Robert Craig Knievel Jr., known to the world as Evel Knievel, was an American motorcycle daredevil and showman whose high-risk stunts captivated audiences during the 1960s and 1970s. Born into a modest family in the mining town of Butte, Montana, he rose to become one of the most recognizable pop-culture figures of his era, known for his flashy jumps and frequent crashes.
Knievel attempted more than 75 ramp-to-ramp motorcycle jumps, and some accounts place his total number of jumps at over 300. His career was marked by a combination of extraordinary ambition and frequent, violent failures that only seemed to enhance his legend. He died in Clearwater, Florida, on November 30, 2007, at the age of 69.
When Did Evel Knievel Die and How?
Robert Craig “Evel” Knievel
October 17, 1938 – November 30, 2007
American stunt performer, entertainer
75+ ramp-to-ramp motorcycle jumps, including 1975 Wembley jump
- Evel Knievel’s daredevil persona made him a cultural icon despite frequent crashes.
- His net worth at death was estimated at $3 million, though earlier bankruptcy filings complicate the figure.
- He broke many bones (often cited 433), but the exact number is unverified.
- His son Robbie Knievel continued the legacy and died of pancreatic cancer in 2023.
- The Evel Knievel toy (action figure with wind-up cycle) became a bestseller in the 1970s.
- He became a major pop-culture figure in the 1960s and 1970s, with films and TV appearances.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Robert Craig Knievel |
| Stage Name | Evel Knievel |
| Born | October 17, 1938, Butte, Montana |
| Died | November 30, 2007, Clearwater, Florida (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) |
| Spouses | Linda Bork (1963–1974), Crystal Kennedy (1975–1986), Krystal Kennedy (1989–1999) |
| Children | Kelly, Robbie, Tracey, Alicia, Derek, Lance |
| Number of Jumps Attempted | More than 75 |
| Notable Stunt | Jump over 13 double-decker buses at Wembley Stadium (1975) |
| Net Worth at Death | Approximately $3 million |
Evel Knievel died on November 30, 2007, in Clearwater, Florida, at the age of 69. Multiple sources, including his New York Times obituary, list the cause of death as complications tied to diabetes and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease. He was 69 years old at the time of his death.
He was cremated, and his ashes were scattered in various locations, including Butte, Montana, the town of his birth. The exact location of his grave has not been publicly specified as a single marked site, as his remains were spread in multiple places.
Who Were Evel Knievel’s Wife and Children?
Marriages and Family Life
Evel Knievel was married twice, though sources disagree slightly on the exact dates and spellings of his spouses’ names. According to the official family website and biographical records, his first marriage was to Linda Joan Bork, which lasted from approximately 1963 to 1974. He later married Krystal Kennedy, with whom he had a relationship that spanned from 1975 into the late 1990s. Some sources list his second wife as Crystal Kennedy and a third marriage to Krystal Kennedy, but all agree on two distinct marital unions.
Evel Knievel had four children: Kelly, Robbie, Tracey, and Alicia, according to the official Evel Knievel website. Some accounts also list two additional children, Derek and Lance, from different relationships.
The Knievel Children
His children include Kelly, Robbie, Tracey, and Alicia. The most famous among them is Robbie Knievel, who followed his father’s path and became a professional stunt performer. Robbie performed many stunts over the years, often using the family name to draw crowds. He died on January 13, 2023, at the age of 60, due to pancreatic cancer.
What Happened to Robbie Knievel, Evel’s Son?
Robbie Knievel, the son of Evel Knievel, was a stunt performer in his own right, known for jumping motorcycles over large obstacles and setting records. He died on January 13, 2023, at the age of 60. The cause of death was pancreatic cancer, as reported in multiple news obituaries, including those from the New York Times.
Robbie had a career spanning several decades, during which he attempted and completed many of the same types of jumps that made his father famous. He often credited his father as his inspiration, and the two had a complex but ultimately respectful relationship in the public eye.
What Was Evel Knievel’s Net Worth?
Evel Knievel’s net worth at the time of his death is often estimated at approximately $3 million. However, this figure is complicated by several factors. He filed for bankruptcy in the 1990s, and his earnings from stunts, merchandise, and appearances varied widely over his career. Some sources suggest his net worth may have been lower due to legal settlements and medical expenses from his many injuries.
The exact net worth figure is uncertain. While some sources estimate $3 million, others suggest it may have been significantly less due to bankruptcy filings. No publicly audited estate documents confirm a precise number.
Despite financial uncertainty, his legacy as a merchandising powerhouse is clear. The Evel Knievel action figure, a wind-up toy that could perform stunts, became one of the top-selling toys in 1974. Vintage toys are still highly collectible, and some replica figures remain available through the official store.
What Were Evel Knievel’s Most Famous Stunts?
