In a recent interview with ‘Playboy,’ Steve-O—born Stephen Glover—reflected on his early days in the entertainment industry, particularly recalling the modest compensation he received during the production of the first season of ‘Jackass.’ He remarked on the ironic nature of his pay, saying, “It’s comical how little I was paid for the first season of Jackass.”
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The much-anticipated film, ‘Jackass: Best and Last,’ is set to release on June 26, marking the culmination of an iconic stunt franchise that has captivated audiences over the years. Initially starting life as a reality television show, ‘Jackass’ has since evolved into a successful five-part film series, with Steve-O rising to fame as one of its central figures.
Before becoming the renowned performer he is today, Steve-O was on the verge of homelessness and struggling to make his mark as an amateur stuntman. His journey took a dramatic turn after a significant stunt in 1997, where he accidentally burned his face while attempting a fire-breathing backflip for the cult skateboarding magazine, Big Brother. This incident propelled him into the public eye and spurred him to enrol in Ringling Bros. Clown College.
“I thought, alright, if I can graduate from Ringling Bros. Clown College, then I’m a trained circus professional,” Steve-O explained. He hoped this education would add legitimacy to his aspirations as a stuntman. He jokingly noted that he was likely “the only guy going to Clown College to seek legitimacy.”
While studying, an issue of Big Brother featuring his antics was published, setting the stage for his eventual casting in ‘Jackass.’ Steve-O remarked, “The fact that I was a clown endeared me to the f—ing people who started Jackass. It was organic.” Prior to filming, he had been performing as a clown at nightclubs, on cruise ships, and even at a flea-market circus.
The premiere of ‘Jackass’ on October 1, 2000, marked a dramatic shift in Steve-O’s life. He described the experience as transforming his existence from “black-and-white” to “completely different overnight.” Despite the show’s immediate success, the financial rewards took longer to materialise.
Steve-O revealed that his pay structure was based on individual stunts rather than a per-episode rate. “After five days of filming, I was all banged up, hungover, and had been bitten by a shark,” he recalled. He wrote a list of stunts he felt needed to be included in the show, jokingly noting that next to “Goldfish,” he wrote down an expected payment of $200. The shark bite earned him a mere $500, yet overall he received less than £1,500 for the entire first season.
With the show’s success, fame came relatively quickly, but Steve-O noted the stark contrast with financial gain. “That’s one of the first things I learned about fame: It comes a lot easier than fortune,” he commented, sharing his experience of being broke and without a home even as he was becoming a star.
As the series reaches its conclusion, the camaraderie between Steve-O and his fellow ‘Jackass’ performers—Johnny Knoxville, Chris Pontius, and Dave England—remains evident. The release of ‘Jackass: Best and Last’ will encapsulate the essence of their wild endeavours, featuring previously unseen footage from earlier projects.
Steve-O confirmed that this film signifies the official end of the franchise, stating, “one-hundred percent” that ‘Jackass’ is drawing to a close. He described the significance of the final installment, stating, “This movie is finding a home for such f—ed-up s— that never had a home, and one last hurrah of all of us getting together and doing whatever we have in us to do.”
Following a private screening, Steve-O expressed satisfaction with the project, stating, “I was beyond moved…what I was a part of. What I am a part of. F—ing insane.” The collaboration among the cast continues to reflect the unique bond formed through years of outrageous stunts and shared experiences, which have undoubtedly left their mark on pop culture.
As fans eagerly await the release of ‘Jackass: Best and Last,’ there is a sense of nostalgia for the franchise that has not only entertained millions but also carved out a niche for stunt performers in the entertainment industry. With its blend of humour, camaraderie, and audacious stunts, ‘Jackass’ will undoubtedly be missed.