How Old is Johnny Knoxville?

Johnny Knoxville is one of the most iconic figures in the world of stunts, comedy, and reality television. Best known for creating and starring in the groundbreaking television series Jackass, Knoxville has become synonymous with outrageous and often painful pranks, stunts, and humor. Over the years, he has made a name for himself not just as a performer, but as a producer, actor, and director. But how old is Johnny Knoxville, and what role has his age played in his storied career?

Let’s take a deep dive into Knoxville’s birthdate, his rise to fame, his transition into acting, and how age has influenced his career and legacy.

Johnny Knoxville’s Birthdate and Early Life

Johnny Knoxville was born on March 11, 1971, in Knoxville, Tennessee, which is also where he got his stage name. His birth name is Philip John Clapp, but he chose the nickname Johnny Knoxville as he launched his entertainment career. Growing up in Knoxville, Tennessee, Knoxville was a self-described mischievous kid, and he quickly developed a passion for comedy and performing. He was particularly interested in performing stunts and pranks, even from a young age, and this fascination would later become the foundation for his career in entertainment.

After graduating from high school, Knoxville moved to California in the 1990s, initially hoping to pursue a career in acting. However, his real breakthrough came in a much more unexpected way—through his work as a stuntman and his involvement in extreme sports. His early years in California were challenging, as he faced the reality of working odd jobs to support his dream of making it in the entertainment industry.

How Old Is Johnny Knoxville Today?

Since Johnny Knoxville was born on March 11, 1971, we can calculate his age as of January 2025:

• 2025 – 1971 = 54 years old

So, Johnny Knoxville is 53 years old as of 2025. Despite his age, Knoxville is still actively involved in entertainment, and his fearless approach to stunt work and comedy remains one of his defining characteristics.

Johnny Knoxville’s Rise to Fame with Jackass

Johnny Knoxville’s career took off in the late 1990s with the creation of Jackass, a television series that would make him a household name. Jackass was born out of Knoxville’s love for pranks, stunts, and extreme challenges—as well as his desire to push the boundaries of what could be done on television.

The series, which first aired on MTV in 2000, was a mix of sketch comedy and dangerous stunts. Johnny Knoxville and his friends—many of whom were fellow extreme sports enthusiasts—became known for doing things that most people would consider insane, like jumping off roofs, performing pranks that involved painful consequences, and even putting themselves in dangerous situations for laughs. The show’s irreverent humor and shock value quickly earned it a massive following.

The success of Jackass led to several spin-offs and feature films, including:

• Jackass: The Movie (2002)
• Jackass Number Two (2006)
• Jackass 3D (2010)
• Jackass Forever (2022)

Throughout the series and movies, Johnny Knoxville established himself as the leader of the group, known for his daredevil stunts, hilarious pranks, and enduring willingness to put himself in harm’s way for the sake of comedy.

Johnny Knoxville’s Other Film and TV Work

Although Jackass is what made Knoxville famous, he also found success in other entertainment areas, particularly in acting. His reputation as a fearless stuntman and comedian allowed him to branch out into Hollywood films. Some notable roles include:

• The Dukes of Hazzard (2005): Knoxville starred as Luke Duke in this film, which was a reboot of the popular 1970s TV show. His performance helped showcase his comedic timing and physical acting skills in a more mainstream context.
• Men in Black II (2002): Knoxville made a memorable cameo appearance in this blockbuster sequel, playing an alien character.
• Bad Grandpa (2013): This film was a spin-off from Jackass, featuring Knoxville as Irving Zisman, an elderly man who embarks on a cross-country trip with his grandson. The movie received positive reviews for its combination of prank-style humor and heartfelt moments, and it even earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Makeup.

In addition to his work in films, Knoxville has appeared in a number of TV shows and reality-based projects. He has also produced various projects, including a short-lived show called Nitro Circus and films like The Ringer (2005).

Johnny Knoxville’s Stunt Legacy

Johnny Knoxville’s reputation as a stuntman precedes him, and even though he’s now in his 50s, his age hasn’t stopped him from continuing to take on outrageous challenges. In fact, some of his more recent stunt work in films like Jackass Forever has earned him both admiration and concern from his fans, as many of his stunts become more extreme and, at times, more dangerous.

While Knoxville’s age means that he’s not performing stunts quite as recklessly as he did in his 20s, he’s shown that his commitment to making people laugh—and pushing physical boundaries—is still as strong as ever. In Jackass Forever, released in 2022, Knoxville continued to perform insane stunts, although with more consideration for safety and his aging body.

Johnny Knoxville’s Personal Life and Philosophy

Despite being known for his chaotic lifestyle on-screen, Johnny Knoxville has always maintained a sense of authenticity about his personal life. He’s been open about the challenges of his career, particularly the toll it’s taken on his body. Knoxville has had numerous injuries over the years, including broken bones, concussions, and even brain hemorrhages from his stunts. In interviews, he has admitted that these injuries have made him reconsider the long-term effects of the stunts he’s done.

Knoxville has been married twice. His first marriage was to Melanie Clapp (1995–2008), with whom he has one daughter, Riley. He later married Naomi Nelson in 2010, and the couple has two children together: a son, Rocko, and a daughter, Arlo.

Johnny Knoxville’s Legacy and Continued Influence

At 53 years old, Johnny Knoxville is still one of the most recognized names in the world of stunts and comedy. He may no longer be the young, reckless prankster that he once was, but his legacy in the world of extreme entertainment continues to inspire new generations of stunt performers and comedians. Jackass changed the landscape of reality television, influencing not just comedy shows but also the way we perceive risk, humor, and fame.

Knoxville’s fearlessness in front of the camera, combined with his ability to evolve as an actor and producer, has ensured that his impact on the entertainment world will last for many years to come. Whether in film, TV, or producing content for his loyal fanbase, Knoxville’s career shows no signs of slowing down—his age is just a number.

Conclusion: Johnny Knoxville’s Age and Legacy

Johnny Knoxville was born on March 11, 1971, which makes him 53 years old as of 2025. Despite his age, Knoxville remains a major figure in the world of stunts, comedy, and action entertainment. Through his pioneering work on Jackass, his films, and his continuous involvement in outrageous challenges, he has established a legacy that will live on for generations.

While his body may not be able to handle the same intense stunts that it once did, Knoxville’s fearless attitude, comedic genius, and entrepreneurial spirit continue to inspire. As he moves into his 50s, Johnny Knoxville is still very much a force in entertainment, showing that age is no obstacle for an icon of his caliber.