The Caesars Palace Fountain Jump
One of his most iconic moments came in 1967 when he attempted to jump the fountain at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The jump was a spectacular failure: the motorcycle crashed, and Knievel was thrown violently, resulting in severe injuries. The crash, captured on film, became one of the most replayed moments in sports entertainment history.
The Wembley Stadium Jump
In 1975, he attempted to jump 13 double-decker buses at Wembley Stadium in London. This event was a major spectacle, but the landing was rough, resulting in significant injuries. Despite the crash landing, he survived, and the jump remains one of the most famous of his career.
The Snake River Canyon Jump
Perhaps his most ambitious attempt came in 1974 when he tried to jump the Snake River Canyon in Idaho using the Skycycle X-1, a steam-powered rocket. The jump failed when the parachute deployed prematurely, causing the craft to crash into the canyon. Knievel survived with only minor injuries, but the event was a financial and professional setback.
Evel Knievel is widely reported to have broken 433 bones over his lifetime, a figure that earned him a Guinness World Records reputation as the person with the “most bones broken in a lifetime.” However, this number is unverified by medical records and may include minor fractures and breaks sustained across his many crashes.
In addition to his motorcycle stunts, Knievel appeared in films and television shows. He starred in the 1977 film “Viva Knievel!” and made cameo appearances in series like “The Bionic Woman.” He also became a fixture on talk shows, where his charismatic personality and storytelling ability made him a popular guest.
Timeline of Evel Knievel’s Life and Career
- – Born in Butte, Montana.
- – First marriage to Linda Bork.
- – Gains national fame with stunt jumps.
- – Wembley jump (crash landing, survives).
- – Stars in film “Viva Knievel!”
- – Retires from jumping.
- – Final marriage ends.
- – Dies at age 69.
- – Son Robbie Knievel dies at age 60.
What We Know and What Remains Unclear
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Death date: November 30, 2007 | Exact net worth – estimates vary; bankruptcy claims suggest lower figure. |
| Cause of death: pulmonary fibrosis | Total number of bones broken – often quoted as 433 but no medical record confirms. |
| Robbie Knievel’s death: January 13, 2023, pancreatic cancer | Lifetime earnings – unclear due to inconsistent revenue from events and merchandise. |
| Number of ramp-to-ramp jumps: over 75 | Details of his will and estate – not publicly audited. |
What Was Evel Knievel’s Cultural Impact?
Evel Knievel’s impact on pop culture, sports entertainment, and motorcycle culture is substantial. He inspired a generation of stunt performers, including Travis Pastrana and Robbie Maddison, who have recreated many of his jumps. His media presence extended to talk shows, films, and commercials, making him one of the most recognized faces of the 1970s.
His legal history includes multiple lawsuits, including fraud charges and a declaration of bankruptcy in the 1990s. Despite these challenges, his merchandise—particularly the Evel Knievel action figure—became one of the top-selling toys in 1974, cementing his place in American consumer culture.
Sources and Notable Quotes
“I am not a daredevil. I am a stuntman.”
— Evel Knievel, from various interviews
“He captivated audiences with his death-defying stunts.”
— Britannica, in their biography of Evel Knievel
“Knievel attempted more than 75 ramp-to-ramp motorcycle jumps.”
— Wikipedia, sourcing the biographical record
Key sources for this article include the Wikipedia biography, Britannica’s editorial overview, the official Evel Knievel website for family brand information, and medical and legal records reported by the New York Times obituary.
Summary: The Legacy of Evel Knievel
Evel Knievel remains one of the most iconic figures in the history of stunt performance. His career, defined by spectacular jumps, frequent crashes, and an unbreakable spirit, inspired countless others. While some details—such as his exact net worth and the precise number of bones broken—remain uncertain, his cultural impact is undisputed. From the toy action figure to the films and television appearances, his name continues to be synonymous with risk-taking and showmanship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Evel Knievel toys still sold?
Yes, vintage toys are collectible, and some replica action figures are still available through the official store.
How many bones did Evel Knievel break?
Commonly reported as 433, though this number is unverified; many broken bones from multiple crashes.
Was Evel Knievel in any movies?
Yes, he starred in “Viva Knievel!” (1977) and made cameo appearances in TV shows like “The Bionic Woman.”
Where is Evel Knievel buried?
He was cremated; his ashes were scattered in various locations including Butte, Montana.
Did Evel Knievel die broke?
Estimates vary. He filed for bankruptcy in the 1990s, but his net worth at death is often cited as around $3 million.
Freddie Arthur Cooper Harrison is Editor-in-Chief of PopCulture UK, covering film, TV, music and celebrity news. He is accountable for the newsroom's editorial standards, and leads its sourcing and fact-checking process so that every article separates verified fact from rumour and is reviewed before publication.