Evel Knievel Net Worth

## Evel Knievel: The Daredevil’s Life, Net Worth, and Legacy

**Table of Contents:**

* [What was Evel Knievel’s Net Worth?](#what-evel-knievels-net-worth)
* [Early Life and Career Beginnings](#early-life-career-beginnings)
* [First Stunt Performances](#first-stunt-performances)
* [Major Jumps and Iconic Moments](#major-jumps)
* [Post-Performance Years and Business Ventures](#post-performance-years)
* [Personal Life, Health Struggles, and Death](#personal-life-health-struggles)
* [Evel Knievel’s Enduring Legacy](#evel-knievels-enduring-legacy)

What was Evel Knievel’s Net Worth?

Evel Knievel, the legendary American daredevil, left behind a legacy of daring motorcycle stunts and a recognizable name. At the time of his death in 2007, his net worth was estimated to be $3 million. This figure reflects not only his earnings from performing stunts but also his ventures in merchandise, endorsements, and other business activities throughout his career. Knievel’s impact on popular culture extended far beyond the arena, making him a cultural icon for his fearless persona.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born Robert Craig Knievel in Butte, Montana, in 1938, Evel Knievel’s life was marked by a thirst for adventure from an early age. His parents, Robert E. and Ann Marie (who had a net worth of an unknown value), divorced when he was young. Knievel was raised by his paternal grandparents. Even during his teenage years, Knievel displayed a rebellious streak. He left Butte High School after two years and worked in the copper mines for the Anaconda Mining Company. His tenure there was short-lived, as a wheelie incident with a company earth mover resulted in his termination.

Knievel’s early life was filled with varied interests. He participated in local ski jumping events and professional rodeos, even winning championships. He also served in the United States Army, where he was a pole vaulter on the track team. His professional career began with a hunting service and then he entered the motocross circuit, where he broke his collarbone and shoulder, which led to his career selling insurance, in which he found success.

First Stunt Performances

The trajectory of Evel Knievel’s career took a decisive turn when he quit his insurance job. He then moved to Moses Lake, Washington, and opened a Honda motorcycle dealership, which eventually failed due to the difficulty of selling Japanese imports. He subsequently found work at Don Pomeroy’s motorcycle shop in Sunnyside, Washington, where he learned to do wheelies while standing on the seat of his bike from Jim Pomeroy.

Inspired by Joie Chitwood’s daredevil auto show, Knievel launched his own stunt show. He started by jumping over a box of rattlesnakes and mountain lions. To finance his shows, he partnered with Bob Blair, a distributor for Norton Motorcycles. His debut was at the National Date Festival in Indio, California, in January 1966. This initial success led to more performances and he began jumping cars, and had a near-fatal crash in Missoula, Montana, followed by serious injuries in Graham, Washington. His national recognition came in 1968 when he appeared on “The Joey Bishop Show”.

Major Jumps and Iconic Moments

Evel Knievel’s career was defined by his spectacular jumps. One of his most famous attempts was at Caesars Palace in 1967, where he attempted to clear 141 feet over the fountains. The crash and his subsequent recovery, along with the televised footage of the jump, significantly increased his fame. Despite the injuries, Knievel continued, attempting to jump 15 Ford Mustangs in Scottsdale, Arizona, but crashed again. However, he landed successful jumps almost every week from August to October 1968.

In 1971, he set a world record by jumping over 19 cars in Ontario, California. While he was forbidden from jumping the Grand Canyon, he set his sights on Idaho’s Snake River Canyon, which he attempted in 1974. He subsequently performed more motorcycle jumps on ABC’s “Wide World of Sports,” including attempts at London’s Wembley Stadium, King Island in Ohio, and the Seattle Kingdome. Knievel retired from major performances after an aborted jump over a tank of live sharks in Chicago in 1977.

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Post-Performance Years and Business Ventures

After his last stunt show in 1980, Knievel continued to engage with his audience through appearances at smaller venues, often supporting his son, Robbie Knievel’s, emerging career. In 1981 he made his last on-tour appearance in Hollywood, Florida. Throughout the 1980s, he sold his artwork across the country. The 1990s saw him become an icon of a different kind, marketing brands like Harley-Davidson, Little Caesars, and Maxim Casino.

In 2003, Knievel licensed his life story to composer Jef Bek to create a rock opera. In 2005, he was featured at the Harley-Davidson dealership in Milwaukee, where he was promoting a ride to benefit Hurricane Katrina victims, though he was unable to ride due to a stroke.

Personal Life, Health Struggles, and Death

Evel Knievel married Linda Joan Bork in 1959, and they had four children, Kelly, Robbie Knievel, Tracey, and Alicia. He and Linda separated in the early 1990s and divorced in 1997. He later married Krystal Kennedy in 1999 but divorced in 2001.

Knievel battled serious health issues in his later years. He received a life-saving liver transplant for Hepatitis C in the late 1990s. In 2005, he was diagnosed with a terminal lung disease and suffered two minor strokes. He passed away in November 2007 at his home in Clearwater, Florida.

Evel Knievel’s Enduring Legacy

Evel Knievel’s impact continues to resonate within popular culture, with his daring performances, his iconic image, and his personal narrative of resilience and adventure, Evel Knievel left an indelible mark. He served as inspiration for many thrill-seekers and has been recognized with an induction into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999. His contributions have left a remarkable legacy for generations to come.