Johnny Knoxville Net Worth: What Dangerous Stunts Really Paid Him

Johnny Knoxville's net worth ranges from $50 million to $90 million, based on several trusted sources. His remarkable wealth comes from a career that blends dangerous stunts and broken bones with an ability to redefine the limits of entertainment. Multiple concussions and torn ligaments haven't stopped Knoxville from turning physical pain into serious money.

The mastermind behind MTV's "Jackass" franchise has earned far more than his castmates. While Knoxville sits comfortably with his millions, Steve-O's net worth reaches a modest $4 million. This huge gap shows Knoxville's talent went beyond just performing stunts. 

His biggest payday came from "Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa" - a movie that cost $15 million to make but pulled in an amazing $152 million at theaters. The original "Jackass: The Movie" was another soaring win, turning a tiny $5 million budget into $79.5 million in revenue.

Let me show you how a guy known for crazy pranks and wild stunts built more wealth than all his co-stars combined. We'll look at everything from Jackass's early days to his smart business choices and Hollywood victories that made Knoxville's risky moves pay off big time.

Johnny Knoxville’s net worth: The big number and what it means

Johnny Knoxville, born Philip John Clapp, remains one of Hollywood's wealthiest stunt performers and entertainers in 2025. His bank account shows the results of a career built on calculated risks and smart business decisions, not just physical punishment.

Current net worth in 2025

Knoxville's fortune in 2025 represents more than twenty years of entertainment success. His wealth stands as proof of his ability to turn pain into profit—something rare even in the entertainment industry. He built this impressive fortune through a niche concept that many industry executives dismissed as too dangerous and controversial.

His financial success shows how alternative entertainment can create substantial wealth with business intelligence. Unlike traditional actors who depend on salary negotiations, Knoxville secured ownership stakes in his projects. This strategy helped him benefit from their full commercial success instead of just upfront payments.

His net worth exceeds that of the average Hollywood performer substantially. Regular stunt performers earn between $5,000 to $10,000 per film under challenging conditions without fame or fortune. Knoxville reshaped this scene by turning stunt work into a branded empire with himself at its core.

How he built his fortune

Knoxville's wealth started with an unusual pitch—he tested self-defense equipment on himself for skateboarding magazine Big Brother. MTV executives noticed his willingness to endure pain for entertainment and saw potential.

Smart ownership decisions became vital in building his fortune. Knoxville became co-creator and producer of Jackass instead of just its face. He secured a percentage of all franchise profits. This entrepreneurial mindset meant he received substantial revenue from every Jackass film, merchandise item, and spin-off show.

He expanded into traditional acting with roles in "Men in Black II," "The Dukes of Hazzard," and "The Last Stand." This move diversified his income streams effectively. Knoxville used his Jackass fame strategically as a springboard for broader Hollywood opportunities.

Dickhouse Productions, which he co-founded with Jackass collaborators, strengthened his business position. The company developed various projects beyond Jackass. These multiple revenue streams generated income even when Knoxville stepped back from performing dangerous stunts.

Knoxville balanced risk-taking with calculated business decisions masterfully throughout his career. Each broken bone and concussion served two purposes—they entertained audiences and built a personal brand worth tens of millions. He created a blueprint that turned physical risk into substantial financial reward.

The Jackass franchise: A risky idea turned goldmine

A risky concept rejected by several magazines grew into a half-billion-dollar entertainment empire. The Jackass franchise has made over USD 570 million in total box office revenue. This proved that people were happy to pay money to watch grown men perform painful stunts and pranks.

Origins and early success

The Jackass story started in the late 1990s when aspiring actor PJ Clapp (Johnny Knoxville) wanted to write about testing self-defense equipment on himself. Mainstream magazines turned down his idea because of liability concerns. Skateboarding magazine Big Brother and editor Jeff 

Tremaine convinced Knoxville to film the stunt instead. This collaborative effort with director Spike Jonze became the foundation of a cultural phenomenon.

MTV decided to take a risk on this unusual concept and launched Jackass on October 1, 2000. 

