Evel Knievel, the American daredevil and entertainer, left behind a legacy filled with jaw-dropping motorcycle jumps, numerous broken bones, and an indelible mark on pop culture. At the time of his death in 2007, Knievel’s net worth was estimated at $3 million. This article delves into the life of Evel Knievel, exploring the stunts that made him a legend and the financial legacy he left behind.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Robert Craig Knievel in 1938 in Butte, Montana, Evel Knievel’s early life was marked by a spirit of adventure and a penchant for risk-taking. Raised by his grandparents after his parents’ divorce, Knievel dropped out of high school to work in the copper mines. His early career was a mix of jobs, from diamond drill operator to professional hockey player, before he found his calling as a motorcycle daredevil.
| Detail | Evel Knievel |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Robert Craig Knievel |
| Birthdate, Birth Place | October 17, 1938 – Butte, Montana, U.S |
| Net Worth | $3 Million |
| Spouse | Linda Joan Bork (m. 1959–1997) |
| Children | Kelly, Robbie, Tracey |
| Occupation | Stunt performer, entertainer |
| Notable Feats | Caesars Palace fountain jump, Snake River Canyon jump attempt |
| Death | November 30, 2007 (aged 69) |
Rise to Fame
Knievel’s career as a stunt performer took off in the 1960s when he began performing motorcycle jumps over increasingly dangerous obstacles. His stunts, including jumping over rattlesnakes, mountain lions, and rows of parked cars, quickly gained national attention. Knievel’s most famous jump, an attempt to clear the fountains at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, ended in a crash that left him with severe injuries but also solidified his reputation as the ultimate daredevil.
Major Jumps and Stunts
Throughout his career, Knievel attempted more than 75 ramp-to-ramp motorcycle jumps. He set records with his daring jumps over 19 cars in Ontario, California, and his infamous attempt to jump Idaho’s Snake River Canyon in a steam-powered rocket. Despite numerous crashes and injuries, Knievel’s fearless approach and showmanship made him a household name.
Financial Ups and Downs
Knievel’s net worth at the time of his death was a testament to his career’s highs and lows. While he earned significant money from his stunts, endorsements, and appearances, he also faced financial challenges. His attempts to jump the Grand Canyon and the Snake River Canyon were costly ventures that did not yield the expected returns. Additionally, Knievel’s lifestyle and health issues in later years contributed to his financial situation.
Personal Life and Health Struggles
Knievel’s personal life was as tumultuous as his professional one. He married twice and had four children. His health began to decline in the late 1990s due to Hepatitis C, which he contracted from one of his numerous surgeries. In 2005, he was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a terminal lung disease. Despite these challenges, Knievel continued to make public appearances until his death in 2007.
Legacy and Net Worth at Death
At his death, Evel Knievel’s net worth was estimated at $3 million. His legacy, however, is priceless. Knievel inspired generations of stunt performers and left an indelible mark on American culture. He was inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999, recognizing his contributions to the sport and entertainment.
Who was Evel Knievel?
Evel Knievel, born Robert Craig Knievel on October 17, 1938, in Butte, Montana, was an American stunt performer and entertainer. Known for his daring motorcycle jumps, Knievel attempted over 75 ramp-to-ramp motorcycle jumps over his career. He became a household name in the 1970s, embodying the spirit of risk and adventure. Knievel’s stunts, which often resulted in serious injuries, earned him a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most bones broken in a lifetime.
What inspired Evel Knievel to become a stunt performer?
Knievel’s inspiration to become a stunt performer came from watching a Joie Chitwood auto daredevil show as a child. This experience ignited a passion for thrill-seeking and performing dangerous stunts, leading him to pursue a career as a motorcycle daredevil. His early life, filled with various jobs and ventures, reflected his restless spirit and desire for adventure, ultimately guiding him towards his legendary career in stunt performance.
What was Evel Knievel’s most famous jump?
Arguably, Evel Knievel’s most famous jump was his attempt to clear the fountains at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas on December 31, 1967. The jump, which was over 141 feet, ended in a crash that left Knievel with multiple fractures and a concussion. The footage of the crash, widely broadcasted, helped to cement Knievel’s reputation as a fearless daredevil willing to risk it all for the sake of entertainment and the challenge.
How many bones did Evel Knievel break during his career?
Evel Knievel reportedly suffered more than 433 bone fractures over the course of his stunt career, earning him a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most bones broken by an individual. These injuries were a testament to the extreme risks Knievel took in his performances and his extraordinary resilience and determination to recover and continue performing.
Did Evel Knievel ever succeed in jumping the Grand Canyon?
Evel Knievel famously wanted to jump the Grand Canyon, a feat that captured the public’s imagination. However, he never completed this particular jump. Instead, Knievel’s attempt to jump the Snake River Canyon in Idaho in 1974 is often confused with the Grand Canyon jump. The Snake River Canyon jump, performed in a steam-powered “Skycycle,” was not successful; the parachute deployed prematurely, and Knievel narrowly escaped serious injury.
What was the cause of Evel Knievel’s death?
Evel Knievel passed away on November 30, 2007, at the age of 69. The cause of death was pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disease that he had been battling for years. Knievel’s health had been declining due to a number of medical issues, including diabetes and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, leading up to his death.
How did Evel Knievel impact popular culture?
Evel Knievel had a significant impact on popular culture, becoming an icon of bravery, perseverance, and the American spirit of adventure. He inspired countless individuals to pursue their dreams, regardless of the risks involved. Knievel was the subject of movies, documentaries, and a wide range of merchandise, including toys and comic books, making him a fixture in American pop culture. His legacy continues to influence the world of extreme sports and entertainment.
What was Evel Knievel’s net worth at the time of his death?
At the time of his death, Evel Knievel’s net worth was estimated to be around $3 million. Despite earning significant money during his peak years from stunt performances, endorsements, and appearances, Knievel faced financial difficulties at various points in his life, due in part to his lavish lifestyle and the costs associated with his stunts.
Did Evel Knievel have any children who followed in his footsteps?
Evel Knievel’s son, Robbie Knievel, followed in his father’s footsteps and became a professional motorcycle stunt performer. Robbie successfully completed many of the jumps his father had attempted, including a successful jump over the fountains at Caesars Palace, a feat that Evel had famously failed to achieve. Robbie has carved out his own legacy in the world of stunt performance, continuing the Knievel tradition of daring motorcycle jumps.
What legacy did Evel Knievel leave behind?
Evel Knievel’s legacy is one of fearlessness, determination, and the pursuit of the extraordinary. He pushed the limits of what was possible, inspiring generations to challenge themselves and pursue their passions, regardless of the risks. Knievel’s life story, marked by spectacular successes and dramatic failures, teaches the value of resilience and the importance of living life to the fullest. His induction into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999 and the enduring fascination with his life and stunts attest to his lasting impact on American culture and the world of extreme sports.
Conclusion
Evel Knievel’s life was a testament to living on the edge. With a net worth of $3 million at his death, he left behind a legacy that transcends financial figures. Knievel’s daring stunts, personal challenges, and indomitable spirit made him an American icon, remembered for his courage, ambition, and the sheer force of his personality.
How did Evel Knievel become famous?
Evel Knievel became famous for his daring motorcycle jumps over cars, buses, and other obstacles, which captivated the American public and earned him a reputation as the ultimate daredevil.
What was Evel Knievel’s most famous jump?
One of his most famous jumps was the attempted leap over the fountains at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, which ended in a crash but cemented his fame.
How much was Evel Knievel worth when he died?
Evel Knievel’s net worth was estimated at $3 million at the time of his death in 2007.