Origins & Early Life

Robert Craig Knievel (October 17, 1938 – November 30, 2007), known professionally as Evel Knievel ( EE-vəl kə-NEE-vəl), was an American stunt performer and entertainer. Throughout his career, he attempted more than 75 ramp-to-ramp motorcycle jumps. Knievel was inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999. Evel Knievel was born in Butte, Montana.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Raised by his paternal grandparents, Knievel was inspired to become a motorcycle daredevil after attending a Joie Chitwood auto daredevil show. He left high school early to work in the copper mines but was later fired for causing a city-wide power outage. After adopting the nickname "Evel Knievel", he participated in rodeos and ski jumping events, and served in the U.S. Army before marrying Linda Joan Bork and starting a semi-pro ice hockey team. To support his family, Knievel started the Sur-Kill Guide Service and later worked as an insurance salesman.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Eventually, he opened a Honda motorcycle dealership in Washington, but faced difficulties promoting Japanese imports. After the dealership closed, Knievel worked at a motorcycle shop where he learned motocross stunts that would later contribute to his daredevil career. Knievel's most famous...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Alfonso Caso — Shared historical date (11-30 · Died) (1970): Pioneering Mexican archaeologist renowned for pre-Columbian studies.
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