The network's gamble paid off right away. After just two episodes, MTV reached its highest Sunday night ratings ever with 2.4 million viewers in its target 12-34 demographic. The original TV series ran for only 25 episodes between 2000-2002.

Revenue from movies and spin-offs

The team got back together after the show ended for what they thought would be their "farewell" project—Jackass: The Movie. The 2002 film cost USD 5 million to make and earned over USD 79 million worldwide. This success created the franchise's profitable formula.

Each new film did better than expected:

• Jackass Number Two (2006): USD 11 million budget → USD 85 million worldwide

• Jackass 3D (2010): USD 20 million budget → USD 171 million worldwide

• Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa (2013): USD 15 million budget → USD 160 million worldwide

• Jackass Forever (2022): USD 10 million budget → USD 74 million worldwide

The franchise made more money through ".5" direct-to-DVD films that used unused footage. This created extra revenue with minimal production costs.

How Jackass net worth grew over time

The franchise's money kept growing even though performers didn't get paid much. Cast members got only USD 200 per prank and USD 500 for life-threatening stunts during production. Steve-O said they received "a little sliver of back-end participation" from the films but "nothing" from TV syndication.

Ownership was the key to making real money. Most performers earned modest fortunes (Steve-O's estimated net worth: USD 4 million). Knoxville co-owned the franchise with Tremaine and Jonze, which got him a much bigger share of profits.

The Jackass brand expanded through spinoffs like Wildboyz and Viva La Bam. A rejected magazine pitch turned into a complete media empire that made money mainly for those who owned a piece of it.

What dangerous stunts really paid him

Johnny Knoxville's painful stunts each came with a price tag. These payments seem modest when compared to the massive franchise revenues his body helped generate. The money he earned versus what the franchise made shows a striking difference between his original payments and long-term earnings.

Stunt-based earnings from Jackass

The simple payment structure for Jackass stunts was surprisingly frugal. Cast members earned just USD 200 for regular pranks and comedy skits. The rate went up to USD 500 for life-threatening stunts. These rates stayed mostly the same during early productions. Steve-O managed to negotiate better terms as the show progressed.

Knoxville made his real money through his producer role. He owned part of the franchise with Jeff Tremaine and Spike Jonze, which gave him a share of all profits. This ownership turned each painful moment into an investment rather than a single payment.

Injuries and medical costs vs. paychecks

Medical bills from Knoxville's career reached astronomical heights. Nova Legal Funding's 2021 study placed him at the top of their "Jackass Injury Rich List." His total medical expenses reached USD 8.66 million. 

The list of injuries reads like a medical textbook: 16 concussions (costing USD 4 million), a brain hemorrhage (USD 2.5 million), broken bones, and even an alligator bite.

The brain hemorrhage from 2020's "Jackass Forever" became his costliest injury. The six main cast members' combined medical bills exceeded USD 24 million from 79 documented injuries.

Steve-O's medical costs reached USD 5.82 million. One single stunt cost him USD 5 million in medical bills. Ehren "Danger" McGhehey ranked second with USD 7.38 million in expenses.

Production companies covered these medical costs. This coverage made the risk-reward balance more appealing to performers.

WWE appearances and promotional gigs

Knoxville found new ways to earn from stunts through professional wrestling. His WWE journey started at the 2022 Royal Rumble. A WrestleMania match against Sami Zayn turned into an unexpected money-maker.

The match promotion featured creative stunts. Knoxville flew a plane over Los Angeles displaying Zayn's phone number. This stunt generated hundreds of thousands of calls to Zayn. Their "Anything Goes Match" included classic Jackass elements with mousetraps and Wee Man making special appearances.

Celebrity bookings now bring Knoxville significant income. His appearance fees range from USD 150,000 to USD 299,000. These numbers show his lasting commercial appeal despite doing fewer physical stunts.

Four concussions later, Knoxville has made a smart pivot. He now focuses on screenwriting, producing, and special appearances that carry less physical risk.

