#2439 - Johnny Knoxville
In this episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, Johnny Knoxville shares the origins of his career in stunt performance, tracing it back to his father's elaborate pranks at their family tire company. He describes how a magazine article about testing self-defense equipment led to the creation of "Jackass," which became successful due to its spontaneous filming style and authentic reactions from participants.
During the conversation, Knoxville discusses the physical toll of his career, including multiple concussions, broken bones, and a brain hemorrhage that have resulted in ongoing health issues such as memory problems and depression. He also addresses his perspective on risk-taking and responsibility, particularly regarding the show's influence on young viewers and his approach to managing his own children's exposure to "Jackass" content.
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1-Page Summary
Knoxville's Biography and Family's History of Pranks
Johnny Knoxville reflects on his father's elaborate pranks at their family tire company, including staged gunfights at Christmas parties and sending fake letters from the IRS or Venereal Disease clinic to employees. These pranks, though sometimes causing chaos, significantly influenced Knoxville's future career in stunt performance and shaped his approach to risk-taking behavior.
Origins, Filming, and Impact of the Jackass Franchise
Knoxville's journey into stunts began out of necessity when his girlfriend became pregnant. After testing self-defense equipment on himself for a magazine article, Jeff Tremaine suggested filming the stunts, leading to the creation of "Jackass." The show's success stemmed from its spontaneous, unplanned filming style and authentic reactions from participants. Knoxville and director Jeff Tremaine often kept cast members unaware of upcoming stunts, creating an environment of constant suspense that resonated with audiences worldwide.
Knoxville's Injuries, Health, and Mindset Toward Extreme Risks
Throughout his career, Knoxville has sustained numerous serious injuries, including multiple concussions, broken bones, and a brain hemorrhage during "Jackass Forever." These injuries have led to ongoing health issues, including memory problems and depression, for which he sought medical treatment. Despite doctors' warnings about further concussions, Knoxville maintains an accepting attitude toward the risks involved in his work. However, he expresses a sense of responsibility regarding the show's influence on youth, carefully managing his own children's exposure to "Jackass" content and discouraging fans from attempting to replicate the stunts.
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Clarifications
- Johnny Knoxville is an American actor, comedian, and stunt performer. He is best known as the co-creator and star of the TV show "Jackass." The show features dangerous and often humorous stunts and pranks. Knoxville's work has had a significant impact on reality TV and stunt entertainment.
- "Jackass" is a television and film series featuring people performing dangerous, absurd, and often painful stunts and pranks. It gained popularity in the early 2000s for its raw, unscripted style and shock value. The franchise influenced reality TV and internet prank culture, becoming a symbol of extreme physical comedy. Its impact includes sparking debates on safety, media responsibility, and youth imitation risks.
- Jeff Tremaine is a filmmaker and producer known for co-creating the "Jackass" franchise. He directed the original "Jackass" TV series and its subsequent movies. Tremaine played a key role in shaping the show's style and concept. His collaboration with Johnny Knoxville and others was crucial to the project's success.
- The pranks mentioned were elaborate practical jokes designed to surprise and unsettle employees for humor. Staged gunfights involved actors pretending to have shootouts, creating dramatic but fake chaos. Fake letters from the IRS or Venereal Disease clinic were meant to alarm recipients with false official warnings. These pranks relied on shock and disbelief to create memorable, humorous situations within the workplace.
- "Jackass" featured dangerous and often painful stunts such as jumping from great heights, setting off explosives, and performing risky physical challenges. The cast also engaged in gross-out pranks involving bodily fluids and animals. Many stunts tested pain tolerance and involved self-inflicted injuries or near-misses with serious harm. The unpredictability and shock value of these acts were central to the show's appeal.
- A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a blow or jolt to the head, leading to temporary brain function disruption. A brain hemorrhage involves bleeding within the brain, which can cause serious damage and requires immediate medical attention. Both injuries can result in long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical problems, especially with repeated occurrences. In stunt performance, these risks are heightened due to frequent impacts and falls.
- Knoxville's girlfriend's pregnancy created financial pressure, motivating him to find a new source of income. He initially tested self-defense gear to write a magazine article, aiming to earn money. Filming these tests led to the idea of creating stunt videos. This practical need sparked the birth of the "Jackass" concept.
- In typical TV or film production, scenes are carefully scripted, rehearsed, and planned in advance to control every detail. Spontaneous, unplanned filming captures real-time reactions and unscripted moments, creating a more authentic and unpredictable experience. This style often involves minimal preparation and surprises for participants, enhancing genuine emotional responses. It contrasts with traditional productions that prioritize polished, predictable outcomes.
