It was 1979 and Kenn Hill, a cop with the Cinnaminson Police Department at the time, and who had a yearning to be a stuntman on the side, had become friends with Bob Minor, an established stuntman. One day Minor invited Hill to join him to watch some filming of the movie Skatetown USA, which Minor was involved with. Hill gladly accepted the invitation. 

Skatetown USA was a movie about a roller disco competition. Hill kept out of camera range on the set happily enjoying the scenes unfold with stars Scott Baio and Flip Wilson. Then a couple of scenes came up where Wilson needed a stand-in. 

“That’s when I got lucky,” said Hill, who has been a regular at the western theme park Wild West City in nearby Byram Township as a cowboy and “Marshal” since 1995. “Flip Wilson’s stand-in didn’t show. The Assistant Director saw me in the background and asked me if I would fill in. And I did.”

From that humble beginning launched a career spanning over four decades as an actor and stuntman on numerous TV shows and movies, including Die Hard with a Vengeance, starring Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson, The Italian Job with Mark Whalberg and Edward Norton, Law & Order, New York Undercover and Magnum PI (the original series with Tom Selleck – NOTE; Hill’s license plate is MAG PI). His scenes have included car chases, pedestrians fleeing speeding cars, and other ‘life-threatening” activities. 

Hill recently – finally – got his due as an actor and stuntman when he was inducted into the Masters of Martial Arts Hall of Fame. The gala event took place in Atlantic City.

“It feels mighty good,” said the 79-year old Hill, who retired as a policeman in 1992. and who splits time at homes in Byram and Cinnaminsom. “There’s no other feeling like it.”

What made the occasion even more exciting was that his son, Kenn Hill, Jr., was also inducted the same night for his efforts in the martial arts community.

“What a thrill to be inducted with him,” said Hill. “We were both sky high.”

“What an awesome event and made even more special than any other that I have been part of,” said 57-year old Kenn Hill, Jr., who has been honored several times in the past. “To be recognized on Father’s Day Weekend with my dad is unlike anything else! It really was a humbling experience. To be able to stand with my dad and share this moment with him was truly a privilege.”

Kenn Hill, Jr., who grew up in Cinnaminson but now lives in Sicklerville, continued, “My dad’s induction was long overdue. He has been active in the TV and motion picture industry for a long time and this was well-deserved.”

Hill, Sr., who has been married to his wife Shirl for 59 years, thanks three people in particular who helped him along the way: Bob Minor, John Hagner and Lee Diebold. 

At Wild West City, Hill is one of the most popular Marshals and Cowboys at the park. He is always chatting it up with visitors and is in more selfies and photos than can possibly be counted.

“I like talking to the folks here,” he said simply. 

They may not realize it but behind Hill’s infectious smile folks are also talking to a true Hall of Famer.