Jackass burst onto the scene of MTV almost 30 years ago with a simple introduction that would set the stage for its wild success. Led by Johnny Knoxville, the show featured a group of individuals engaging in daring stunts and pranks, quickly catapulting them to fame. Despite Knoxville’s prominent role, it was Steve-O who often pushed the boundaries with his outrageous performances.
In a recent interview with Playboy, Steve-O shared insights into the early days of Jackass, revealing the meager compensation they received for their risky escapades. Despite the physical toll and minimal pay, the cast poured their hearts into creating unforgettable moments for the show.
One of Steve-O’s most iconic stunts involved swallowing a live goldfish and regurgitating it into a fishbowl, a daring act that epitomized the show’s boundary-pushing nature. Reflecting on his early endeavors, Steve-O humorously recounted negotiating a mere $200 for the goldfish stunt and $500 for being bitten by a shark.
After the first season, Steve-O found himself with less than $1,500 in earnings, a modest sum considering the global fame that would follow. Before Jackass, he even attended Clown College in a bid for credibility as a stunt performer, showcasing his unconventional journey to success.
While Jackass enjoyed a brief run on MTV and spawned several movies and spin-offs, the upcoming release of “Jackass: Best and Last” marks the final chapter of the franchise. Steve-O confirmed that this film would serve as a grand finale, bringing together the original crew for one last hurrah before bidding farewell to the beloved series.