Johnny Knoxville Opens Up: “I Can’t Take Head Hits Anymore” After Serious Brain Injury
Johnny Knoxville, the 54-year-old star of the “Jackass” franchise, has revealed he can no longer take hits to the head after a serious injury during filming. Fans have been wondering how Knoxville will be involved in the upcoming “Jackass 5,” set to hit theaters on June 26 from Paramount Pictures.
The injury happened during a stunt in the 2022 film “Jackass Forever,” when Knoxville was hit by a bull and landed on his head. The accident caused a brain hemorrhage, concussion, broken wrist, and a broken rib. The stunt left a lasting impact on Knoxville and has forced him to reconsider which stunts he can safely perform in the future.
Speaking on the “Books That Changed My Life” podcast, Knoxville was asked whether he is still allowed to do stunts. He admitted, “I can’t do anything where I can get another concussion. [I’m] way over my limit for concussions, but I don’t care about anything else. I just can’t get hit in the head anymore — but a lot of other guys can.”
Despite the restrictions, Knoxville remains excited about the new movie. He said, “The ‘Jackass’ movies are pure hell for the cast, but they’re a lot of fun for me. They’re having fun too. I’m very excited about that.”
Details about “Jackass 5” are still limited. The film will include a mix of new material and archival footage that has never been seen before. Variety reports that original cast member Bam Margera will appear in old footage, marking the end of a long-standing feud with the “Jackass” team. Margera is not expected to perform any new stunts in the movie.
Knoxville’s history with dangerous stunts is extensive. Over the years, he has suffered serious injuries, including a torn urethra during the 2008 special “Jackass Presents: Mat Hoffman’s Tribute to Evel Knievel.”
He had to perform urinary catheterization twice daily for over three years to prevent scar tissue from forming. Knoxville has also had multiple personal challenges, including divorces and a number of accidents outside of filming, such as burns from a garage fire and broken bones from a motorcycle fall.
The star has continued to work in entertainment despite these setbacks. He has been married three times, most recently to costume designer Emily Ting in 2025. Knoxville has also stayed involved in the production side of the franchise and remains a driving force behind “Jackass,” helping to guide the new generation of performers joining the team.
Knoxville’s caution with head injuries highlights the real risks behind the stunts fans love. Even with the danger, he shows no signs of stepping away entirely, making adjustments to protect himself while still taking part in the chaos.
I think it’s remarkable that Knoxville keeps pushing forward despite these serious injuries. It’s a reminder of the physical toll behind the laughs in the “Jackass” movies. What do you think about him continuing to perform stunts with these limits? Share your thoughts in the comments .