From daredevil to businessman: Knoxville’s career evolution

Johnny Knoxville has moved beyond his daredevil persona and built an entertainment empire that reaches way beyond his readiness to take physical risks. His strategic rise from Jackass fame shows how he turned his stunts into profitable business ventures.

Acting roles and box office hits

His Hollywood career took off with his first major non-Jackass role in "Men in Black II" (2002). Leading roles in "The Dukes of Hazzard," "The Ringer," and "Action Point" helped establish him as a legitimate actor beyond stunts.

The 2018 comedy-drama "Action Point" brought his most critically acclaimed performance as an amusement park owner. The film didn't perform well at the box office but showed Knoxville's range and dedication to physical comedy-based storytelling.

Producing credits and business deals

Knoxville's behind-the-camera work began when he co-founded Dickhouse Productions with Jeff Tremaine and Spike Jonze. Their production company became a launchpad that created projects beyond the Jackass universe and helped establish Knoxville as an entertainment entrepreneur.

He formed another production company, Hello Junior, in 2014 and signed an exclusive deal with Paramount Pictures. This new arrangement gave him more creative control and ownership in future projects, showing his rise from performer to industry executive.

Podcasting and new media ventures

The changing digital world prompted Knoxville to create online content. He makes guest appearances on popular podcasts that help him reach new audiences while leveraging his personal brand.

His social media following runs into millions across platforms. Unlike his Jackass colleagues who depend on YouTube revenue, he takes a more selective approach to new media that lines up with his broader business goals.

Knoxville's business sense stands out in this transformation. He turned his daredevil stunts into a diverse collection of entertainment assets that keep generating revenue without physical risks.

How Knoxville stacks up against his Jackass co-stars

Money tells an interesting story in the entertainment business. The financial gap between Johnny Knoxville and his Jackass co-stars shows how business savvy can outweigh screen presence. Knoxville's wealth towers above his colleagues by tens of millions, which paints a clear picture about the value of ownership versus performance.

Steve-O net worth and career path

Steve-O has built a net worth of USD 4 million, making him one of the better-off Jackass performers but nowhere near Knoxville's level. His road to financial success wasn't easy. The early days of Jackass paid him just USD 500 for dangerous stunts and USD 200 for comedy segments.

As Steve-O wrote in his own words: "I made less than USD 1500 after taxes for the entire first season of Jackass. No residuals, no nothing". We watched his wealth grow through the Jackass films, spin-off "Wildboyz," stand-up comedy tours, and his YouTube channel that boasts over 6.29 million subscribers.

Chris Pontius and Danger Ehren net worth

Chris Pontius, best known as "Party Boy," matches Steve-O's fortune at USD 4 million. His success extends beyond Jackass. He teamed up with Steve-O to host "Wildboyz," an adventure that took them to 19 locations over four seasons. These days, Pontius lives with his wife in a USD 1.6 million house in San Fernando Valley.

Kenneth "Danger Ehren" McGhehey has built up USD 3.5 million. McGhehey's path started as a professional snowboarder. Producer Jeff Tremaine spotted his amateur stunt videos and brought him into the Jackass family. Today, he runs Valley, a skate shop in McMinnville, Oregon.

Jackass cast net worth: Who earned the most?

Knoxville stands alone at the top with USD 50 million, more than his castmates' combined wealth.

Here's how the main cast members rank:

1. Johnny Knoxville: USD 50 million

2. Jason "Wee Man" Acuña: USD 8 million

3. Chris Pontius: USD 4 million

4. Steve-O: USD 4 million

5. Danger Ehren: USD 3.5 million

6. Dave England: USD 2.5 million

This huge wealth gap comes from Knoxville's smart business moves. He took on three roles: performer, co-creator, and producer. By getting ownership stakes instead of just performance fees, he secured a bigger slice of every Jackass project's profits.

Smart money moves: Real estate, cars, and future plans

Johnny Knoxville's wealth goes far beyond his earnings from dangerous stunts and business deals. His USD 75 million net worth keeps growing through a diverse investment portfolio. His financial choices mirror both his careful planning and personal interests.

