The reality comedy series Jackass provided the initial platform for Jason Acuña, a performer who leverages professional skateboarding and stunt work for the screen. Born in Pisa in 1973, he navigated a career spanning stunt performance, television presenting, and film production, while maintaining citizenship in the United States, Italy, and Chile.
Early Development and Skateboarding
Acuña grew up in Torrance, California, after being born in Italy during his father's U.S. Army service. He attended North High School and eventually entered the professional skateboarding industry. His professional trajectory began through his work as the subscription manager for the magazine Big Brother, a role facilitated by his connection to the publication's leadership.
Television and Jackass Stunts
His affiliation with Big Brother led directly to his participation in the reality television series Jackass in 2000. Throughout the production, his physical stunts gained notoriety, ranging from skating as an Oompa-Loompa to performing deep-knee bends while carrying basketball athlete Shaquille O'Neal. He also engaged in a recurring physical comedy bit involving Preston Lacy. Beyond Jackass, he hosted the Fox Sports Net skateboarding show 54321 and appeared in the 2007 reality series Armed and Famous. He also served as the host of the MTV show Scarred starting in July 2007.
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Acuña expanded his reach into mainstream television by joining the first season of NBC's Celebrity Circus. During the fourth week of the show, he earned a perfect score, eventually concluding the competition in third place. In 2012, he moved toward family-oriented cinema, portraying the titular role in the direct-to-video film Elf-Man.
Business Interests
Outside of entertainment, Acuña diversified into the fast-casual restaurant industry as an investor in the Chronic Tacos chain. He opened his first franchise location in Redondo Beach, California, in 2010. Following the closure of that site, he launched a new franchise location in Long Beach, California, in February 2018.
Fast facts
- Born: 1973, Pisa
- Citizenship: United States, Italy, Chile
- Education: North High School
- Television debut: Jackass (2000)
- Restaurant franchise: Chronic Tacos
- Stunt hosting: Scarred (2007)
- Family-friendly film: Elf-Man (2012)
Questions readers ask
What is Jason Acuña's professional background?
He is an actor, stunt performer, skateboarder, television presenter, and film producer.
Did he compete in Celebrity Circus?
Yes, he finished in third place during the first season and was the first contestant to receive a perfect score.
Is he involved in the restaurant business?
Yes, he is an investor in the Chronic Tacos chain and has operated franchise locations in California.
Achievements
- Worked as television presenter, skateboarder and television actor
