Johnny Knoxville, the man who turned pain into comedy and risk into a career, built a fortune on the back of the Jackass franchise. But estimates of his net worth vary widely, and his personal life has seen recent changes. This article provides a fact-based look at his career, family, and the controversies that have shaped his public image.
What Is Johnny Knoxville’s Net Worth?
- Johnny Knoxville’s net worth is estimated between $50 million and $75 million, with some sources suggesting up to $85 million.
- His wealth is primarily derived from the Jackass franchise and subsequent film roles.
- He has appeared in over 30 films and multiple TV series, with Jackass remaining his most iconic work.
- Knoxville has been married three times and has three children.
- His relationship with former Jackass cast member Bam Margera has been strained in recent years.
- He is recognized as the wealthiest member of the Jackass cast.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Philip John Clapp Jr. |
| Date of Birth | March 11, 1971 |
| Age | 54 years old |
| Birthplace | Knoxville, Tennessee |
| Occupation | Stunt performer, actor, comedian, producer, screenwriter |
| Spouse | Emily Ting (m. 2025); previously married to Naomi Nelson and Melanie Lynn Cates |
| Children | 3 (one daughter, two sons) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $50 million – $75 million (some sources cite up to $85 million) |
| Notable Works | Jackass, Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa, The Dukes of Hazzard |
Knoxville has never publicly disclosed his finances. The figures above are estimates from third-party sources, and no official confirmation exists. Reports from Celebrity Net Worth and Parade provide the most commonly cited ranges.
What Movies and TV Shows Has Johnny Knoxville Starred In?
The Jackass Franchise
Knoxville co-created and starred in the MTV reality show Jackass (2000–2001), which spawned a series of films: Jackass: The Movie (2002), Jackass Number Two (2006), Jackass 3D (2010), and Jackass Forever (2022). These projects remain the core of his career and financial success. His role as the highest-paid cast member is well documented by Wikipedia.
Mainstream Hollywood Roles
Beyond Jackass, Knoxville has over 50 acting credits. Notable feature films include Men in Black II (2002), Walking Tall (2004), The Dukes of Hazzard (2005), The Ringer (2005), Bad Grandpa (2013), The Last Stand (2013), and Skiptrace (2016). He also appeared in the TV series Reboot (2022) and The Last Frontier. Voice work includes playing Leonardo in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – a role that connects to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise guide.
Producing and Podcasting
Knoxville co-produced Bad Grandpa, which earned an Oscar nomination for Best Makeup. He also hosts the podcast Pretty Sure I Can Fly, further extending his brand beyond physical stunts.
Knoxville’s role in Bad Grandpa demonstrated his acting range by blending scripted narrative with the signature prank format of Jackass. The film was a commercial hit and critically recognized.
Who Is Johnny Knoxville’s Wife and Family?
Marriages and Divorces
Knoxville has been married three times. His first marriage was to Melanie Lynn Cates in 1995; they divorced in 2009 and have one daughter, Madison (born 1996). He married Naomi Nelson in 2010; they had a son (born December 2009) and a daughter (born October 2011) before divorcing in 2024. In November 2025, he married costume designer Emily Ting, according to reports from Bored Panda and Wikipedia.
Children
Knoxville has three children: a daughter from his first marriage, and a son and a daughter from his second marriage. Their names are not publicly disclosed beyond Madison.
Personal Details
Johnny Knoxville’s real name is Philip John Clapp Jr. He was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, on March 11, 1971. He is approximately 6 feet 1 inch tall. His early career began as a journalist and stunt performer for local magazines, as noted on Celebrity Net Worth.
What Is Johnny Knoxville’s Relationship with Bam Margera?
Bam Margera, a former professional skateboarder and Jackass cast member, has a net worth estimated at $1 million – significantly lower than Knoxville’s. Margera was fired from Jackass due to struggles with substance abuse and legal issues. Reports indicate a public falling out between the two, with Knoxville cutting ties. The exact status of their relationship is not publicly confirmed beyond media reports, but a new Jackass movie is reportedly in development that may include Margera, according to The News.
