Evel Knievel

Evel Knievel was an American motorcycle daredevil and stunt performer known for highly publicized ramp-to-ramp jumps and other dangerous motorcycle stunts.

Evel Knievel was an American motorcycle daredevil and stunt performer known for highly publicized ramp-to-ramp jumps and other dangerous motorcycle stunts. Born Robert Craig Knievel in Butte, Montana, he became a major American entertainment figure in the 1970s and died in Clearwater, Florida, in 2007.

Early life

Knievel was born in Butte, Montana, in 1938. Sources describe him as having worked in several jobs before becoming a stunt performer and note that his early background included sports such as ski jumping and ice hockey.

Stunt career

Knievel launched his public stunt career in 1965 and built his reputation on dangerous motorcycle jumps. He became known for large-scale spectacle events that drew national attention, including jumps over vehicles and other hazards.

Notable stunts

Among his most famous attempts were the Caesars Palace fountains jump in 1968, the Wembley Stadium bus jump, and the Snake River Canyon attempt in 1974. These events helped make him one of the best-known daredevils of his era.

Later life and death

Knievel continued to be associated with stunt performance and entertainment into later life. He died in Clearwater, Florida, on November 30, 2007, at age 69.