Harry Connick, Jr.[7], Knife Fight with Rob Lowe, War Flowers with Christina Ricci, Tom Berenger and Jason Gedrick and the Syfy feature film Piranhaconda with Michael Madsen.
Along with his business partner Josh Gillick, Yaeger created the production company ArtistFilm.[8] It has produced 9 short films and one feature, Sedona's Rule, distributed by Green Apple Entertainment, Inc.. They are currently working on several features in the early pre-production stages and a reality TV project which has been optioned. Yaeger is also involved with the SAG - Screen Actors Guild, AFTRA - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, AEA - Actors' Equity Association Tri-Union global disability rights campaign called IAMPWD - Inclusion in the Arts & Media of People with Disabilities. He sits as the Chairperson on the AFTRA Los Angeles Local Performers with Disabilities Committee.[9]
Yaeger has also volunteered his time with several organizations. He has attended several Big Sunday events for the Wounded Warrior Project[10] which helps to foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded warriors in this nation's history. Yaeger spoke at the United Cerebral Palsy of NYC event called Women Who Care, and shared the stage with Ivanka Trump, Michelle Bachelet - the former president of Chile and many others.
His comeback came not long after in the Extreme Sports genre of BMX. He is currently the number one Adaptive BMXer in the world[11] and participated in X Games 16[12] and X Games 17. Yaeger was showcased along with other adaptive athletes thanks to Adaptive Action Sports, a non-profit organization promoting Action Sports camps, events and programs for youth and young adults living with permanent physical disabilities.
When Yaeger first began training again Etnies immediately got behind him and what he was trying to accomplish. Etnies supplied the shoes which allowed for an expanded experimentation with the new magnetic pedal from Proton Locks. After figuring out how to stay on the pedals Solid Bikes and Odyssey components came together to help him with a new bike. The last obstacle was to figure out how to keep his knee from hyper-extending from the repeated impact pressures, so he turned to CTi who built him a custom knee brace for his prosthetic leg. His other current sponsors include, Freestyle Watches, Stussy, Bern Helmets, Alpine Stars, Challenged Athletes Foundation and FOX.
Yaeger has also become one of the owners of ProTonLocks, Inc. A company which makes magnetic pedals for all bicycle applications, bmx, mountain biking, road biking and recumbent. It especially helps him and other amputee bike riders to control the bike in a safe and secure manner.