The rift between Knoxville and Margera is well documented in tabloid and entertainment news, but neither party has provided a detailed public statement. The situation reflects broader issues of fame, mental health, and the pressures of the Jackass lifestyle.
Career Timeline of Johnny Knoxville
- 1971: Born Philip John Clapp Jr. in Knoxville, Tennessee.
- 1992: Started career as a journalist and began performing stunts for local magazines.
- 2000–2001: Co-created and starred in Jackass on MTV, becoming the highest-paid member of the cast.
- 2002: Jackass: The Movie released.
- 2004–2016: Transitioned to mainstream Hollywood roles in Walking Tall, The Dukes of Hazzard, and Men in Black II.
- 2010: Married Naomi Nelson.
- 2013: Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa released, receiving an Oscar nomination for Best Makeup.
- 2022: Jackass Forever released, reuniting original cast.
- 2024: Divorced Naomi Nelson.
- 2025: Married Emily Ting; a new Jackass movie reportedly in development with Margera.
Sources: Wikipedia, Celebrity Net Worth, The News.
What Is Certain and Uncertain About Johnny Knoxville’s Life?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| His real name, birthdate, and birthplace are confirmed by public records. | Net worth figures are estimates; no official public disclosure exists. |
| His marriages to Melanie Lynn Cates, Naomi Nelson, and Emily Ting are documented. | The exact status of his relationship with Bam Margera is not publicly confirmed beyond media reports. |
| His filmography is well-documented on IMDb and Wikipedia. | Some details of his early life, such as specific jobs before fame, have limited sourcing. |
The Context of Knoxville’s Career
Johnny Knoxville’s career is defined by the Jackass franchise, which revolutionized stunt comedy and influenced a generation of internet daredevils. His ability to combine physical comedy with genuine risk-taking created a unique persona often compared to Wile E. Coyote. The tension with Bam Margera reflects broader issues of fame, mental health, and the pitfalls of the Jackass lifestyle. Knoxville’s transition to scripted comedy, such as in Bad Grandpa, shows his acting range beyond stunts.
What Others Have Said About Johnny Knoxville
“Philip John Clapp (born March 11, 1971), known professionally as Johnny Knoxville, is an American stunt performer, actor, comedian, producer, screenwriter.”
— Wikipedia
“He’s Wyle E. Coyote personified, a shoo-in for the Keystone Cops Academy.”
— Jimmy Kimmel (on Instagram)
“T-shirts from Knoxville and music from his cousin and Big Ass Happy Family Jubilee co-host, Roger Alan Wade.”
— Official Website
Summary: The Man Behind the Stunts
Johnny Knoxville transformed a penchant for danger into a multi-million dollar career, but his legacy is not without controversy. From the heights of Jackass to the personal and professional rifts that followed, his story is one of ambition, risk, and reinvention. For a deeper look at another actor who built a career on transformation, read about Jeff Bridges.
Frequently Asked Questions About Johnny Knoxville
Is Johnny Knoxville still married?
He married Emily Ting in November 2025. He was previously married to Naomi Nelson (divorced 2024) and Melanie Lynn Cates (divorced 2009).
How many children does Johnny Knoxville have?
He has three children: one daughter from his first marriage, and a son and a daughter from his second marriage.
What is Johnny Knoxville’s real name?
His real name is Philip John Clapp Jr.
Where was Johnny Knoxville born?
He was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA.
How old is Johnny Knoxville?
He was born March 11, 1971, making him 54 years old as of 2025.
What is Johnny Knoxville’s height?
He is approximately 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) tall.
Does Johnny Knoxville have a cousin in the music industry?
Yes, his cousin is Roger Alan Wade, a country musician who collaborated on Jackass.
What happened between Johnny Knoxville and Bam Margera?
Reports indicate a falling out due to Margera’s legal issues and substance abuse, with Knoxville cutting ties publicly. The exact status remains unconfirmed.
What is Johnny Knoxville’s most famous movie?
The Jackass franchise, including Jackass Forever (2022), is his most iconic work.
Does Johnny Knoxville still do stunts?
He has hinted at retiring from extreme stunts, but no official announcement has been made.
George Bennett is Senior Reporter at NewsPrism.co.uk, covering breaking news and general UK stories.