Johnny Knoxville Reveals He Can’t Take Head Hits After Traumatic Brain Injury
Fans of the “Jackass” movies are gearing up for the release of “Jackass 5,” set to hit theaters on June 26. But for Johnny Knoxville, the franchise’s 54-year-old ringleader, the next installment comes with new limits due to a serious injury he suffered during filming.
In 2022’s “Jackass Forever,” Knoxville performed a stunt where a bull flipped him into the air and he landed on his head. The accident caused a brain hemorrhage, a concussion, a broken wrist, and a broken rib. The injury has changed the way Knoxville approaches dangerous stunts, and he recently shared his thoughts on the upcoming movie during an appearance on the “Books That Changed My Life” podcast.
Asked if he can still perform stunts, Knoxville said, “I can’t do anything where I can get another concussion. [I’m] way over my limit for concussions, but I don’t care about anything else. I just can’t get hit in the head anymore — but a lot of other guys can.”
He emphasized that while the movies are extremely tough on the cast, he still finds them fun. “Jackass movies are pure hell for the cast, but they’re a lot of fun for me,” Knoxville said. “They’re having fun too. I’m very excited about that.”
Little is known about the details of “Jackass 5” so far. The movie will feature new stunts as well as never-before-seen archival footage. It’s been reported that original cast member Bam Margera will appear in old footage, marking the end of a long-running feud with the team after his firing from the fourth movie. Margera will not perform new stunts.
Knoxville’s dedication to stunts and comedy has often come at a physical cost. In 2008, he injured his urethra during a stunt and had to perform daily catheterization for over three years to prevent scar tissue. Despite these dangers, he has remained one of the most committed performers in the franchise.
Beyond his career, Knoxville has had a colorful personal life. He married Melanie Lynn Cates in 1995, and they had one daughter before divorcing in 2008. He later married Naomi Nelson in 2010, with whom he has two children, and they separated in 2022. Most recently, he announced his marriage to costume designer Emily Ting in November 2025, in a ceremony officiated by John Waters.
Despite his injuries and personal challenges, Knoxville continues to push boundaries in the “Jackass” franchise. He has learned to adapt his approach, avoiding stunts that could put him at risk for serious head trauma while still participating in other risky and entertaining activities.
“I just can’t get hit in the head anymore — but a lot of other guys can,” he said, making it clear that safety is now his top priority. Fans will have to wait until June to see how Knoxville navigates these new limits on the big screen.
It’s impressive that Knoxville continues to perform despite such serious injuries. It shows his dedication and love for the craft, but it also raises questions about how far performers should go for entertainment. What do you think about Knoxville continuing dangerous stunts after such a major injury? Share your thoughts in the comments.