Property investments and sales

Smart wealth management shows in Knoxville's real estate holdings. A stunning Hollywood Hills residence stands out in his portfolio with its unique design and peaceful outdoor areas. He also owns a USD 6.5 million mansion in Brentwood, California. His property deals show success - he sold his Hollyridge Drive home for USD 1.8 million back in 2008.

The market saw another Knoxville property in 2009 when he listed his Los Angeles mansion for USD 2.295 million. This 1929 home spread across 3,744 square feet had three bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, an infinity pool, and an outdoor fireplace. He bought this property for USD 2.06 million in 2005. Some of his properties generate steady rental income now.

Luxury and vintage car collection

American classics fill this daredevil's garage. His collection features a 1965 "fire engine red" Mustang with a 4.7-liter V8 engine. Knoxville remembers fondly, "It was a piece of **** but it was a great first car".

A 1970 black Cadillac Eldorado holds the most special place in his heart. "My daughter was tiny when I got it and now she's 17. It's got a lot of memories," Knoxville shared. The beloved car needed two new engines over four years. An Audi Q5 also sits in his collection.

What's next for Knoxville?

Knoxville's career path now leads toward behind-the-scenes work. His production company, Hello Junior, made significant strides with Paramount Pictures and ABC through first-look deals in 2014. The Jackass franchise brought in impressive global earnings of USD 336 million through this partnership.

New projects focus on television and streaming content. His ABC partnership earlier resulted in a Southern family comedy series based on his life. A fresh storytelling direction emerges through his podcast ventures, which prove much safer than his previous stunts.

Conclusion

Johnny Knoxville's trip from painful stunts to massive wealth shows his most profitable move wasn't any single death-defying act but his business sense. His early Jackass stunts paid only $500 each, but his roles as co-creator and producer gave him ownership stakes that built his impressive $50-90 million fortune.

The stark difference between Knoxville's wealth and his co-stars' earnings paints the real picture. Steve-O and Chris Pontius each earned around $4 million, while Knoxville's net worth grew ten times larger. 

This gap exists because Knoxville wore three hats - performer, creator, and businessman - instead of just being the face getting hurt on camera.

His career development turned temporary fame into lasting wealth. He moved from daredevil to actor, producer, and entertainment entrepreneur through Dickhouse Productions and Hello Junior, which created steady income without needing more concussions. 

His business mindset led to smart real estate investments, including a $6.5 million Brentwood mansion and other properties that generate passive income.

Knoxville's story shows that lasting financial success rarely comes from one talent—even being willing to suffer physical pain for entertainment. His wealth grew because he combined his unique on-screen presence with smart ownership decisions and diversification. 

He built his brand on dangerous stunts but made his fortune by understanding their true value and keeping control of the empire they created.

Now he moves toward safer behind-the-scenes roles in production and content development. Knoxville proves the most profitable stunt might be knowing exactly when to stop performing them.

FAQs

Q1. What is Johnny Knoxville's current net worth?

Johnny Knoxville's net worth is estimated to be between $50 million and $90 million, primarily accumulated through his work on the Jackass franchise and subsequent business ventures.

Q2. How did Johnny Knoxville build his fortune? 

Knoxville built his fortune through a combination of performing dangerous stunts, co-creating and producing the Jackass franchise, acting in Hollywood films, and making smart business decisions like securing ownership stakes in his projects.

Q3. What was Knoxville's most profitable venture? 

"Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa" was one of Knoxville's most profitable ventures, costing only $15 million to produce but generating nearly $152 million at the box office.

Q4. How does Knoxville's wealth compare to his Jackass co-stars? 

Knoxville's net worth significantly outpaces his Jackass co-stars. While he's worth $50-90 million, other cast members like Steve-O and Chris Pontius have net worths around $4 million each.

Q5. What are Knoxville's current business ventures? 

Knoxville has transitioned into behind-the-scenes roles, focusing on producing content for television and streaming platforms through his production company, Hello Junior. He's also involved in real estate investments and occasional acting roles.