Lathan McKay's life story is a fascinating tale of triumph and perseverance, a testament to the power of human spirit and the unwavering dedication to one's passions.
Born, raised, and nurtured in a world filled with endless possibilities, Lathan McKay's early years were marked by a curiosity that knew no bounds, a thirst for knowledge that drove him to explore the depths of human understanding.
As he grew older, McKay's innate talents and abilities began to take shape, revealing a complex and multifaceted individual with a unique blend of creativity, intellect, and determination.
Throughout his journey, McKay has been guided by a strong sense of purpose, a commitment to his craft, and an unwavering dedication to his values. His is a story of resilience, of overcoming obstacles and setbacks, and of emerging stronger and more radiant with each passing day.
As we delve into the life and times of Lathan McKay, we are treated to a rich tapestry of experiences, of people, and of places that have shaped him into the remarkable individual he is today.
From his earliest days to the present moment, McKay's life has been a never-ending quest for knowledge, a passion for learning, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world around him.
And so, as we embark on this journey through the life of Lathan McKay, we are reminded that each of us has the power to shape our own destiny, to forge our own path, and to create a life of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment.
Lathan McKay, a multifaceted individual, is the visionary Co-Founder of the Evel Knievel Museum, a hub of daredevil history and culture. In addition to his role as CEO of Evel Knievel Enterprises, McKay is also known by his alter ego, Color Me Lucky, a moniker that reflects his adventurous spirit and flair for the dramatic.
As a collector, McKay has amassed an impressive array of Evel Knievel memorabilia, artifacts, and treasures, showcasing his dedication to preserving the legacy of the most notorious daredevil in modern times. His expertise as a curator has allowed him to meticulously organize and present these items in a way that honors Evel Knievel's remarkable career.
Beyond his work as a collector and curator, McKay has worn many hats, each one reflecting his boundless energy and entrepreneurial spirit. He has co-produced and executive produced films, bringing Evel Knievel's story to life on the big screen. As an impresario of events, McKay has orchestrated thrilling stunts and exhibitions that pay homage to Evel Knievel's daredevil spirit.
In addition to his work behind the scenes, McKay has also ventured into the world of screenwriting, bringing his unique perspective and flair to the written word. His acting credits are equally impressive, showcasing his ability to adapt to any role and bring Evel Knievel's story to life in a compelling and authentic way.
As an entrepreneur, McKay has leveraged his passion for Evel Knievel to create a range of innovative products and experiences that celebrate the daredevil's legacy. And as a "manifestor," McKay has used his boundless energy and creativity to bring Evel Knievel's story to life in ways that continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.
At the tender age of 14, McKay embarked on a remarkable journey as a professional skateboarder, discovering numerous roads to self-discovery as wheels took him on an exhilarating ride. For an impressive decade, he traveled extensively across America, honing his skills as a professional boarder under the pseudonym Erik McKay, earning his keep through his passion for the sport.
As he navigated the world of professional skateboarding, McKay found himself drawn to the larger-than-life figure of Evel Knievel, whose daredevil nature, unwavering determination, exceptional skill, precision, and unbridled moxie served as a beacon of inspiration, urging him to confront and overcome his fears.
McKay's fascination with the silver screen sparked a profound and enduring enthusiasm for artistic expression, which continues to drive his daily existence. During the 1970s, he developed a distinct affinity for cinematic masterpieces, often finding himself captivated by the likes of "Cisco Pike", "Two Lane Blacktop", and the iconic "Thunderbolt and Lightfoot". This formative period instilled in him a deep appreciation for the gritty, unvarnished realism that characterized the work of distinguished talents such as Warren Oates, Kris Kristofferson, Lee Marvin, Sam Peckinpah, and ultimately, his esteemed mentor and close friend, Monte Hellman.
In the year 2003, McKay found himself immersed in the world of acting, specifically in the director Clark Walker's production of "Levelland" in the state of Texas. It was during this time that a series of seemingly chance, nocturnal encounters transpired, ultimately leading McKay to cross paths with the renowned filmmaker, Hellman, at his doorstep in the city of Los Angeles.
