Johnny Knoxville Discusses His Return to ‘Fear Factor’ and His Greatest Fear

Johnny Knoxville has spent years performing dangerous stunts, but he reveals that his greatest fear is not about pain or injuries. During an interview at the 2026 Fox Upfront event in New York City, the Jackass star shared insights about fear, family, and how his priorities have evolved.

At 55, Knoxville is renowned for pushing his physical limits in the Jackass franchise, where he has endured countless extreme stunts. He recently returned to television as the host of Fear Factor: House of Fear. However, he admits that true fear manifests in a much more personal context.

In his conversation with PEOPLE at the event, Knoxville expressed that his biggest fear revolves around his family. “Probably something happening with my kid or something my wife, but for me, not much,” he stated. This comment reflects a significant shift from his previously reckless persona to a more grounded focus on family life.

As a father of three, Knoxville’s perspective has changed. His eldest daughter, Madison, was born in 1996, followed by son Rocko in 2009 and daughter Arlo in 2011. He has often discussed how fatherhood transformed him, noting that holding his first child brought him a sense of calm and focus during a chaotic period in his life.

His relationship with his children has influenced his career choices as well. In earlier interviews, he mentioned that he didn’t allow them to watch Jackass when they were younger due to the extreme nature of the stunts, fearing they might imitate what they saw.

Knoxville’s personal life has also seen significant changes in recent years. He was married twice before tying the knot with costume designer Emily Ting in November 2025. Their intimate ceremony was officiated by filmmaker John Waters, with their dog present to witness the occasion.

Despite embracing a new marriage and a more settled lifestyle, Knoxville remains active in the entertainment industry. He is set to return for Jackass 5, which he has indicated will be his final film in the franchise. Following a brain hemorrhage caused by a bull during filming for Jackass Forever, doctors advised him to refrain from dangerous stunts.

Knoxville has said that this experience prompted him to reevaluate his life. He has shared in previous interviews that his mental health and physical condition were impacted, leading to a course of medication that aided his recovery. Since then, he has stepped back from the more extreme aspects of stunt work.

Nevertheless, he continues to engage in new projects across film and television. Upcoming films include Tiny Fugitives and I Want Your Sex, directed by Gregg Araki.

Knoxville emphasizes that his life now centers less on proving himself through stunts and more on achieving balance. After years of pushing boundaries on screen, his focus has shifted to something far more personal: ensuring the safety and closeness of his family.

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