Johnny Knoxville

Born March 11, 1971 · Knoxville, Tennessee, USA

Johnny Knoxville, born Philip John Clapp Jr. on March 11, 1971, is an American actor, comedian, stunt performer, and television producer. He rose to fame as the co-creator and star of the hit MTV series "Jackass," which featured a group of individuals performing dangerous and outrageous stunts and pranks. Knoxville was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he developed a taste for mischief and adventure from an early age. After completing high school, he briefly attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in California before dropping out to pursue a career in acting and writing. In 2000, Knoxville and his friends launched the "Jackass" television series, which became a cultural phenomenon and catapulted him to international fame. The show's success led to several spin-off films, including "Jackass: The Movie" (2002), "Jackass Number Two" (2006), and "Jackass 3D" (2010). These movies showcased Knoxville's willingness to push the boundaries of physical comedy and engage in outrageous, often painful, stunts. Beyond "Jackass," Johnny Knoxville has appeared in a variety of film and television projects. He has displayed his comedic talents in movies such as "Men in Black II" (2002), "The Dukes of Hazzard" (2005), and "Skiptrace" (2016). He has also taken on more dramatic roles, including in films like "Grand Theft Parsons" (2003) and "Elvis & Nixon" (2016). Knoxville's distinctive charm and fearlessness have endeared him to audiences worldwide. His willingness to put his body on the line for entertainment, combined with his quick wit and natural comedic timing, has made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. In addition to his acting career, Johnny Knoxville has produced various television shows, including "Nitro Circus" and "The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia." He has also ventured into writing, publishing his autobiography, "The Jackass Whisperer," in 2018.