Johnny Knoxville: A Look Into His Life, Career, And Fortune

How Much Is Johnny Knoxville Worth?

Hey there, let’s dive into the world of Johnny Knoxville, the fearless entertainer who’s made a name for himself with his wild antics and hilarious stunts. With a net worth of $50 million, Knoxville has carved out a unique niche in Hollywood. Best known for creating and starring in the iconic MTV show "Jackass," Johnny has become a household name. The show, which aired from 2000 to 2001, was just the beginning. It eventually spawned a series of highly successful movies, including "Jackass: The Movie" (2002), "Jackass Number Two" (2006), and "Jackass 3D" (2010). These films not only showcased his comedic genius but also his willingness to take risks—both physically and creatively.

Beyond "Jackass," Johnny has taken on a variety of roles in movies like "Walking Tall" (2004), "The Dukes of Hazzard" (2005), and "The Ringer" (2005). He even co-produced and starred in "Bad Grandpa" (2013), a film that combined the signature "Jackass" style of pranks with a compelling storyline. Throughout his career, Knoxville has consistently pushed boundaries, often putting himself in precarious and humorous situations. It’s no surprise that he’s suffered numerous injuries along the way, including concussions, broken bones, and torn ligaments, all in the name of entertainment.

But Knoxville isn’t just a performer—he’s also a producer. He’s been involved in several projects behind the scenes, including the MTV series "Nitro Circus" (2009) and the documentary "The Birth of Big Air" (2010). His diverse talents and relentless drive have kept him relevant in the entertainment industry, making him a true pop culture icon.

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Growing Up: Johnny Knoxville's Early Years

Born Philip John Clapp on March 11, 1971, in Knoxville, Tennessee, Johnny grew up in a modest household. His father, Philip, worked as a car and tire salesman, while his mother, Lemoyne, was a Sunday school teacher. He also had two older sisters who undoubtedly influenced his upbringing. Johnny credits his cousin, Roger Alan Wade—a singer-songwriter—with sparking his interest in acting. Wade introduced him to Jack Kerouac’s "On the Road," a book that inspired Knoxville to pursue a life less ordinary. After graduating from South-Doyle High School in 1989, Johnny set his sights on California, eager to chase his dreams of becoming an actor.

Getting His Start: Johnny's Career Beginnings

When Johnny first arrived in California, he faced the same struggles many aspiring actors encounter. He took on small roles in commercials and worked as an extra, but landing that big break proved elusive. Determined to create his own opportunities, he started pitching ideas to magazines. One idea, in particular, caught the attention of "Big Brother," a skateboarding magazine helmed by Jeff Tremaine. The concept? Testing self-defense equipment on himself. Tremaine loved it and gave Knoxville the green light to film stunts for the magazine, which appeared in the "Big Brother" video "Number Two." This collaboration marked the beginning of a fruitful partnership.

Knoxville, Tremaine, Sean Cliver, and Dave Carnie pooled their resources to produce a pilot episode using footage from "Big Brother" and Bam Margera's CKY videos. With the help of Tremaine's friend, film director Spike Jonze, they pitched the series to various networks. MTV loved the pilot and signed on, giving birth to the groundbreaking show "Jackass." Despite its controversial nature, the show became a cultural phenomenon, capturing the attention of audiences worldwide with its daring stunts and irreverent humor.

A Career Full of Stunts and Success

Though "Jackass" only aired for three seasons on MTV from 2000 to 2001, its impact was monumental. The franchise expanded into a series of wildly successful films, including "Jackass: The Movie" (2002), "Jackass Number Two" (2006), "Jackass 3D" (2010), and "Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa" (2013). These movies not only solidified Knoxville's status as a comedic powerhouse but also inspired numerous spin-offs, such as "Wildboyz," "Viva La Bam," and "Homewrecker." The franchise even spawned a video game, "Jackass: The Game," released in 2007, where Knoxville appeared as himself. In 2022, the series continued with "Jackass Forever" and "Jackass 4.5," proving that the crew’s antics still resonate with fans.

While "Jackass" was undoubtedly his breakout role, Knoxville’s career extends far beyond the show. He’s appeared in films like "Men in Black II" (2002), where he played a two-headed alien, and "Walking Tall" (2002), starring alongside Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Other notable roles include "Lords of Dogtown" (2005), "Daltry Calhoun" (2005), "The Dukes of Hazzard" (2005), "The Ringer" (2005), and "Nature Calls" (2012). His versatility as an actor has earned him nominations for the American Comedy Award, as well as several MTV and Teen Choice Awards.

In addition to his on-screen work, Knoxville has lent his voice to various projects. He voiced Leonardo in the 2014 film "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," appeared as himself on "Family Guy," and provided the voice of Johnny Krill, an extreme sports enthusiast, in a 2012 episode of "SpongeBob SquarePants." In 2023, he voiced the character Bobby Ray in "Agent Elvis," further showcasing his range as a performer.

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Behind the Scenes: Johnny's Producing Career

While Knoxville is best known for his on-screen antics, his work behind the camera is equally impressive. He co-founded the production company Dickhouse Productions with Jeff Tremaine and Spike Jonze. This company has been responsible for producing several projects outside the "Jackass" franchise, including the ESPN documentary "The Birth of Big Air" (2010) and the film "The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia" (2010). In 2014, Knoxville formed a new production company, Hello Junior, with "Jackass" executive producer Derek Freda. The company signed an exclusive two-year deal with Paramount Pictures, further cementing Knoxville's influence in the entertainment industry. In 2023, he added another feather to his cap by hosting and executive producing the reality series "The Prank Panel."

Life Beyond the Screen: Johnny's Personal Life

When it comes to his personal life, Knoxville has experienced his fair share of ups and downs. He married Melanie Lynn Cates in 1995, and the couple welcomed a daughter, Madison, in 1996. However, the marriage ended in divorce in 2009 after years of separation. During this time, Knoxville began dating Naomi Nelson, and the couple welcomed a son in December 2009. They married in September 2010 and had another child, a daughter, in October 2011. Unfortunately, the couple filed for divorce in June 2022.

In addition to his family life, Knoxville has had some memorable moments in the wrestling ring. In 2022, he made his in-ring debut at WWE's Royal Rumble as contestant number nine but was quickly eliminated by Zayn. The "Jackass" crew has been involved with WWE promotions since 2008, adding another layer to Knoxville's already diverse career.

Home Sweet Home: Johnny's Real Estate Ventures

Over the years, Johnny has invested in several properties. In 2002, he purchased a home in Los Angeles for $750,000. He listed the property for sale in June 2009, initially asking $2.3 million, but eventually sold it for $1.7 million in March 2011. In 2008, he sold another Hollywood home for $1.8 million. Since 2011, he's owned another property in the area, which he bought for $520,000 and has primarily used as a rental. It’s clear that Knoxville has a knack for real estate, just like he does for entertainment.