Who Is Evel Knievel? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Evel Knievel, born on October 17, 1938, was an American stunt performer who became a household name for his daring motorcycle jumps and flamboyant persona. With a career that spanned several decades, Knievel earned a reputation as one of the most fearless daredevils in the world. He passed away on November 30, 2007, but his legacy continues to inspire fans of thrills and stunts worldwide. As of 2025, Knievel’s influence on stunt performance and pop culture remains evident.
| Occupation | Motorcycle Racer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 17, 1938 |
| Age | 69 Years |
| Birth Place | Butte, Montana, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 30 November, 2007 |
| Died Place | Clearwater, Florida, U.S. |
Popularity
Evel Knievel's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Evel Knievel was not just a stuntman; he was a symbol of audacity and adventure. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) and weighing approximately 175 pounds (79 kg), Knievel had an athletic build that contributed to his ability to execute high-flying stunts. His strong physique was essential for absorbing the impact of his jumps and spills.
After returning home to the west from Washington, D.C., he joined the motocross circuit and had moderate success, but he still could not make enough money to support his family. In 1962, Knievel broke his collarbone and shoulder in a motocross accident. The doctors said he could not race for at least six months.
Still needing to help support his family, he again switched careers and sold insurance for the Combined Insurance Company of America, working for W. Clement Stone. Stone suggested that Knievel read Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude, a book that Stone wrote with Napoleon Hill.
Knievel credited much of his later success to Stone and his book.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, Evel Knievel experienced various relationships. He was married twice; first to Linda Knievel, with whom he had four children, and later to Krystyna CL Kaiser. His family included his children, who have continued to honor his legacy. Various reports suggest that Knievel's personal life was as turbulent as his career, featuring high-profile romances and challenging relationships.
and Ann Marie Keough Knievel. His surname is of German origin; his paternal great-great-grandparents immigrated to the United States from Germany. His mother was of Irish ancestry. Robert and Ann divorced in 1940, after the 1939 birth of their second child, Nicolas, known as Nic. Both parents decided to leave Butte.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Evel Knievel's net worth was estimated to be around $3 million. His earnings derived from various sources, including live performances, merchandise, and his television appearances. Despite the costs associated with his daredevil lifestyle, Knievel's brand remains valuable even after his death, thanks to ongoing interest in his life story and stunts.
In a 1971 interview with Dick Cavett, Knievel stated that he was uninsurable following the Caesars' crash, stating, "I have trouble getting life insurance, accident insurance, hospitalization and even insurance for my automobile...
Lloyd's of London has rejected me 37 times so if you hear the rumor that they insure anybody, don't pay too much attention to it." Four years later, a clause in Knievel's contract to jump 14 buses at Kings Island required a one-day $1million liability insurance to the amusement park. Lloyd's of London offered liability insurance for $17,500.
Knievel eventually paid $2,500 to a U.S.-based insurance company.
Career, Business and Investments
Evel Knievel's career began in the 1960s, and he gained fame for incredible motorcycle stunts, including his famous jump over the Fountains of Caesars Palace in Las Vegas in 1967. Over the years, he turned his stunts into a business, endorsing products, merchandising his name, and even launching themed events that captured the thrill of his jumps. His impact on the world of action sports can still be seen in various extreme sports and stunt performances today.
Robert Craig Knievel (October 17, 1938 – November 30, 2007), known professionally as Evel Knievel, was an American stunt performer and entertainer. Throughout his career, he attempted more than 75 ramp-to-ramp motorcycle jumps. Knievel was inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999.
Social Network
Evel Knievel was limited in his social media presence due to the era he lived in, but today, his legacy continues to thrive online. Numerous fan pages and tribute accounts celebrate his life and achievements across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. These social networks keep fans engaged with his history, allowing new generations to appreciate his extraordinary feats.
Knievel sought to profit from his image through endorsements and marketing deals. American Eagle Motorcycles signed him, and his popularity grew with young boys. From 1972 to 1977, Ideal Toy Company sold over $125 million worth of Knievel toys. Knievel's fame led to TV appearances and partnerships with companies like AMF and Harley-Davidson.
However, after an assault conviction and jail time, he lost endorsements and declared bankruptcy. Despite a decline in his daredevil career, Knievel made a marketing comeback in the 1990s and continued to be involved in various ventures.
Education
Evel Knievel attended Butte High School, where he developed an interest in sports and stunts at a young age. While he did not pursue higher education, his experiences and self-taught skills in motorcycle riding, BMX, and jumping formed the foundation of his career as a stunt performer and daredevil.
As a boy, Knievel had seen the Joie Chitwood show. He decided that he could do something similar using a motorcycle. Promoting the show himself, Knievel rented the venue, wrote the press releases, set up the show, sold the tickets, and served as his own master of ceremonies.
After enticing the small crowd with a few wheelies, he proceeded to jump a 20 ft box of rattlesnakes and two mountain lions. Despite landing short and his back wheel hitting the box containing the rattlesnakes, Knievel managed to land safely.
