Robbie Knievel

Robert Edward “Robbie” Knievel III: A Life in the Spotlight

Robert Edward “Robbie” Knievel III, son of the legendary daredevil Evel Knievel, was a renowned stuntman who carved out his own place in the world of extreme sports. Born on May 7, 1962, in Butte, Montana, Robbie was the third of four children from Evel’s first marriage to Linda. Following in his father’s footsteps, he began performing motorcycle jumps at an early age, rapidly gaining recognition for his own daredevil feats.

Early Years and Relationship with Evel Knievel

Growing up in the shadow of his father’s fame, Robbie was introduced to the world of stunt riding at a young age, with his father providing the initial training. As a teenager, he made appearances alongside Evel at major events, including at Madison Square Garden in New York. Robbie’s likeness was even immortalized in an action figure, “Robbie, The Teen-Age Stuntman,” which was produced during the height of his father’s fame. However, the relationship between father and son was not without its challenges. As Robbie’s talents flourished, Evel became increasingly jealous, leading to tensions between them. At 16, Robbie left home, eager to establish his own identity. For the next decade, he performed at smaller events, gradually building his career and eventually reconciling with his father before Evel’s death in 2007.

Notable Stunts and Achievements

Robbie Knievel gained international acclaim for his record-breaking stunts, completing over 350 jumps and setting 20 world records. Unlike his father, who primarily used a Harley-Davidson XR-750 motorcycle, Robbie opted for the more agile Honda CR500 motocross bike for most of his jumps. One of his most iconic feats occurred in 1989, when he successfully jumped over the Caesars Palace fountains in Las Vegas, replicating the famous but failed stunt performed by Evel Knievel in 1967. Robbie’s 150-foot jump paid tribute to his father’s legacy while proving his own skill and determination.

Throughout his career, Robbie performed increasingly daring stunts, including a 228-foot jump across a portion of the Grand Canyon in 1998, a feat that had been originally denied to his father by the National Park Service. He also jumped over military planes on the USS Intrepid in 2004 and performed other notable stunts, such as a jump over a moving locomotive in 2000. Despite suffering numerous injuries, Robbie continued to perform well into his 40s, with his last major stunt planned for 2008 at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas, where he aimed to jump an artificial volcano.

Challenges and Later Years

Despite his success, Robbie’s career was marred by legal and personal struggles. In 2015, he was arrested for a DUI after a crash involving multiple vehicles. Facing a felony charge, he ultimately pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor and was sentenced to a fine and probation. This event led Robbie to make significant life changes, including stopping drinking and achieving sobriety. He later celebrated this milestone by performing what he described as his first “sober jump” in Palm Springs, California.

Legacy and Media Presence

Robbie Knievel’s life and career were the subject of various media portrayals. He starred in the 2005 A&E reality show Knievel’s Wild Ride, which offered a glimpse into his life as a stuntman, and was featured in the 2017 documentary Chasing Evel: The Robbie Knievel Story. The documentary explored his tumultuous relationship with his father and the impact of addiction on both their lives.

Family and Final Years

Robbie Knievel was a devoted father to his three daughters: Krysten, Karmen, and Maria. In his final years, he faced the challenge of pancreatic cancer, which led to his death on January 13, 2023, at the age of 60. He was surrounded by his daughters at the time of his passing, which occurred at a hospice in Reno, Nevada.

Robbie Knievel’s legacy endures through his remarkable stunts and his contributions to the world of extreme sports. Despite the personal challenges he faced, he will be remembered as a fearless daredevil who carried on the Knievel legacy with both pride and courage.