- Johnny Knoxville recognizes that "Jackass" features dangerous stunts that impressionable young viewers might try to imitate without understanding the risks. The show’s widespread popularity means its influence reaches a large, diverse audience, including children and teenagers. Knoxville feels a moral obligation to prevent harm by discouraging reckless behavior inspired by the show. This awareness shapes how he manages his own children's exposure to the content.
- Johnny Knoxville manages his children's exposure to "Jackass" because the show features dangerous stunts that can cause serious injury. Children might imitate these risky behaviors without understanding the consequences. As a parent, Knoxville aims to protect his kids from harm and negative influences. This approach reflects his awareness of the show's potential impact on young viewers.
Counterarguments
- The pranks performed by Knoxville's father could be seen as inappropriate or unprofessional in a workplace setting, potentially creating a hostile work environment.
- The influence of Knoxville's father's pranks on his career could be viewed critically, suggesting that such behavior is not a healthy model for risk-taking or professional success.
- The necessity of Knoxville's turn to stunt performance due to his girlfriend's pregnancy could be criticized as an irresponsible or unsustainable way to support a family.
- The success of "Jackass" might be attributed not just to its spontaneity and authenticity, but also to a cultural appetite for shock value and voyeurism, which could be seen as problematic.
- Keeping cast members unaware of upcoming stunts could be considered unethical or dangerous, as it may compromise informed consent and safety.
- Knoxville's acceptance of the risks involved in his work could be criticized as reckless, especially given the serious injuries he has sustained, which could serve as a cautionary tale rather than a model of behavior.
- The responsibility Knoxville feels towards the show's influence on youth might be seen as insufficient if the show itself promotes dangerous behavior, regardless of his personal management of his children's exposure to the content.
- Discouraging fans from replicating stunts may not be effective if the show glamorizes such behavior, potentially leading to imitation despite warnings.
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Knoxville's Biography and Family's History of Pranks
Knoxville reflects on his father's notorious pranks at work and how they influenced his own career in stunt performance.
Knoxville's Dad Staged Elaborate Employee Pranks With Fake Gunfights at Christmas Parties
Knoxville recounts his father's elaborate pranks during Christmas parties at the family's tire company. Notably, Knoxville's dad orchestrated fake gunfights to shock employees. In one instance, he gave a couple of his employees guns with blanks and instructed them to escalate an argument into a fake shootout, which sent everyone bolting into the streets in fear. The following year, a similar scenario was set up with new employees, but this time, the other party attendees were in on the joke and fired back with their own blank guns, causing the new employees to make a run for it.
Knoxville's Father Caused Chaos With Fake IRS or Venereal Disease Clinic Letters to Employees
The pranks were not limited to fake gunfights. Knoxville's father would send fake letters from the Venereal Disease clinic or the IRS to his friends and employees. These letters would claim the recipients had contracted a venereal disease or were about to be audited. These pranks often led to emotional reactions, with one of the individuals confronting Knoxville's father with a real gun in response to receiving a fabricated clinic letter.
Father's Playful Nature Shaped Knoxville's Stunt Approach
Knoxville C ...
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Knoxville's Biography and Family's History of Pranks
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Clarifications
- Knoxville is the stage name of Johnny Knoxville, a well-known American stunt performer, comedian, and actor. He gained fame as a co-creator and star of the TV show "Jackass," which features dangerous and outrageous stunts. His work often involves physical comedy and risk-taking, influencing modern stunt and prank entertainment. Knoxville's background in this field explains his connection to the prank-filled environment described.
- The family's tire company was the workplace where Knoxville's father staged his pranks, providing a real-life setting for his elaborate jokes. It was likely a small or medium-sized business, allowing for close interactions among employees and making the pranks more impactful. The company environment contributed to the authenticity and surprise of the staged events. This setting helped shape Knoxville's exposure to risk and humor from an early age.
- The fake gunfights at Christmas parties were considered pranks because they were carefully orchestrated scenarios with blanks, where participants were aware it was a staged event meant for entertainment. The element of surprise and shock was part of the comedic effect, and the intention was never to harm or threaten anyone. These pranks were meant to create a memorable and humorous experience for the participants, showcasing creativity and a sense of fun rather than instilling fear or danger.
- In American culture, receiving official letters from the IRS or a venereal disease clinic is often associated with serious, stressful situations. IRS audit notices imply potential financial trouble or legal issues, causing anxiety. Letters about venereal diseases carry stigma and fear due to health and social implications. Using fake versions of these letters as pranks exploits these common fears to create shock and surprise.
- These pranks could lead to legal issues such as charges of causing public panic or emotional distress. Sending fake letters from official entities like the IRS may be considered fraud or harassment. Ethically, these actions can harm trust and cause psychological trauma to recipients. Such behavior risks damaging workplace morale and personal relationships.
