How Much Does Jackass Get Paid Per Stunt? (Spoiler Alert: It’s Not As Much As You Think)
You’re watching a marathon of Jackass on MTV, a gloriously disgusting montage of self-inflicted pain and hilarious pranks. You’re laughing hysterically, but then a sudden thought hits you: “Just how much money do these maniacs get paid for this?” Buckle up, because we’re about to dive into the world of Jackass finances, where “danger pay” can be surprisingly low, and sometimes, even non-existent.
Now, before we get into the nitty-gritty details, let’s be clear: “Jackass” is no ordinary reality show. This is a show where people willingly get kicked in the testicles by a donkey, swallow a whole bottle of hot sauce, and get dragged down the street by a truck. It’s a show that’s been called “the most dangerous show on television,” and for good reason. So, you’d think they’d be rolling in dough, right? Wrong!
The “Danger Pay” Myth
It turns out, even the most daring stunts don’t always translate to a hefty paycheck. Steve-O, the self-proclaimed “King of Pain” and a Jackass mainstay, has revealed that he was paid a mere $500 per stunt, a paltry sum considering the potential for serious injury. He even shared that for “easy going kind of sight gags,” the pay was a measly $200. Talk about a bargain for the studio!
Ehren McGhehey, another Jackass veteran, also confirmed that he earned a similar amount, making $400 per skit.
So, what does this tell us? It seems like the Jackass cast, those daredevils who put their bodies on the line for our entertainment, aren’t exactly swimming in cash.
The Jackass Salary Mystery
We know that the cast was paid well for their work in the movie franchise, but the exact figures remain shrouded in secrecy. It’s like a secret society, only instead of handshakes and cryptic rituals, it involves a lot of projectile vomit and questionable hygiene.
The only two members who have publicly shared their earnings are Steve-O and Ehren McGhehey.
The Richest Jackass: Johnny Knoxville
While the exact salaries of the cast haven’t been revealed, we can still get a glimpse into their wealth. According to Celebrity Net Worth and Wealthy Gorilla, Johnny Knoxville, the mastermind behind Jackass, boasts a net worth of $50 million.
The success of the Jackass franchise, both on TV and in film, has undoubtedly contributed to Knoxville’s fortune. He’s also had successful acting roles in films like “Men in Black II” and “The Dukes of Hazzard.”
The Price of Fame (and Pain)
So, how do the Jackass cast members make their money? Aside from the occasional stunt fee, their income comes from a variety of sources:
- Movie and TV royalties: The Jackass franchise has earned a ton of money for its creators. Imagine the royalty checks for a movie that sold millions of DVDs and grossed over $100 million at the box office.
- Endorsements: The Jackass cast members are celebrities, and celebrities get paid to endorse products. Think of the opportunities to sell things like energy drinks, protein bars, and, perhaps, even a line of high-quality safety gear for those daring stunts.
- Personal appearances: With a loyal fan base, the Jackass cast members can charge a pretty penny for public appearances.
- Merchandise: From T-shirts to action figures, the Jackass merchandise is a lucrative business.
The Jackass Legacy: A Lasting Impact
The Jackass franchise has left a lasting impact on entertainment, inspiring countless imitators and influencing the landscape of reality TV.
But beyond the laughs and the outrageous stunts, there’s a deeper message to be gleaned from Jackass. It’s a reminder that we don’t need to be rich to have fun. Sometimes, the most rewarding experiences come from embracing the ridiculous and pushing the boundaries of what’s considered “normal.”
So, the next time you’re watching a Jackass marathon, remember that the cast members aren’t just risking their bodies for the money. They’re also risking their bodies to show us that life is too short to be serious all the time. And that, my friends, is priceless.
Final Thoughts: A Dose of Reality (and Sarcasm)
In the end, the question of “how much do Jackass get paid” is just a starting point for a conversation about what it means to be a fan of a show that pushes boundaries and makes us laugh, often at the expense of its cast members’ well-being.
So, next time you’re watching a Jackass stunt, and you’re cringing at their pain, just remember that they’re getting paid for it (though maybe not as much as you think!). But at least they’re getting paid for it, while you’re sitting on your couch, safely enjoying the ridiculousness.
