Frank Harry Orsatti, a celebrated stuntman and actor, was born on February 26, 1942, in the culturally rich and vibrant city of Los Angeles, California, which would later serve as the backdrop for his illustrious career in the entertainment industry. As the son of St. Louis Cardinals center fielder Ernie Orsatti, who had played professionally for the team from 1927 to 1938, and the talented opera singer Inez Gorman, Frank's family background was deeply rooted in sports, with a strong emphasis on baseball, as well as the performing arts, which would later influence his decision to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.
Despite being drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals, an injury during training prevented him from pursuing a career in professional baseball, a path that had been laid out for him, and one that his family had expected him to follow. However, instead of giving up on his athletic ambitions, Orsatti chose to join the Merchant Marines, where he spent the next ten years working on freighters, developing a sense of adventure and resilience, and broadening his horizons, which would later serve him well in his future endeavors as a stuntman and actor.
Frank's trajectory after his stint in the Merchant Marines took a dramatic turn as he returned to his hometown of Los Angeles, where he embarked on a new and exciting journey within the entertainment industry. The late 1960s served as the catalyst for the commencement of his career as a stuntman, a profession that would ultimately become synonymous with his name and reputation, garnering him widespread recognition within the industry.
Throughout his illustrious career, Frank had the extraordinary privilege of doubling for some of the most legendary and iconic actors of his time, including the illustrious Bill Bixby, the charismatic Burt Reynolds, and the unforgettable Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Frank's life was marked by a profound sense of loss when he succumbed to respiratory failure on December 23, 2004, at the tender age of 62, leaving behind a lasting legacy that would forever be cherished by his devoted loved ones. Among those who would carry on his memory were his wife, Julie Ann Steinberg Orsatti, a constant source of comfort and strength; his daughters, Gina Marie and Kimberly Ann, whose lives had been forever changed by his unwavering guidance and support; his brothers, Rex and Ernie F. Orsatti, who had shared in the joys and struggles of their childhood; and a young granddaughter, who would grow up with the knowledge of her grandfather's remarkable achievements and the love he had shared with her family. Despite the devastating circumstances of his untimely passing, Frank's indelible mark on the world of entertainment continues to inspire and awe those who had the privilege of knowing him, as well as those who have been impacted by his remarkable work, a testament to the enduring power of his legacy.