- Knoxville's father's pranks created a high-energy, unpredictable environment that normalized risk and surprise. This upbringing encouraged Knoxville to embrace danger and theatrics in his own life. The experience of witnessing and participating in elaborate stunts inspired Knoxville to pursue a career involving physical comedy and stunts. Essentially, the pranks taught him to be bold and inventive in performing risky acts.
- Stunt performance involves executing physically challenging and often dangerous actions for entertainment, such as falls, fights, or vehicle maneuvers. It requires precise skill and safety measures to minimize injury while c ...
Counterarguments
- While Knoxville may credit his father's pranks for his career choice, it's possible that other factors also played a significant role in his development as a stunt performer, such as his own personal interests, experiences outside of his family life, or the influence of other role models.
- Staging fake gunfights and sending alarming letters, even as pranks, could be considered irresponsible and potentially traumatic, especially in a work environment. These actions could lead to unintended consequences, such as severe emotional distress or legal repercussions.
- The pranks described could be seen as a form of workplace harassment, creating an environment that might not be safe or comfortable for all employees. This could lead to a discussion about the appropriateness of such pranks in a professional setting.
- The idea that such pranks are harmless fun could be challenged by considering the perspective of those on the receiving end, who may not have found the experiences amusing.
- The notion that risk-taking behavior ...
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Origins, Filming, and Impact of the Jackass Franchise
Johnny Knoxville played a central role in the conception and development of the "Jackass" franchise, which started as an unconventional way to earn a living and evolved into a global cultural phenomenon.
Knoxville Began Stunts to Earn Money When His Girlfriend Got Pregnant
The genesis of Johnny Knoxville's stunt career began when his girlfriend at the time was pregnant. Knoxville had moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting but wasn't finding success. In an urgent effort to provide for his impending daughter, he began writing articles, one of which involved testing self-defense equipment on himself. After being rejected by magazines, Jeff Tremaine published the piece in Big Brother magazine and suggested filming the stunts, laying the groundwork for "Jackass."
Jackass Crew's Chaotic, Unplanned Filming Style Relied On Spontaneity and Participant Reactions
Knoxville recalls an early stunt where he tested a bulletproof vest by shooting himself, which was dangerously disorganized and almost thwarted by unexpected encounters with passersby. This stunt was a precursor to the "Jackass" TV show and movies. The filming of "Jackass Number Two" highlighted the show's extended, unplanned filming schedule that could last months.
Knoxville and former UFC commentator Joe Rogan shared experiences regarding how they motivated participants to confront their fears. Rogan, for example, ate distasteful items like roaches to encourage participants, showing a deep level of commitment to supporting the cast directly. Knoxville and show director Jeff Tremaine thrived on keeping the stunts spontaneous and would begin pranks even before cameras were set up, much like a pickup basketball game.
Jackass Became a Global Cultural Phenomenon
Knoxville and Jackass Blurred Lines Between Humor and Danger
The "Jackass" crew often kept cast members in the dark about stunts to capture authentic re ...
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Origins, Filming, and Impact of the Jackass Franchise
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Clarifications
- Johnny Knoxville is an American actor, comedian, and stunt performer. He gained fame primarily through the "Jackass" franchise, which he co-created and starred in. Beyond "Jackass," he has acted in various films, including comedies and action movies. Knoxville is known for his fearless, often outrageous stunts and his influence on reality-based stunt entertainment.
- "Jackass" is a reality TV show and movie series featuring a group of friends performing dangerous, absurd, and often painful stunts and pranks. It originally aired on MTV in the early 2000s and became known for its shock humor and physical comedy. The content blends elements of slapstick, daredevil acts, and candid reactions to extreme situations. Its influence extended into multiple films and inspired similar stunt-based entertainment.
- Big Brother was a skateboarding magazine known for its edgy, irreverent content and underground culture influence. It often featured unconventional and provocative articles, videos, and stunts. Jeff Tremaine, a Big Brother editor, helped transition the magazine's stunt ideas into the "Jackass" TV show. The magazine's style and audience laid the foundation for "Jackass"'s tone and fanbase.
- Jeff Tremaine is a co-creator and director of the "Jackass" franchise. He helped develop the concept and directed the TV series and movies. Tremaine's background includes work in skateboarding culture and magazine publishing, which influenced the show's style. His role was crucial in shaping the spontaneous and edgy tone of "Jackass."
- The stunts in "Jackass" are dangerous because they often involve physical harm, risky environments, or unpredictable animals without professional safety measures. They are unusual as they combine extreme physical challenges with humor and shock value, often pushing human limits. Many stunts rely on real pain or fear reactions, not scripted or rehearsed performances. This raw, unscripted nature heightens both the danger and entertainment.
