At a Glance
- Johnny Knoxville has three children: Madison, 30, Rocko, 16, and Arlo, 14
- He forbids them from watching Jackass or doing stunts
- His oldest daughter Madison already works in film production
- Why it matters: The stunt legend wants his kids to “use their brain for something other than a test dummy”
Johnny Knoxville built a career on reckless stunts, but he’s drawing a hard line when it comes to his own children. The Jackass co-creator, 54, is father to three kids who have grown up knowing their dad as both a global prank icon and a surprisingly strict parent.
The Three Knoxville Kids
Knoxville’s journey into fatherhood began in 1996 with daughter Madison, now 30, from his first marriage to Melanie Lynn Clapp. His second marriage to Naomi Nelson brought son Rocko in 2009 and daughter Arlo in 2011. After divorcing Nelson in 2022, Knoxville married costume designer Emily Ting in November 2025.
The stunt performer admits he was “terrified” at becoming a dad at 25. “The baby was born, and she was put into my arms. Just looking at her, all of my fear went away,” he told News Of Losangeles in April 2024.
Madison: The Film Industry Insider
Madison Clapp has carved her own path in entertainment, working as an associate producer, production supervisor, and writer. She graduated from Oberlin College and has worked on music videos and her father’s 2024 film Sweet Dreams.
On Instagram, Madison described helping her dad run lines during filming. “I read for some of the daughter’s lines in a couple more emotional scenes (sorry again for the tears, Dad!)” she wrote.
As the oldest, Madison frequently shares photos with her younger siblings, including a December 2022 birthday message to Rocko: “Happy birthday to my baby bro Rocko, who’s now towering over me.”
Rocko: The Baseball Phenom
Rocko Clapp, born December 20, 2009, may have inherited his father’s adventurous spirit, but Knoxville keeps him away from stunts. “He’s wired like my father. He has that rambunctious spirit, and I’m afraid that he would want to do it,” Knoxville told The Guardian.
Instead, Rocko channels his energy into baseball. In September 2022, the then-12-year-old appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and struck out his father on live television. “That was legit,” Knoxville told his son. “Good job, buddy.”
Arlo: The Makeup Artist
Youngest child Arlo, born October 6, 2011, enjoys making over her famous dad. Knoxville shared photos in March 2024 showing his daughter’s makeup work, noting she and her friend “like to do my makeup” and usually make him go out for ice cream afterward.
Madison posted throwback photos for Arlo’s birthday in October 2023, writing “happy birthday to my best girl Arlo, ya nut.”
The No-Jackass Rule
Knoxville maintains strict boundaries about his children following his career path. “They’re not going to follow in my footsteps,” he told LADbible. “They’re going to go to school and use their brain for something other than a test dummy.”
He describes himself as a “helicopter parent” who’s “very concerned” about his kids’ well-being. This protective stance extends to keeping them from watching Jackass, especially Rocko, due to his adventurous nature.
Life After Divorce
Following his 2022 divorce from Nelson, Knoxville married Emily Ting in November 2025. Madison celebrated the wedding on Instagram, writing she was “over the moon” for the couple and praising their “sweet vows.”
Despite his wild on-screen persona, Knoxville takes parenting seriously. “I don’t know if there’s a greater thing,” he told News Of Losangeles. “It’s a responsibility, and it’s hard, but it’s great. I love being a parent.”
Key Takeaways
- Knoxville’s three children span 16 years in age
- Madison works behind the camera in film production
- Rocko excels at baseball, not stunts
- Arlo enjoys creative pursuits like makeup
- The stunt legend actively prevents his kids from following his dangerous career path
