Knoxville’s Kids Worried Post-Jackass Injury

In a recent interview on Michael Rosenbaum's Inside Of You podcast, Knoxville opened up about his recent injuries, saying, "The last concussion I had on Jackass Forever caused significant issues for six months. I can only imagine how much it frightened my kids."

Knoxville detailed his injuries, which included a traumatic brain injury, a concussion, brain hemorrhage, and fractures in his wrist and ribs. His neurologist strongly advised against any further concussions. Knoxville told his children, "I won’t be doing those stunts anymore." He explained that while many of his stunts are risky, he avoids discussing the dangers with his kids to keep them from worrying.

No comment has been received from Knoxville's representatives in response to Entertainment Weekly's inquiry.

Knoxville's journey began as a struggling actor in Los Angeles. He initially took on stunt work and tested self-defense gear for Jeff Tremaine's Big Brother magazine. Tremaine later directed Knoxville and other Big Brother contributors, including Steve-O and Bam Margera, in the original Jackass TV series, with Knoxville emerging as the unofficial leader.

Knoxville admitted to Rosenbaum that he became "addicted" to the thrill of dangerous stunts: "Eventually, I got hooked on the big stunts, and I’m still grappling with that addiction."

One of his most serious injuries occurred when a bull rammed and threw him during a stunt. Other dangerous stunts included being shot from a canon, Sean 'Poopies' McInerny attempting to jump over shark-infested waters on a wakeboard, Danger Ehren being electrocuted, several cast members licking tasers and kissing live snakes, and Steve-O being stung by a queen bee in a sensitive area.

Throughout his career with Jackass, Knoxville has sustained a range of injuries, such as an orbital blowout fracture, a torn tendon and urethra, a herniated disc, and numerous broken bones. When asked about the number of concussions he has had, he estimated, "I don’t really know. It’s probably between 50 and 100."

Despite the perilous nature of his career, Knoxville finds joy in simpler moments. He treasures spending time with his children, his dog, and his girlfriend. He values activities like playing volleyball with his daughter and tossing a ball with his son.

Rosenbaum noted that Knoxville seemed particularly moved when discussing his family. Knoxville admitted to becoming more emotional, sharing, "I’ve cried several times on Pretty Sure I Can Fly," his new podcast with Elna Baker. He also reflected on the risks of his stunts, saying, "If you keep taking risks, there are only so many you can afford."

Knoxville has three children: Madison from his first marriage to Melanie Lynn Clapp, and Rocko and Arlo from his second marriage to Naomi Nelson. The couple divorced in 2022 after 12 years of marriage.

He also mentioned that approaching stunts with fear is not an option because "if you go into a stunt with hesitation, it can end very badly."