Evel Knievel
Evel Knievel - The Daredevil's Remarkable Ride
Robert Craig Knievel, a name that might not immediately ring a bell for some, but mention "Evel Knievel," and a picture of a fearless motorcycle rider soaring through the air, often with a crash landing, probably comes to mind. He was, in a way, the very definition of a daredevil, someone who pushed boundaries and captivated crowds with his incredibly risky feats. His life story, too, is almost as dramatic as his jumps, full of daring triumphs and, quite often, painful tumbles.
This individual, a quintessential figure of American showmanship, truly made a name for himself by defying what seemed possible on two wheels. He emerged as a stunt rider who held audiences spellbound with his bold and often quite dangerous leaps. You know, he wasn't just doing tricks; he was putting on a spectacle, and people really loved to watch him.
From his earliest days performing, to the moments when he gained worldwide recognition, Evel Knievel built a reputation as someone who would attempt just about anything. His journey, as a matter of fact, from a small-town beginning to an internationally recognized performer, really shows how one person's determination and willingness to take chances can leave a lasting impression.
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Who Was Evel Knievel?
Born Robert Craig Knievel on October 17, 1938, in Butte, Montana, he eventually became known by the name that would stick with him, Evel Knievel. He was, really, a person who carved out his own path, becoming a truly iconic figure in the world of daring acts and entertainment. His story, you know, is one that goes from humble beginnings to international recognition, all thanks to his incredible nerve and a motorcycle.
Personal Details of Evel Knievel
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | Robert Craig Knievel |
| Born | October 17, 1938 |
| Birthplace | Butte, Montana, USA |
| Died | November 30, 2007 |
| Age at Passing | 69 years old |
| Death Location | Florida, USA |
| Cause of Passing | Pulmonary fibrosis caused by diabetes |
How Did Evel Knievel Get His Start?
Evel Knievel's first motorcycle stunt actually happened when he was in his late twenties, a time when many people are settling into more conventional careers. But for him, it was just the beginning of something quite different. This initial act, so, set the stage for a life filled with high-flying risks and very public performances, really shaping the person he would become.
His professional daredevil journey truly began in the early 1960s. He started putting together a group of performers, a professional troupe, which he aptly named "Evel Knievel and his Motorcycle Daredevils." Their main aim, you see, was to perform at various local fairs and other public gatherings, bringing their unique brand of excitement to communities. This was, basically, how he started to build his reputation, one local event at a time.
It's almost as if he completely made up his own persona and the way he did things, building his entire venture from the ground up, you know, really creating something unique. He was the kind of person who would jump, sometimes crash, and then, seemingly by a miracle, walk away from it all. This ability to put on a show, even when things went wrong, became a central part of his appeal, captivating audiences with his sheer audacity.
The Stuntman's Life
Evel Knievel, as a matter of fact, was more than just a person who did daring acts; he was also someone who put on quite a show for everyone watching, a true performer in every sense. He was, essentially, the quintessential American daredevil motorcyclist, someone who seemed to challenge the very forces of nature as he rode his bike to remarkable levels of international fame. This was achieved through increasingly difficult and exciting stunts, each one pushing the limits a little more.
Which Evel Knievel Jumps Are Most Remembered?
Among his many daring feats, some jumps truly stand out in people's memories. One of the more famous ones, for instance, involved him attempting to fly over the fountain at Caesars Palace. That particular jump, you know, became a significant part of his story, even though it didn't quite go as planned. It was a moment that showed both his ambition and the inherent risks he took.
Then there was the day, May 26, 1975, at London's Wembley Stadium, when he had his ride go sideways and crashed after successfully getting over 13 buses. This event, so, was a defining moment in his career, showcasing both his incredible skill and the sudden, unpredictable nature of his work. Despite the serious nature of the fall, what happened next was, arguably, just as memorable.
He suffered a nasty break in his hip bone area during that fall, a really painful injury to be sure. Yet, after that very public and quite spectacular crash, he somehow managed to get up and walk away. This act of sheer willpower, honestly, became a testament to his toughness and his unwavering commitment to his persona, further cementing his legend in the minds of those who watched him.
How Did Evel Knievel Captivate Audiences?
Evel Knievel had a knack for captivating people with his bold leaps and the dramatic crashes that often followed. His whole life, you know, was a display of pure showmanship, drawing people in with the promise of something truly extraordinary. He was someone who understood how to put on a performance, making every jump feel like a momentous occasion.
After a string of successful jumps, where he soared over cars, trucks, and even live animals, Knievel's recognition really took off. He shot to national fame, as a matter of fact, after ABC Wide World of Sports broadcasted footage of him having a truly spectacular crash. This moment, ironically, propelled him further into the public eye, proving that even his failures could be incredibly compelling television.
