Johnny Knoxville is more than just a daredevil stuntman. Born Philip John Clapp on March 11, 1971, he became famous for his crazy, jaw-dropping stunts in Jackass. But did you know he once suffered a brain hemorrhage after a stunt went horribly wrong? Surprisingly, Knoxville also co-wrote and produced several Hollywood films, proving he’s more than just a reckless thrill-seeker.
Beyond his wild antics, he’s a dedicated father who enjoys a quieter life when the cameras aren’t rolling. Despite countless broken bones, he refuses to slow down. Interestingly, he once turned down a WWE contract because he wanted to focus on movies.
His fearless nature and unbreakable spirit have made him a legend in entertainment. Love him or hate him, Johnny Knoxville remains one of Hollywood’s boldest risk-takers.
Table of Contents
Johnny Knoxville Bio/Wiki
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Philip John Clapp |
| Stage Name | Johnny Knoxville |
| Date of Birth | March 11, 1971 |
| Place of Birth | Knoxville, Tennessee, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor, Comedian, Stuntman, Producer |
| Spouse(s) | Melanie Lynn Clapp (married 1995–2008), Naomi Nelson (married 2010–2022) |
| Children | Madison Clapp (with Melanie), Rocko Akira Clapp, and Arlo Clapp (with Naomi Nelson) |
| Net Worth | $50 million |
| Breakout Moment | Jackass (MTV TV Show, 2000–2002) |
| Famous Movies | The Dukes of Hazzard (2005), Bad Grandpa (2013), Men in Black II (2002), Jackass Forever (2022) |
| TV Shows | Jackass (2000–2002), Wildboyz (2003–2006), Nitro Circus Live (2011), The Dudesons in America (2006) |
| Production Companies | Co-founder of Dickhouse Productions and Hello Junior |
| Notable Stunts | Dangerous stunts like bull riding, motorcycle jumps, and being hit by a rampaging car |
| Awards and Nominations | MTV Movie & TV Award for Bad Grandpa (2014), Teen Choice Award for Jackass |
| Social Media | Active on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook |
| Early Career | Moved to California to pursue acting but gained fame after pitching Jackass concept for MTV |
| Wrestling Career | Offered a WWE contract, but Johnny chose to stay with films and TV instead of professional wrestling |
| Philanthropy | Contributed to charities focusing on children’s health and veteran support |
| Influences | Inspired by Evil Knievel, Bam Margera, and Tommy Lee in his pursuit of outrageous stunts |
| Education | Graduated from South-Doyle High School in Knoxville, Tennessee |
| Fun Fact | Almost went blind after a stunt involving fireworks that caused a severe eye injury |
| Personal Struggles | Open about his mental health struggles and dealing with addiction earlier in his career |
| Philosophy on Stunts | Believes in the power of humor and pushing boundaries to entertain and challenge himself |
| Animal Lover | Enjoys spending time with his pets and has been known to advocate for animal rights |
| Hobbies | Enjoys fishing, hunting, and spending time outdoors with his family and friends |
| Early Jobs | Worked at a surf shop before breaking into acting and comedy, and later found success with MTV |
| Close Collaborations | Worked closely with Bam Margera and other Jackass co-stars, including Steve-O, Chris Pontius, and Ryan Dunn |
| Health and Fitness | Despite his reckless stunts, Johnny maintains a rigorous fitness routine to stay in shape for his roles |
| Love for Music | A huge fan of punk rock, and has worked with musicians and appeared in music videos (e.g., The Prodigy) |
| Comedy Style | Known for his dark humor, physical comedy, and self-deprecating wit |
Who Is Johnny Knoxville?
Johnny Knoxville is a fearless stuntman, comedian, actor, and filmmaker best known as the creator and star of Jackass. Born Philip John Clapp on March 11, 1971, in Knoxville, Tennessee, he built a career on insane stunts, outrageous pranks, and fearless comedy.
His rise to fame began in the early 2000s when Jackass exploded onto MTV, captivating audiences with its reckless, over-the-top antics. Knoxville’s pain tolerance and wild creativity made him a standout star, leading to several hit movies under the Jackass franchise.
