Evel Knievel remains one of the most recognizable names in stunt performance and motorcycle culture. Many fans wonder how old is evel knievel when reviewing his iconic jumps and legacy, especially as timelines and career milestones are compared across sources.
Understanding his age at key moments helps clarify the chronology of his most famous achievements and separates verified facts from popular myths.
| Event | Date | Evel Knievel Age | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| First major jump at Festival of Hillings | July 1965 | 25 | Early career breakthrough on a Ford Mustang jump |
| Caesar’s Palace jump in Las Vegas | September 1967 | 27 | Live television jump over 13 buses |
| Wembley Stadium jump | September 1975 | 39 | Attempted jump over 13 double-decker buses |
| Last major public jump | October 1976 | 40 | Severe injuries ended high-profile stunt career |
| Documented birth date | October 17, 1938— | Primary source references confirm this date |
Early Life And Birth Context
Clarifying how old is evel knievel begins with his birth records and childhood environment. Robert Craig Knievel, known professionally as Evel Knievel, was born on October 17, 1938, in Butte, Montana.
His early years in a resource-rich region shaped his risk-taking attitude and mechanical curiosity, both of which fueled his later stunt innovations.
Rise To Fame In The 1960s
During the mid-1960s, audiences repeatedly asked how old is evel knievel as his daring jumps pushed the limits of motorcycle performance. At age 25, he gained widespread attention with a stunt involving a speeding Ford Mustang and a ramp line.
His combination of showmanship, precise timing, and charismatic persona elevated him from carnival acts to prime-time television events.
The Caesars Palace And Wembley Years
The peak of his career solidified the public perception of how old is evel knievel at the moment of global fame. By the time he tackled the Caesars Palace jump in 1967, he was 27 and commanding national headlines.
Five years later, at age 39, his attempted Wembley Stadium jump over buses became one of the most televised stunts in history, even though it ended in a crash.
Injury, Retirement, And Later Life
As fans reflect on how old is evel knievel during his stunt years, it is also important to acknowledge the physical toll and eventual retirement. A critical October 1976 crash left him with severe injuries, ending his high-profile career at age 40.
He lived for decades afterward, remaining a cultural symbol and participating in interviews that kept his legacy alive well into his later years.
Legacy And Influence On Modern Stunts
Examining how old is evel knievel at each milestone reveals the intensity of his short stunt window and the lasting impact of his approach to performance.
- Verified birth date of October 17, 1938 anchors all age-related timelines.
- Key jumps at ages 25, 27, 39, and 40 illustrate a rapid rise and equally rapid decline due to injuries.
- Television exposure at each stage amplified his age narrative and public fascination.
- Documented career span from 1965 to 1976 highlights a concentrated era of innovation and risk.
- Continued recognition decades later shows how age is intertwined with mythmaking in extreme sports.
FAQ
Reader questions
What exact birth date is documented for Evel Knievel?
October 17, 1938.
At what age did Evel Knievel perform his most famous Caesar’s Palace jump?
He was 27 years old during the September 1967 televised stunt.
How old was Evel Knievel during his Wembley Stadium attempt in 1975?
He was 39 years old when he attempted to jump over 13 double-decker buses.
What age was Evel Knievel when a crash effectively ended his stunt career?
He was 40 at the time of the severe injuries in October 1976.