Biography for
Johnny Knoxville

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Date of Birth

11 March 1971, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA

Birth Name

Philip John Clapp

Nickname

Johnny Jackass
PJ
JJ Knoxville

Height

6' 1" (1.85 m)

Spouse

Melanie Lynn Cates

(15 May 1995 - 20 March 2008) (divorced) 1 child

Trivia

Attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Pasadena, California.

At age of eight had flu, pneumonia and bronchitis all at same time and nearly died.

Suffers from asthma.

His dad sells used cars.

Was writing for a skateboarding magazine called Big Brother when he did a story about self-defense equipment, which he tried on himself while Jeff Tremaine (editor for Big Brother) filmed it. These led to the Big Brother Videos Shit, Number Two, and Boob, which paved the way for Land Speed, CKY2K, and CKY3K. The CKY videos later became the first episodes of "Jackass" (2000).

Grew up in southern Knoxville, Tennessee.

His ex-wife Melanie is from Texas and is a clothing designer. They have a daughter named Madison, born in 1996.

There was a bidding war between Comedy Central and MTV over Johnny. MTV won, thus "Jackass" (2000) was born.

Offered a spot on "Saturday Night Live" (1975), but turned it down. Later, on May 7, 2005, he hosted the show.

Was knocked unconscious 3 times during making of Jackass: The Movie (2002).

Won his role in Grand Theft Parsons (2003) after Hugh Jackman had to drop out due to prior commitments.

Has a scar on his head from getting a punch from professional heavyweight boxer "Butterbean" during a segment of Jackass: The Movie (2002).

Has his own production company, Dickhouse Productions, which co-produces most of his productions (e.g. Jackass).

Attended South-Young High School in Knoxville, Tennessee

Has worked with actor David Koechner on three different films: Life Without Dick (2002), The Dukes of Hazzard (2005) and Daltry Calhoun (2005).

Was listed as a potential nominee on the 2006 Razzie Award nominating ballot. He was suggested in the Worst Actor category for his roles in the films Daltry Calhoun (2005), The Dukes of Hazzard (2005) and The Ringer (2005), however, he failed to receive a nomination.

Is an avid Johnny Cash fan.

He is friends with heavyweight fighter Eric "Butterbean" Esch. At the Larry Holmes v. Butterbean fight in 2002, he autographed fight promoter Frank Azzalina's model - daughter Stephanie Amaya's evening gown.

Was able to make friends with two of his heroes, Johnny Cash, and Hunter S. Thompson before their respective deaths, even buying a cabin and other possessions from Cash.

Executed co-star Dwayne Johnson's signature WWE finisher, "The People's Elbow" in "Walking Tall" (2004).

Personal Quotes

People think by challenging me they're going to show they're tough. But I'm not tough. Decent drinker. Not such a bad kisser. But not a great fighter.

Salary

Walking Tall (2004)

$5,000,000

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