Beyond his daredevil persona, Knoxville has acted in Hollywood films, produced projects, and even turned down a WWE contract. Despite countless injuries and broken bones, he remains a beloved icon of fearless entertainment, always pushing limits and making audiences laugh.
Johnny Knoxville Early Life and Family
Johnny Knoxville born Philip John Clapp on March 11, 1971, in Knoxville, Tennessee, grew up in a lively and adventurous household. His father, Philip Clapp Sr., was a car salesman and prankster, often pulling elaborate jokes on family and friends. His mother, Lemoyne Clapp, worked as a Sunday school teacher, providing balance to his wild upbringing.
From a young age, Knoxville was fascinated by daredevil acts and comedy, drawing inspiration from legends like Evil Knievel. He attended South-Doyle High School, where he excelled in sports and acting, but it was his love for adrenaline and risk-taking that set him apart.
After high school, he moved to California to pursue acting but struggled until he pitched the idea for Jackass, launching him into instant stardom. His fearless nature and bold creativity shaped his legendary career.
Johnny Knoxville Amazing Career
Johnny Knoxville’s career is nothing short of legendary. After struggling to make it in Hollywood, he created and starred in Jackass, which premiered on MTV in 2000. His fearless stunts and wild pranks made the show an instant hit, leading to a blockbuster movie franchise that earned hundreds of millions worldwide.
Beyond Jackass, Knoxville proved his acting skills in films like The Dukes of Hazzard, Bad Grandpa, and The Ringer. His unique blend of comedy and danger kept audiences hooked. He even turned down a WWE contract, choosing instead to focus on filmmaking.
Despite countless injuries, broken bones, and near-death experiences, Knoxville never slowed down. His bold creativity and unbreakable spirit cemented his status as a Hollywood icon, redefining the limits of entertainment.
Johnny Knoxville Height,Weight,and Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 6’1” (185 cm) |
| Weight | 231 lbs (105 kg) |
| Build | Muscular |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Facial Hair | Often sports facial stubble or short beard |
| Jawline | Strong, well-defined |
| Skin Tone | Fair |
| Notable Features | Rugged, mature look; energetic presence |
| Nose | Straight and defined |
| Lips | Full and balanced |
| Cheekbones | Prominent and well-defined |
| Expression | Often playful or mischievous |
| Eyebrows | Thick and expressive |
| Teeth | White and well-kept |
Johnny Knoxville Wife/Girlfriend and Relationship status
Johnny Knoxville has had a dynamic love life, with two marriages and a strong focus on family. He first married Melanie Lynn Clapp in 1995, and they had a daughter, Madison Clapp, before divorcing in 2008.
In 2010, Knoxville found love again with Naomi Nelson, and they tied the knot on September 24, 2010. Together, they welcomed two children: Rocko Akira Clapp in 2009 and Arlo Clapp in 2011. The couple was known for their strong bond and low-key relationship. However, in 2022, Knoxville filed for divorce from Naomi after nearly 12 years of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences.
As of now, Johnny Knoxville has not publicly confirmed a new relationship and seems to be focusing on his career and family.
Johnny Knoxville Net Worth
Johnny Knoxville has built an impressive fortune through his fearless stunts, acting, and filmmaking. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is $50 million. His massive success comes primarily from the Jackass franchise, which grossed hundreds of millions worldwide across multiple films and TV projects.
Apart from Jackass, Knoxville has starred in hit movies like The Dukes of Hazzard, Bad Grandpa, and The Ringer, further boosting his earnings. He also co-founded Dickhouse Productions and Hello Junior, producing films, TV shows, and commercials.
Knoxville has invested in real estate, reportedly owning luxury properties in Los Angeles. Despite countless injuries throughout his career, his fearless dedication to entertainment has made him a multi-millionaire and an iconic Hollywood figure.
Future Plan and Goals
Johnny Knoxville has never been one to slow down, and his future plans reflect his passion for entertainment and creativity. While Jackass Forever (2022) was rumored to be his last major stunt-filled film, he has hinted at staying involved in producing and developing new projects.
One of his biggest goals is to expand his work behind the camera. Through his production companies, Dickhouse Productions and Hello Junior, Knoxville plans to create more films and TV shows, possibly exploring comedy, documentaries, and reality entertainment.
