Johnny Knoxville, the daredevil king and heart of the MTV hit show “Jackass,” has been entertaining millions of people for over two decades. Born as Philip John Clapp, he’s known for his wacky stunts, crazy pranks, and infectious laughter. He has led a fascinating life and amassed an impressive net worth along the way. So, let’s dive into the world of Johnny Knoxville and learn about his early life, rise to fame, and his financial success.
Net Worth: $50 Million
Salary: –
Date of Birth: Mar 11, 1971
Place of Birth: Knoxville, Tennessee
Gender: Male
Profession: Actor, Comedian, Screenwriter, Stunt Performer, Film Producer, Voice Actor
Johnny Knoxville Early Life
Johnny Knoxville was born on March 11, 1971, in Knoxville, Tennessee, which is where he later derived his famous stage name. Raised in a close-knit family, Johnny’s father, Philip Clapp Sr., was a tire salesman, while his mother, Lemoyne Clapp, was a Sunday school teacher. Knoxville has always been open about his upbringing, sharing how his parents were incredibly supportive and encouraged him to pursue his dreams.
Knoxville’s penchant for stunts and adventure started early. As a kid, he was heavily influenced by comedians like Steve Martin and the physical humor of the Three Stooges. His love for extreme sports and adrenaline-pumping activities led him to become a BMX rider, further fueling his desire for risky endeavors.
After graduating from South-Young High School, Knoxville moved to California to pursue his dreams of becoming an actor. While chasing his acting aspirations, Knoxville worked various odd jobs, including writing for magazines such as “Big Brother” and “Blunt.” It was during this time that he started performing stunts and pranks to make ends meet. This unconventional path would eventually lead him to the creation of “Jackass.”
Johnny Knoxville Personal Life
Outside of his wild on-screen persona, Johnny Knoxville is known for being a loving father and husband. He married Melanie Lynn Cates in 1995, and together they have a daughter named Madison. However, the couple divorced in 2008. In 2010, Knoxville married Naomi Nelson, and they have two children together, a son named Rocko Akira Clapp and a daughter named Arlo Lemoyne Yoko Clapp.
Knoxville has always valued his family life and makes an effort to keep his children grounded despite his fame. He is also known for his friendships with fellow “Jackass” cast members, which have stood the test of time. These relationships have been a crucial aspect of his life, and they continue to collaborate on projects and support each other’s endeavors.
Johnny Knoxville Career
Johnny Knoxville’s career has been a rollercoaster ride, with highs and lows fueled by his unyielding passion for stunts and entertainment. After the initial success of “Jackass” and its subsequent spin-offs and movies, Knoxville found himself branching out into acting. He has appeared in various films and television shows, showcasing his versatility and talent as an actor.
Some of his notable acting roles include playing Luke Duke in “The Dukes of Hazzard” (2005), voicing Leonardo in “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (2014), and starring as Irving Zisman in “Bad Grandpa” (2013), which he also co-wrote and co-produced.
In addition to his work in film and television, Knoxville has ventured into the realm of production. He co-founded the production company Dickhouse Productions with Jeff Tremaine and Spike Jonze. The company is responsible for producing “Jackass” and its spin-offs, as well as other TV shows and films like “Nitro Circus,” “The Birth of Big Air,” and “The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia.”
Despite the risks associated with his career, Knoxville has shown no signs of slowing down. In 2021, the fourth installment of the “Jackass” film series, “Jackass Forever,” was announced, which will feature the original cast members along with some new faces. Knoxville’s involvement in the film is not only as a performer but also as a producer and writer, further showcasing his creative talent.
Throughout his career, Knoxville has been recognized for his work and received several awards and nominations. He won a 2014 MTV Movie Award for Best Jaw-Dropping Moment for his work in “Bad Grandpa,” and in 2020, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, honoring his contributions to the world of entertainment.
Rise to Fame
Knoxville’s big break came when he pitched an idea to Jeff Tremaine, the editor of “Big Brother” magazine. He suggested a series of articles documenting his self-inflicted stunts and pranks. Tremaine loved the idea and even offered to film them. The duo soon partnered with Spike Jonze, a renowned filmmaker, to create a video series that showcased Knoxville’s wild antics.
The success of the video series caught the attention of MTV executives, who offered Knoxville and his team a television show. In 2000, “Jackass” debuted on MTV and quickly gained a cult following. The series featured a group of men, including Knoxville, Steve-O, Bam Margera, and others, performing dangerous stunts and outrageous pranks. Despite controversies surrounding the show, it became a massive success and led to several spin-offs and movies.
Johnny Knoxville became a household name as the show’s star and ringleader. His fame led to more opportunities in the entertainment industry, including appearances in films like “Men in Black II” (2002), “The Dukes of Hazzard” (2005), and “Bad Grandpa” (2013).
Johnny Knoxville Net Worth
Johnny Knoxville’s estimated net worth is $50 million. His financial success primarily stems from his work on “Jackass” and its subsequent spin-offs and movies. Additionally, Knoxville’s acting career and endorsements have contributed to his wealth.
It’s important to note that Knoxville has never shied away from using his fame and fortune for good. He is actively involved in charity work, supporting organizations such as the American Red Cross, The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, and the Los Angeles Mission, among others.