- Joe Rogan is a well-known comedian, podcaster, and former martial artist who gained prominence as a UFC commentator, providing expert analysis during mixed martial arts events. His background in combat sports gave him credibility and a tough, fearless persona that aligned with the daring spirit of "Jackass." Rogan's involvement added a layer of motivation and encouragement for cast members to face extreme challenges. His presence bridged the worlds of sports, entertainment, and stunt performance.
- Testing self-defense equipment on oneself is unusual because it involves personal risk without professional safety measures. Typically, such equipment is tested in controlled environments or on dummies to avoid injury. Knoxville’s approach was risky and unconventional, highlighting his commitment and willingness to endure pain. This method also added authenticity and shock value to his stunts.
- Filming stunts without participants’ prior knowledge is ...
Counterarguments
- The franchise's reliance on dangerous stunts could be criticized for promoting reckless behavior and setting a poor example for impressionable viewers who might attempt to replicate the stunts.
- The unplanned and chaotic filming style might be seen as unprofessional and could be criticized for compromising the safety of the cast and crew.
- Keeping cast members in the dark about upcoming stunts raises ethical concerns about consent and the psychological impact on the participants.
- The use of dangerous animals in stunts could be criticized from an animal welfare perspective, as it potentially puts the animals under stress and risks their well-being.
- The celebration of pushing past personal limits might be criticized for glorifying self-harm and encouraging dangerous behavior rather than promoting safer forms of entertainment.
- The cultural impact of "Jackass" could be viewed critically in terms of contributing to a decline in the quality of entertainment, where shock value is prized over substance.
- The franch ...
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Knoxville's Injuries, Health, and Mindset Toward Extreme Risks
Johnny Knoxville discusses the numerous injuries he has sustained over his career and his approach to the fear and extreme risks associated with stunts on "Jackass."
Knoxville Has Endured Many Jackass Injuries, Including Concussions, Broken Bones, and Other Trauma
Knoxville describes stunts that could have resulted in death, recalling incidents involving a blindfolded encounter with a bull and a near miss with metal rods from a rocket explosion. He has suffered multiple injuries, including concussions, one of which during the filming of "Jackass Forever" was described as "really gnarly." This particular injury came with a brain hemorrhage, broken wrist, and a broken rib. Knoxville also recounts being knocked out by boxer Butterbean, which led to weeks of vertigo, and acknowledges arm and back breaks among other injuries.
Knoxville can no longer perform stunts that might cause concussions due to the number he has already sustained. Besides, he indicates that he has been knocked out around 16 times, with each knockout occurring more easily than the last, suggesting a long-term impact from past injuries and making reference to a "glass jaw."
Knoxville Seeks Medical Treatment For Memory and Depression Issues From Head Injuries
Knoxville's head traumas led to memory issues and depression. After suffering severe head injuries, he experienced memory issues, such as clear recollections of childhood memories but uncertainty about recent events from the week before. Additionally, he faced a period of depression, anxiety, and catastrophic thinking, describing it as his mind turning against him and leaving him feeling like he was at the bottom of a well. He went "offline" for a few months but recovered after taking medication that helped him regain his sense of self.
Moreover, Knoxville mentions receiving warnings not to sustain any more concussions based on his brain scans, although the results of these scans were not discussed in detail.
Knoxville's Mindset to Conquer Fear For Stunts
Despite the injuries and health concerns, Knoxville expresses acceptance of pain as a part of his life, continuing to perform stunts and face fears. He talks about negotiating more time for shooting even after being suggested to stop due to the risks of dangerous activities, indicating his willingness to face fear for performing stunts.
He recalls a desire to do an Olympic ski jump stunt, despite not knowing how to ski, showcasing his love for thrill stunts and overcoming fears regardless of potential health dangers. His recounting of these experiences implies an acceptance and thrill from engaging in risky stunts.
Knoxville describes the ...
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Knoxville's Injuries, Health, and Mindset Toward Extreme Risks
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Actionables
- You can assess your own risk-taking behaviors by keeping a journal where you note down any risky activities you engage in, how you felt before and after, and any consequences you faced. This self-reflection can help you understand your motivations and the potential impact of your actions on your health and well-being. For example, if you enjoy extreme sports, write about each experience, how it affected you physically and mentally, and whether it aligns with your long-term health goals.
- Develop a personal policy for media consumption that involves setting clear guidelines about what content you expose yourself to and why. This could mean deciding not to watch shows or movies that glorify dangerous behavior or making a conscious choice to engage with media that promotes safety and well-being. For instance, if a new movie glamorizes reckless driving, you might choose to skip it and instead watch a documentary on the importance of road safety.
- Create a mentorship plan for younger fam ...
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