Evel Knievel Net Worth: The Daredevil's Life, Legacy, And Financial Empire

Ms. Rozella Armstrong 11 May 2025

Hey there, fellow adrenaline junkies! Let’s talk about one of the biggest daredevils the world has ever seen—Evel Knievel. You know him as the guy who jumped over stuff on a motorcycle and became a legend. But have you ever wondered just how much cash this guy had in his pocket? Today, we’re diving deep into Evel Knievel's net worth, uncovering the highs and lows of his financial journey. So buckle up, because this story’s got more twists than one of his famous jumps!

Before we jump into the numbers, let’s set the stage. Evel Knievel wasn’t just some guy riding motorcycles for fun. He was a cultural icon, a symbol of risk-taking and determination. His stunts were legendary, but behind the scenes, there was a complex business mind at work. We’re talking sponsorships, merchandise, and even a movie deal. Yep, this guy wasn’t just about breaking bones—he was also breaking records in the bank.

Now, if you’re here, chances are you’re curious about the financial side of Evel’s life. And trust me, it’s a wild ride. From his early days as a motorcycle salesman to becoming a global sensation, Knievel’s net worth tells a story of triumph, struggle, and ultimate legacy. So, without further ado, let’s get into it!

Evel Knievel Biography
Early Life and Career Beginnings
The Stunt Life: Fame and Fortune
Breaking Down Evel Knievel’s Net Worth
Business Ventures Beyond Stunts
Financial Challenges and Setbacks
The Lasting Legacy of Evel Knievel
Fun Facts About Evel Knievel
Evel Knievel vs. Modern Daredevils
Conclusion: What We Can Learn from Evel Knievel

Evel Knievel Biography

Let’s kick things off with a quick bio of the man himself. Evel Knievel, born Robert Craig Knievel on October 17, 1938, in Butte, Montana, wasn’t always a daredevil. He grew up in a working-class family and had a knack for trouble from a young age. In fact, his nickname "Evel" came from a jailhouse incident where he was arrested alongside a guy named "Awful" Knofla. The name stuck, and the rest is history.

Evel Knievel's Personal Data

Full Name	Robert Craig Knievel
Birth Date	October 17, 1938
Place of Birth	Butte, Montana
Occupation	Daredevil, Motorcycle Stunt Performer
Years Active	1965–1980

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Before Evel Knievel became the king of stunts, he was just a regular guy trying to make a living. He started off as a motorcycle salesman and even owned a dealership in the early 1960s. But something inside him craved more excitement. In 1965, he decided to take the leap and start performing motorcycle stunts full-time. And boy, did he ever take off!

His first big stunt was jumping over 16 cars in a row. It wasn’t perfect—he crashed—but it was enough to catch the public’s attention. From there, his career skyrocketed. He began traveling the country, performing stunts that seemed impossible. And with each jump, his fame grew, along with his net worth.

The Stunt Life: Fame and Fortune

By the late 1960s and early 1970s, Evel Knievel was a household name. His stunts were broadcast on TV, and he became a symbol of American bravery and risk-taking. But it wasn’t all about the jumps. Evel knew how to monetize his fame. He signed lucrative sponsorship deals with companies like Harley-Davidson and Coca-Cola. He even had his own toy line, action figures, and comic books.

And let’s not forget the movies. In 1971, he starred in "Viva Knievel," a biographical film about his life. It wasn’t exactly an Oscar contender, but it brought in big bucks. All of these ventures contributed to his growing net worth, which at its peak was estimated to be around $20 million. Not too shabby for a guy who started as a motorcycle salesman, right?

Key Stunts That Boosted His Fame

Jumping the fountains at Caesar’s Palace in 1967
Attempting to jump the Snake River Canyon in 1974
Setting a world record by jumping over 50 cars in 1973

Breaking Down Evel Knievel’s Net Worth

So, how exactly did Evel Knievel amass his fortune? It wasn’t just about the stunts. Sure, those brought in a lot of cash, but it was his business acumen that really set him apart. Here’s a breakdown of his major revenue streams:

Live Stunt Performances: Each show could earn him anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000.
Sponsorships and Endorsements: Deals with major brands added millions to his bank account.
Merchandising: Toys, action figures, and other merchandise generated significant income.
Movie Deals: "Viva Knievel" and other projects brought in substantial royalties.

At the height of his career, Evel’s net worth was estimated to be around $20 million. However, financial mismanagement and legal issues later caused his wealth to dwindle. Still, his legacy as one of the richest daredevils in history remains intact.

Business Ventures Beyond Stunts

Evel Knievel wasn’t just about jumping stuff. He had a knack for spotting opportunities and turning them into profitable ventures. After his stunt days, he ventured into real estate, investing in properties in Florida and California. He also dabbled in the entertainment industry, producing TV shows and documentaries about his life.

One of his most successful post-stunt ventures was the Evel Knievel Museum, which opened in 2000. Located in his hometown of Butte, Montana, the museum attracts thousands of visitors each year, generating revenue and keeping his legacy alive.

Financial Challenges and Setbacks

Of course, not everything was smooth sailing for Evel Knievel. Like many celebrities, he faced financial challenges and setbacks. One of the biggest blows came in the late 1970s when he was involved in a lawsuit over a failed business deal. The legal fees and settlements ate into his fortune.

Additionally, his extravagant lifestyle didn’t help. Between private jets, luxury cars, and a massive estate, Evel spent money as fast as he earned it. By the early 1980s, his net worth had dropped significantly. However, he remained resilient and continued to find ways to rebuild his wealth.

Lessons Learned from Evel’s Financial Struggles

Always diversify your income streams.
Don’t let expenses outpace earnings.
Seek professional financial advice.

The Lasting Legacy of Evel Knievel

Even though Evel Knievel passed away in 2007, his legacy lives on. He inspired a generation of daredevils and remains a cultural icon. His name is synonymous with bravery and risk-taking. And while his net worth may have fluctuated over the years, his impact on the world is immeasurable.

Today, Evel Knievel’s influence can be seen in everything from extreme sports to action movies. His museum continues to draw fans from all over the world, and his story is told in documentaries and books. Truly, he was a one-of-a-kind individual whose life was as thrilling as his stunts.

Fun Facts About Evel Knievel

Here are a few fun facts about Evel Knievel that you might not know:

He broke 433 bones during his career, earning him a spot in the Guinness World Records.
His famous jumpsuit was designed by Hollywood costumer George Maloof.
He once jumped over a tank filled with rattlesnakes and alligators.

Evel Knievel vs. Modern Daredevils

How does Evel Knievel stack up against modern daredevils? While today’s stunt performers have access to advanced technology and safety gear, Evel’s raw courage and determination set him apart. He was a pioneer in his field, paving the way for future generations of thrill-seekers.

Modern daredevils like Travis Pastrana have cited Evel as a major influence. And while their stunts may be more elaborate, they still owe a debt of gratitude to the man who showed the world what was possible.

Conclusion: What We Can Learn from Evel Knievel

So, there you have it—the story of Evel Knievel’s net worth and legacy. From humble beginnings as a motorcycle salesman to becoming one of the richest daredevils in history, Evel’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. He taught us that with courage, determination, and a little bit of business savvy, anything is possible.

Now, it’s your turn to take action. Leave a comment below and let us know what you think about Evel Knievel. Did his story inspire you? Or do you have a favorite stunt of his? Share your thoughts and don’t forget to check out our other articles for more thrilling content!

And hey, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try something new today? After all, life’s too short to play it safe. Just don’t try jumping over any fountains, okay?

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