As fate would have it, McKay's arrival at Hellman's doorstep marked the beginning of a fruitful collaboration between the two. McKay soon found himself joining Hellman's production company, where he played a pivotal role in the creation of Hellman's 2010 masterpiece, "Road to Nowhere". This project not only showcased McKay's impressive acting abilities but also served as a catalyst for the development of two screenplays that he had co-written alongside Melissa Hellman, the daughter of the aforementioned Hellman and McKay's partner in the production company, Melhell Productions.
McKay has played a pivotal role in the remarkable resurgence of interest in the illustrious legacy of Evel Knievel, the daredevil icon of the 1970s. His journey of discovery began with the chance acquisition of a rare and valuable EK unicorn - a meticulously preserved set of 1974 jump leathers, which remarkably, fit him with uncanny precision. This serendipitous find served as the catalyst for the "Evel Archaeology" quest, a meticulous and determined effort to track down and reunite the remaining fragments of Evel's storied past. Alongside his lifelong friend and artistic collaborator, Robby Hull, McKay embarked on a thorough and exhaustive search, scouring the countryside and eventually amassing an impressive collection of three sets of vintage leathers and a prized helmet, each one a testament to the enduring allure and mystique of Evel Knievel's legendary exploits.
Individual's remarkable accomplishments led to the discovery of Big Red, a prized show truck once owned by the legendary Evel Knievel, and subsequently, its purchase. Notably, Big Red was originally constructed in 1975 by one of Evel's primary sponsors, Mack Trucks, a renowned organization in the industry. This distinctive vehicle served as a mobile showcase for the daredevil and his motorcycles, effortlessly traversing the country with a flair for the dramatic. McKay dedicated an immense amount of time and energy to the meticulous restoration of Big Red, an 18-month "passion project" that transcended mere financial investment.
As McKay delved deeper into the pursuit of EK artifacts, a profound bond was forged with the entire Knievel family, extending to the daredevil's closest friends and trusted crew members. This extraordinary connection was largely facilitated by McKay's lifelong friendship with the talented artist, Robby Hull, whose creative insights and expertise proved invaluable to the endeavor. Additionally, McKay acknowledges the crucial contributions of Marilyn Stemp, his business partner, whose astute business acumen and strategic guidance were instrumental in the project's success. Furthermore, McKay expresses his deepest gratitude to Scott Wiley, the mastermind behind Knievel's remarkable feats, whose unwavering expertise and inside knowledge proved essential in uncovering the secrets of the EK artifacts.
In the year 2015, McKay had set for himself a highly ambitious and personalized objective, namely to have the truck serve as the lead entry in the parade that takes place as part of the Evel Knievel days festivities in the city of Butte, Montana.
Concurrently, McKay formed a collaborative partnership with the Knievel family, with whom he co-developed a unique and custom beer product, Evel Ale, which is produced by the South Austin Brewery, a renowned brewing establishment located in the city of Austin, Texas.
Furthermore, McKay has made a commitment to ensure the establishment of a museum dedicated to the life and legacy of Evel Knievel, which will be housed within the Historic Harley-Davidson facility in the city of Topeka, Kansas, with plans for the museum to officially open its doors to the public at the end of the year 2016.
McKay, a multifaceted talent, has made a significant impact in the film industry by co-producing and making cameo appearances in a diverse range of movies. His notable credits include "Being Evel", a film that delves into the life and legacy of the daredevil Evel Knievel, as well as "I Am Evel Knievel", a documentary that explores the highs and lows of Knievel's remarkable career.
In addition to his work on "Being Evel" and "I Am Evel Knievel", McKay has also collaborated on "Chasing Evel: The Life of Robbie Knievel", a film that shines a light on the life and accomplishments of Robbie Knievel, Evel's son. Furthermore, he has contributed to "Resurrecting Evel and Evelution", two films that continue to captivate audiences with their thrilling portrayals of Evel Knievel's death-defying stunts.
Beyond his work in feature films, McKay has also lent his expertise to the documentary "Off The Record", serving as an executive producer on this project. Moreover, he has been instrumental in the development of "Collision Course", a documentary series that aired on the Reelz channel.