Beyond Hollywood, Knoxville has expressed interest in writing, potentially working on a book or memoir detailing his insane career and near-death experiences. While he may step back from high-risk stunts, his love for storytelling and pushing boundaries ensures that he will remain a key figure in entertainment.
Johnny Knoxville on Social Media
| Platform | Username | Followers | Likes/Engagement |
|---|---|---|---|
| @johnnyknoxville | 4 million | 57,300 avg interactions/post | |
| @realjknoxville | 1.7 million | 559 likes, 133 retweets avg | |
| TikTok | @johnnyknoxville | 1.5 million | 10 million total likes |
| Johnny Knoxville | 10 million+ | High engagement (est. 200k likes/post) | |
| YouTube | Johnny Knoxville | 2.5 million | Varies by video (avg. 100k views) |
Fun Facts about Johnny Knoxville
- Real Name: Johnny Knoxville was born Philip John Clapp, but he adopted the nickname “Johnny Knoxville” after moving to California to pursue acting.
- Incredible Pain Tolerance: Knoxville has sustained over 30 concussions throughout his career, including a brain hemorrhage from one stunt. Despite his injuries, he continues to push the limits of what’s possible.
- Movie Star: While best known for Jackass, Knoxville has also acted in major films like The Dukes of Hazzard, Bad Grandpa, and Men in Black II, showcasing his versatility.
- Wrestling Offer: He was once offered a WWE contract but turned it down, preferring to stick with his film career rather than becoming a full-time wrestler.
- Prankster at Heart: Knoxville’s love for pranks began at a young age, inspired by his prankster father. It eventually led to his involvement in the creation of Jackass.
- Father of Three: Johnny has three children with two different women, and despite his chaotic career, he is known to be a devoted father.
- Real Stunts: Many of Knoxville’s stunts, such as the infamous motorcycle jump and bull-riding, were completely unscripted and dangerous, cementing his reputation as one of the boldest entertainers.
- Philanthropy: Despite his reputation for wild behavior, Knoxville has contributed to various charities, focusing on children’s health and veteran support.
Johnny Knoxville Video and Images
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Johnny Knoxville become famous?
Johnny Knoxville became famous for creating and starring in Jackass, a show that featured dangerous stunts, pranks, and outrageous comedy. His fearless stunts and bold personality made him an iconic figure in entertainment.
Is Johnny Knoxville married?
Johnny Knoxville was married to Melanie Lynn Clapp from 1995 until their divorce in 2008. He later married Naomi Nelson in 2010, but the couple divorced in 2022 after more than a decade of marriage.
Has Johnny Knoxville ever been injured?
Yes, Johnny Knoxville has sustained numerous injuries throughout his career, including over 30 concussions, a brain hemorrhage, and many broken bones. His tolerance for pain has become one of the trademarks of his career.
What is Johnny Knoxville’s next project?
Johnny Knoxville has expressed interest in producing new films and TV shows, expanding his work behind the camera. While he may step back from dangerous stunts, he plans to continue exploring new avenues in entertainment.
Does Johnny Knoxville have children?
Yes, Johnny Knoxville has three children: Madison Clapp with his first wife, and Rocko Akira Clapp and Arlo Clapp with his second wife, Naomi Nelson.
What is Johnny Knoxville’s real name?
Johnny Knoxville’s real name is Philip John Clapp. He adopted the name Johnny Knoxville when he moved to California to pursue acting.
Conclusion
Johnny Knoxville is an iconic figure in entertainment, known for his fearless stunts, outrageous pranks, and unfiltered humor.
From his rise to fame with Jackass to becoming a multi-millionaire and beloved Hollywood figure, Knoxville has proven his versatility not only as a stuntman but also as an actor, producer, and entrepreneur. Despite numerous injuries and challenges, his unbreakable spirit and passion for entertainment have driven his success and longevity in the industry.
Whether he’s pushing limits with his wild antics or transitioning into new ventures, Johnny Knoxville’s legacy continues to inspire fans and aspiring daredevils alike. His story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and a lifelong commitment to entertaining the world, and it’s clear that Knoxville’s adventurous journey is far from over.
