Johnny Knoxville — born Philip John Clapp on March 11, 1971, in Knoxville, Tennessee — has built a fortune that’s as wild and unpredictable as the stunts that made him famous. Known worldwide as the face of Jackass, Knoxville’s career has been a roller coaster of physical comedy, risky stunts, Hollywood acting, and entrepreneurial ventures. As of 2025, estimates place his net worth between $50 million and $90 million, depending on the source. But how did he make all that money, and what does it reveal about the business of being a professional daredevil?
The Rise of a Daredevil
Johnny Knoxville’s journey to fame began not in a studio but in a magazine. In the late 1990s, he pitched an idea to Big Brother magazine — a publication known for its irreverent skateboarding content — about testing self-defense equipment on himself. The editors loved it, and soon Knoxville’s pain tolerance became his trademark.
This led to the creation of Jackass, a show that debuted on MTV in 2000 and changed pop culture forever. The format was simple yet groundbreaking: Knoxville and his friends (Steve-O, Bam Margera, Chris Pontius, and others) performed outrageous, often dangerous stunts for laughs. The show’s success was immediate, and MTV turned the concept into a global phenomenon.
While early television work didn’t make him a millionaire overnight, Jackass opened the door to far more lucrative opportunities. The brand became a franchise, and Knoxville’s ownership stake would prove to be his financial jackpot.
The Jackass Movie Empire
When Jackass: The Movie hit theaters in 2002, it grossed nearly $80 million worldwide on a budget of just $5 million. Knoxville, who co-created and co-produced the film, took home a substantial share of the profits. Its success spawned sequels:
- Jackass Number Two (2006) – over $85 million worldwide.
- Jackass 3D (2010) – a massive hit, pulling in $171 million globally.
- Jackass Forever (2022) – nearly $80 million despite pandemic-era restrictions.
Knoxville’s financial participation in these films was far greater than a standard actor’s salary. As both producer and creative force, he earned backend profits — a share of the movies’ box office revenues and merchandise sales. Over two decades, the Jackass franchise has grossed over $500 million globally. Even a modest percentage of that would have made him tens of millions richer.
Acting and Producing Beyond Jackass
While Jackass made him famous, Knoxville didn’t stop there. He ventured into acting, appearing in comedies and action films that diversified his income. Some notable roles include:
- Men in Black II (2002)
- The Dukes of Hazzard (2005) – earned him around $5 million
- The Ringer (2005)
- Walking Tall (2004)
While none of these movies achieved the iconic status of Jackass, they solidified Knoxville’s place as a marketable Hollywood name. His film salaries, combined with residuals and endorsements, added several million dollars to his wealth.
In addition, Knoxville co-founded Dickhouse Productions, the company behind not only Jackass but also Wildboyz, Nitro Circus, and Bad Grandpa (2013), which earned nearly $152 million worldwide. Through Dickhouse, Knoxville earned producer credits and ownership stakes — a smart business move that secured him steady income long after filming wrapped.
Smart Business and Longevity
Knoxville’s success isn’t just about reckless stunts; it’s also about smart branding. He turned a niche MTV show into a billion-dollar cultural property by maintaining creative control. Unlike many TV personalities who lose ownership of their creations, Knoxville and his partners kept a stake in the Jackass brand.
His ability to evolve also matters. Even as he aged — sustaining dozens of broken bones, concussions, and injuries — Knoxville adapted. He moved behind the camera more often, writing and producing content. His charisma and business instincts have made him a sought-after creative mind in comedy and reality entertainment.
Knoxville also made money from licensing deals, merchandise, and appearances. The Jackass brand sold everything from DVDs and apparel to video games. Though less publicized, these ancillary revenues have added millions to his portfolio.
Real Estate and Lifestyle
Unlike many celebrities, Johnny Knoxville lives relatively modestly compared to his wealth. He has owned homes in Los Angeles, including a property in the Hollywood Hills worth an estimated $2 million to $3 million. While he’s known for wild on-screen antics, off-screen he keeps a lower profile, focusing on family and creative work.
His relatively conservative lifestyle — coupled with smart investments — has helped him preserve his wealth. There’s little public record of extravagant spending, lawsuits, or financial troubles, which is rare in the entertainment world.
So, How Much Did Johnny Knoxville Make?
When you combine his earnings from Jackass, movies, producing, and other ventures, experts estimate Johnny Knoxville’s career earnings exceed $100 million, with his current net worth ranging between $50 million and $90 million after taxes, investments, and expenses.
That figure reflects not just financial success but also cultural impact. Knoxville turned self-inflicted chaos into a lasting entertainment empire. From MTV to Paramount Pictures, from backyard stunts to global fame, he built a brand that continues to pay dividends two decades later.
Final Thoughts
Johnny Knoxville’s story is one of the most unlikely financial success tales in Hollywood. He didn’t come from wealth or privilege; he made a fortune by taking hits — literally. But beneath the bruises lies a savvy entrepreneur who knew how to turn pain into profit.
Today, Knoxville stands not only as a comedy icon but also as proof that unconventional creativity can lead to extraordinary financial rewards. For a man who once tasered himself for fun, earning up to $90 million is the ultimate stunt — and he pulled it off flawlessly.