From fearlessly launching himself into the air for the sake of a laugh, to making a mark as a producer and actor in Hollywood, Johnny Knoxville is one of the most uniquely recognized figures in entertainment. Whether you remember him from the early days of Jackass or know him from more recent endeavors, Knoxville’s journey from a small-town Tennessee boy to a worldwide pop culture icon is nothing short of thrilling.
Who is Johnny Knoxville?
Johnny Knoxville, born Philip John Clapp on March 11, 1971, in Knoxville, Tennessee, is a multi-talented American stunt performer, actor, comedian, producer, and writer. Best known as the co-creator and star of the infamous Jackass franchise, Knoxville is not just the face of reckless pranks and physical comedy — he’s also a father, producer, and storyteller.
Before the fame and broken bones, Johnny had modest roots. Growing up in Knoxville, Tennessee, he was raised in a middle-class family with his father, a car salesman and tire enthusiast, and his mother, a Sunday school teacher. Knoxville was heavily influenced by Evel Knievel and classic slapstick comedy, and he always had a knack for testing the limits — both physically and socially.
Johnny Knoxville Real Name and Early Career
Before “Johnny Knoxville” became a household name, Philip John Clapp tried to make it as an actor in Los Angeles in the early ’90s. He picked up the moniker “Johnny Knoxville” after his hometown and used it professionally while submitting stunt-laden audition tapes to various companies. His big break came when one of these tapes, which featured him testing self-defense equipment on himself, caught the attention of Big Brother magazine editor Jeff Tremaine. This led to the creation of Jackass, a show that would define a generation of slapstick and shock humor.
Johnny Knoxville Young: The Jackass Era Begins
When Jackass premiered on MTV in 2000, Knoxville was 29 — already older than he looked on screen. The show, featuring wild stunts, pranks, and gross-out comedy, was a cultural phenomenon that ran for three seasons. Knoxville’s willingness to endure pain and push boundaries became his signature trait.
The Jackass franchise would soon explode beyond TV. Beginning with Jackass: The Movie in 2002, the series led to multiple sequels:
- Jackass Number Two (2006)
- Jackass 3D (2010)
- Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa (2013)
- Jackass Forever (2022)
- Jackass 4.5 (2022)
These films grossed hundreds of millions globally and made Johnny Knoxville a cult hero, especially among millennials who grew up watching the show’s absurdity.
Johnny Knoxville Movies and TV Shows Beyond Jackass
While Jackass is Knoxville’s most famous creation, he also branched out into mainstream Hollywood. His acting credits include:
- The Ringer (2005) – where he played a man who pretends to be developmentally disabled to fix the Special Olympics, a performance that generated controversy and praise alike.
- Walking Tall (2004) – alongside Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
- The Dukes of Hazzard (2005) – playing Luke Duke.
- Men in Black II (2002) – as Scrad/Charlie.
- Elvis & Nixon (2016)
- Action Point (2018)
TV-wise, Knoxville appeared in shows like:
- Family Guy (voice role)
- SpongeBob SquarePants
- The Prank Panel (2023)
- History of the World, Part II (2023)
- Reboot (2022)
In 2024, he also launched a podcast called Pretty Sure I Can Fly, showcasing his storytelling abilities and comedic insights.
How Old Is Johnny Knoxville Now?
As of August 2, 2025, Johnny Knoxville is 54 years old. Despite being in his fifties, he continues to take on physically demanding roles and stunt-related projects, although with more caution than in his younger days. He’s openly discussed the toll that years of injuries have taken on his body and brain.
Johnny Knoxville Kids and Personal Life
Johnny Knoxville has three children from two different marriages.
- Madison Clapp – Born January 4, 1996, from his first marriage to Melanie Lynn Cates. Madison is involved in creative writing and media, following in her father’s footsteps in storytelling but with a more subdued career.
- Rocko Akira Clapp – Born December 20, 2009, with Naomi Nelson.
- Arlo Clapp – Born October 6, 2011, also with Naomi Nelson.
Despite his chaotic public persona, Knoxville is a deeply involved father. In interviews, he has admitted that parenthood terrified him at first but ultimately became one of his most important roles. He strives to separate his professional stunts from his personal life, wanting to protect his children from the more dangerous elements of his fame.
Johnny Knoxville Wife: Marriage and Relationships
Knoxville has been married twice.
- Melanie Lynn Cates (also known as Melanie Lynn Clapp): Married from 1995 to 2008, she is the mother of his eldest child, Madison. Melanie is known to work in fashion and interior design and mostly stays out of the spotlight.
- Naomi Nelson: Knoxville’s second wife, whom he married in 2010. They share two children. Knoxville filed for divorce in 2022, citing irreconcilable differences. They had reportedly been separated since September 2021.
As of 2025, Johnny Knoxville is not currently married, though he continues to co-parent with Naomi Nelson and remains a supportive father figure.
Johnny Knoxville Now: What’s He Doing Today?
Knoxville has shifted from performing dangerous stunts to producing content and podcasting. His Hello Junior production company (in partnership with Paramount) continues to develop new shows. He remains a fixture on television through prank and variety shows like The Prank Panel, where he now channels his prankster spirit in more calculated and safe ways.
He also appears at events, podcasts, and documentaries, reflecting on his journey with a surprising level of introspection and emotional honesty — particularly around fatherhood and aging.
Johnny Knoxville Net Worth and Legacy
As of 2025, Johnny Knoxville’s net worth is estimated to be around $75 million. This wealth comes from:
- His successful film and TV franchise (Jackass),
- Production roles,
- Acting jobs,
- Brand partnerships,
- and his stake in various entertainment ventures.
What separates Knoxville from other comedians or stunt performers is his authenticity. He never pretended to be a polished actor or a superhero. He let the audience in — broken bones, concussions, and all. His legacy will be that of a cultural disruptor who changed the entertainment landscape forever.
Final Thoughts
Johnny Knoxville’s life is the embodiment of chaos with purpose. Whether launching himself from a cannon, playing the fool for laughs, or taking care of his kids away from the spotlight, he’s always done it on his own terms.
His rise from the streets of Knoxville to global fame reflects more than just good luck — it showcases resilience, reinvention, and an unwillingness to ever play it safe. Love him or hate him, Johnny Knoxville remains a pop culture original whose story continues to evolve.
This detailed article was written for Infory, your source for in-depth celebrity profiles, biographies, and behind-the-scenes insights.