His ability to dodge what seemed like certain doom in his spectacular motorcycle leaps and crashes was a key part of his appeal. He wasn't just a performer; he was a living spectacle, and people really tuned in to see what incredible thing he would do next, or perhaps, what incredible thing might go wrong. This blend of skill and peril made him, you know, a household name.
The Price of Daring
Being a daredevil like Evel Knievel meant facing constant danger, and his body, in some respects, bore the brunt of his ambitious career. Each jump, each landing, carried a significant risk, and over time, these risks added up, leaving a lasting impact on his physical well-being. It was a life lived on the edge, and there was, of course, a cost to that.
How Many Bones Did Evel Knievel Break?
Evel Knievel was an American daredevil and entertainer who tried more than 75 motorcycle jumps throughout his career. This incredibly high number of attempts, you know, also came with a staggering personal toll. His body endured an immense amount of stress and impact over the years, a testament to the sheer physical demands of his chosen profession.
During his time performing, he suffered an astonishing 433 broken bones. This figure, basically, highlights the constant danger he faced and the incredible resilience he must have possessed to keep going. It's a number that truly speaks to the very real risks involved in his line of work, showing just how much he put his body on the line for his art and for his audience.
When Did Evel Knievel Pass Away?
Evel Knievel passed away on a Friday at the age of 69. This news, according to his lawyer and a message posted on his own internet site, marked the end of an era for many who had followed his incredible career. His passing, you know, brought a sense of reflection on the life of a man who had lived so boldly.
He died in 2007 in Florida. The cause of his passing was pulmonary fibrosis, a serious lung condition, which was brought on by diabetes. His later years were, arguably, a bit more challenging due to his health issues, a stark contrast to the seemingly invincible image he projected during his performing days. It was a quiet end for someone who had lived such a loud and public life.
Evel Knievel Beyond the Bike
While most people remember Evel Knievel for his motorcycle stunts, his life was actually a bit more varied than just jumping over things. He was, in some respects, a true showman, and his persona extended beyond the arena, touching other forms of entertainment and leaving a broader mark. His story, you know, is about more than just the bikes and the jumps.
What Acting Roles Did Evel Knievel Have?
Evel Knievel was also an actor, appearing in several productions. He was, for instance, known for his appearances in "The Bionic Woman," a television series that was quite popular in 1976. This role allowed him to bring his unique presence to a different kind of audience, showing a slightly different side to his public image.
He also had a part in "Viva Knievel!" which came out in 1977, a film that, naturally, centered around his own daring exploits. And then there was "The Last of the Gladiators," released in 1988, where he also made an appearance. These acting roles, you know, further cemented his status as a public figure, proving he was more than just a stuntman.
Why Does Evel Knievel's Story Still Resonate?
There's an online profile, a page dedicated to Evel Knievel, the famous motorcycle jumper and actor, where you can find out all sorts of things about him. It's like a complete record of his life, you know, detailing his biography, the films he was in, interesting bits of information, and even some of his memorable sayings. This resource helps keep his story alive for new generations.
His story, from moments of triumph to instances of tragedy, is something that continues to capture people's interest. As documented by various biographies, Evel Knievel was born Robert Craig Knievel on October 17, 1938. His life was, basically, a wild ride, full of incredible highs and very public lows, making it a truly compelling narrative.
People can still see photos, watch videos, and read stories about his incredible feats. His journey, as a matter of fact, from a person who simply tried his first motorcycle stunt in his late twenties, to a figure who became a symbol of daring, continues to be a source of fascination. He was, ultimately, a person who lived life on his own terms, making him a lasting legend.
This article has explored the life and career of Evel Knievel, covering his origins as Robert Craig Knievel in Butte, Montana, and his beginnings in professional daredevilry in the early 1960s with his troupe. We looked at his famous and infamous jumps, including the Caesars Palace fountain attempt and the Wembley Stadium crash where he broke his pelvis but walked away. The piece also touched upon his incredible record of 433 broken bones, his showmanship that captivated audiences, and his eventual passing in 2007 due to pulmonary fibrosis. Finally, we touched on his ventures beyond stunt work, including his acting roles in "The Bionic Woman," "Viva Knievel!", and "The Last of the Gladiators," and the continued interest in his unique story as documented on his IMDb profile and in various biographies.
Who was Evel Knievel? | Britannica
I Am Evel Knievel (2014) - IMDb
How Many Bones Did Evel Knievel Break in His Daredevil Career?
