<P> James Sherwin `` Bud '' Ekins ( May 11 , 1930 -- October 6 , 2007 ) was an American professional stuntman in the U.S. Film industry . He is considered to be one of the film industry 's most accomplished stuntmen with a body of work that includes classic films such as The Great Escape and Bullitt . Ekins , acting as stunt double for Steve McQueen while filming The Great Escape , was the rider who performed what is considered to be one of the most famous motorcycle stunts ever performed in a movie . He was recognized for his stunt work by being inducted into the Stuntmen 's Hall of Fame . </P>
<P> James Sherwin `` Bud '' Ekins ( May 11 , 1930 -- October 6 , 2007 ) was an American professional stuntman in the U.S. Film industry . He is considered to be one of the film industry 's most accomplished stuntmen with a body of work that includes classic films such as The Great Escape and Bullitt . Ekins , acting as stunt double for Steve McQueen while filming The Great Escape , was the rider who performed what is considered to be one of the most famous motorcycle stunts ever performed in a movie . He was recognized for his stunt work by being inducted into the Stuntmen 's Hall of Fame . </P>
who did the motorcycle stunts in the great escape
who did the motorcycle stunts in the great escape
James Sherwin `` Bud '' Ekins
James Sherwin `` Bud '' Ekins