John Hugh McKnight

On November 6, 2024, John Hugh McKnight passed away in Los Angeles, California. John was born on August 26, 1939, to Florence Sievwright McKnight and Hugh Copeland McKnight in Manhattan, New York. His family lived in Astoria, Long Island, New York before moving to Orlando, Florida in 1953. John graduated from Edgewater High School where he created many beautiful childhood friendships that lasted a lifetime. He adored his friends especially the ones he called “his girls”. John went on to attend and graduate from The University of Florida where he was a proud member of the Phi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. Upon graduating, he joined the United States Army. He served from 1962 – 1964 and became a military police officer. After his service, John moved to California and started his acting career. Early on, John was a regular on The Young and the Restless. He was also in various episodes of Love Boat (1977-78), Dallas (1978), Charlie’s Angels (1979), Fantasy Island (1982), Hart to Hart (1983-84), Falcon Crest (1983-86), Dynasty (1984-88) and The Colbys (1985-86). In the 90’s, he was an actor/stuntman appearing in Star Trek, original series and Star Trek: The Motion Picture. He specialized in driving stunts and later became a member of Bill Young’s Precision Driving Team. He was in Speed (1994) and Gone in 60 seconds (2000). During the filming of Airplane II: The sequel (1982), John was among the group of extras who were converted from SEG to SAG members. One of John’s best memories was working with Lucille Ball on The Lucy Show. John is survived by his niece, Shannon McKnight Sobolewski and her husband, Kirk Sobolewski: three children, Trenton Forbes Sobolewski, Broden Bronson Sobolewski, and Baylor Leighton Sobolewski. Sister -in -law, Beverly Phegley McKnight; God Son: John Lee and his wife Barbara Lee; Brother -in -law: Jon Batman; Sister- in -law, Martha Bryant McKnight; Cousins, Jill Matthews Gallow and Gilbert Matthews. John was predeceased by his parents, Florence and Hugh Copeland McKnight, his brother, David Forbes McKnight and his sister Linda McKnight Batman. Personal thank you and shout out to his friends in California who were so helpful to John during this time: Bill Young, Tom Peters, Suzanne Lodge, Donald Pooling, Ronald Hecker, Sue Bulson, Ariel Toole, Madeline Sakmar, George Sonneborn, Sarah Iskandani and Rich Ryan. Thank you all very much!

John Hugh McKnight

August 26, 1939 - November 6, 2024