The Joe Rogan Experience #2439 - Johnny Knoxville
436 snips
Jan 15, 2026 
Johnny Knoxville, a legendary stunt performer and co-creator of the Jackass franchise, shares thrilling tales of his wild career. He discusses the origins of Jackass, including risky early stunts and near-fatal moments, like the infamous collapsing facade stunt. Knoxville opens up about his long-term injuries, including concussions, and recovery techniques. He reflects on his time hosting Fear Factor and the backlash from outrageous stunts. Joining Joe Rogan, he reveals how risk-taking became an addiction, and the influence of his father's prankster spirit.
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Bulletproof Vest Genesis
- Johnny Knoxville got his start by filming a self-defense gear test for a skate magazine and shooting himself in a cheap bulletproof vest.
- Jeff Tremaine suggested filming it and that footage led directly into the early Jackass videos and career breakout.
Shooting The Self-Test
- Knoxville filmed himself being shot with a .38 while strapped into a cheap vest on a sketchy fire road with tweakers nearby.
- The shoot was chaotic, dangerous, and pushed his early stunt ethos into the Jackass tape they released.
Funny Over Escalation Frees Creativity
- Knoxville worried about topping the original Jackass but learned that being funny mattered more than escalation.
- That shift freed creative risk until they later decided they still had to escalate, showing recurring pressure in stunt entertainment.
