Despite his
Jackass roots, this goofy but good-looking daredevil is a shrewd talent who earned straight A's in high school and then a scholarship to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Pasadena, Calif. However, the traditional route to showbiz didn't appeal to this Tennessee native, and he soon ditched acting school. A prankster since childhood, Knoxville (who took his stage name from his hometown) pitched an idea for a stunt column to the skating magazine
Big Brother. But instead of recording his alternately crazy/disgusting antics in words, he filmed himself and his friends, and the resulting video became a cult hit, leading to his career-making series in 2000. But Knoxville was far from a one-trick donkey. Not only did he spin off
Jackass into two movies, he landed a handful of plum supporting roles (
Men in Black II,
The Dukes of Hazzard). In 2005, he graduated to leading man in the Special Olympics comedy
The Ringer. Despite being more versatile than he first appeared, he continued to have trouble shaking his idiotic image.
Johnny Knoxville Fast Facts:
- Already a prankster at age 13, changed his report card — from straight A's to failing grades — to trick his parents.
- Played baseball and football in high school.
- Friends and family call him "P.J."
- After a video of his nutty stunts became an underground hit in the mid-90s, he was reportedly the object of a bidding war between Comedy Central and MTV and offered a spot on Saturday Night Live (which he turned down).
- Had his daughter Madison's name tattooed over his heart.
- Was knocked unconscious three times during the filming of Jackass: The Movie (2002).
- Purchased a cabin once owned by Johnny Cash.
- Johnny Knoxville Relationships:
- Lemoyne Clapp - Mother
- Madison Clapp - Daughter
- Melanie Clapp - Ex-wife
- Naomi Nelson - Significant Other
- Phil Clapp - Father
