The man known as Evel Knievel began his public life as Robert Craig Knievel, born in 1938 in Butte, Montana. Before his fame as an entertainer and stunt performer, he occupied roles ranging from a diamond drill operator in copper mines to an insurance salesman, eventually building a career that spanned motocross, film acting, and late-life painting.
Early Career and Athletics
Raised by his grandparents in Butte, Knievel was influenced by an auto daredevil show at the age of eight. After leaving Butte High School, he worked for the Anaconda Mining Company until he was terminated for a localized power outage caused by his operation of heavy machinery. His early adult years included diverse pursuits such as professional rodeo, ski jumping, and service in the United States Army. He also founded a semi-pro ice hockey team called the Butte Bombers and briefly attempted to play for the Charlotte Clippers.
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Knievel attempted over 75 ramp-to-ramp jumps during his career. His attempt to jump the fountains at Caesars Palace resulted in significant injury, yet the spectacle solidified his public profile. In 1974, he utilized a rocket-powered Skycycle X-2 to attempt a crossing of the Snake River Canyon, surviving the event with minor injuries after a premature parachute deployment. These high-profile efforts led to his 1999 induction into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
Commercial Ventures and Legacy
The performer's image generated massive commercial returns, most notably through the Ideal Toy Company, which sold over 125 million dollars in Knievel-branded toys between 1972 and 1977. Despite these successes, legal issues and an assault conviction impacted his later endorsements. Following his death in 2007 at age 69 in Clearwater due to diabetes and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, he was interred at Mountain View Cemetery in his hometown of Butte.
Fast facts
- Born: 1938, Butte, Montana
- Died: 2007, Clearwater
- Professional debut: Stunt performer
- Induction: Motorcycle Hall of Fame, 1999
- Primary occupations: Stunt performer, entertainer, painter
- Burial site: Mountain View Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What was the origin of his nickname?
He adopted the name after a 1956 jail stay where he was held alongside a man nicknamed Awful Knofel.
Did he have success in other fields?
Yes, he worked as a professional insurance salesman, a diamond drill operator, and later turned to painting.
