Johnny Knoxville is basically the patron saint of doing things that should, by all laws of physics and biology, have ended him decades ago. We’ve seen him launch himself out of cannons, get gored by bulls, and take more hits to the groin than a carnival bell. But while his professional life is a chaotic symphony of "don’t try this at home," his personal life has been a lot more grounded, albeit filled with its own set of transitions.
If you’re looking for the current johnny knoxville wife, the name you need to know is Emily Ting.
Honestly, the news of their marriage caught a few people off guard because it felt like it happened in the blink of an eye. They tied the knot in November 2025. It wasn't some massive, bloated Hollywood gala, either. It was a small, intimate ceremony officiated by none other than John Waters. Yes, that John Waters—the "Pope of Trash" himself. Seeing the guy who directed Pink Flamingos marry the guy who pioneered the portable toilet stunt is just... chef's kiss. It makes sense. It’s authentic.
Who Is Emily Ting?
Emily Ting isn’t just "the wife." She’s a powerhouse in her own right within the industry. She’s a Los Angeles-based costume designer and an award-winning filmmaker. You’ve actually seen her work if you’ve watched Jackass Forever or The Eric Andre Show. That’s basically where the spark started.
Working on a Jackass set has to be a unique bonding experience. You aren't just picking out suits; you’re figuring out which fabrics can withstand fire, bear grease, or whatever explosive device Steve-O is strapped to that day. Ting and Knoxville made their first public appearance together around 2022, right as the world was reeling from the sheer madness of the fourth film.
The Timeline of Past Marriages
To understand where Knoxville is now, you have to look at where he’s been. He’s been married three times, and each era of his life is kind of defined by these relationships.
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Melanie Lynn Cates (1995–2008)
Knoxville married Melanie Lynn Cates way back in 1995, before the world even knew what Jackass was. They were together during the meteoric rise of the show, the lawsuits, and the initial cult stardom. They have a daughter, Madison, who was born in 1996. While the marriage ended in divorce, they’ve managed to maintain a solid co-parenting relationship over the years.
Naomi Nelson (2010–2024)
Then came Naomi Nelson. This was Knoxville’s longest marriage, lasting over a decade. They have two children together: a son named Rocko and a daughter named Arlo. This era of Knoxville’s life felt a bit more "settled," if you can call a man who fights heavyweight boxers in department stores settled.
The split from Naomi was drawn out. They separated in late 2021—specifically on their 11th wedding anniversary, which is a bit of a gut punch—but the divorce wasn't officially finalized until 2024. They cited "irreconcilable differences," the standard Hollywood catch-all, but by all accounts, they’ve kept things civil for the sake of the kids.
Why This Marriage Feels Different
There’s a different energy with Emily Ting. Maybe it’s because they are creative collaborators. Ting has a serious resume; she won Best Short Film at the Omaha Film Festival and has been recognized at the Seattle International Film Festival for her film Go Back to China.
She’s not just someone on his arm at premieres; she’s a peer who understands the grind of production. When they got married, Knoxville posted on Instagram calling himself the "luckiest and happiest fella in the universe." He wore a denim-blue velvet tuxedo, she wore a baby-blue minidress, and their dog, Bucket, was right there with them.
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The Family Man Behind the Stunts
It’s easy to forget that Knoxville is a dad to three kids. Madison is now in her late 20s, while Rocko and Arlo are teenagers. In fact, his kids are the ones who finally got him to slow down.
Knoxville has been open about the fact that his children staged a sort of intervention. After the "Magic Trick" stunt in Jackass Forever—where a bull essentially gave him a brain hemorrhage—his kids made him promise to stop doing stunts that cause concussions. He’s had sixteen documented concussions. That’s enough to make anyone’s brain feel like scrambled eggs.
He told Jimmy Fallon that he’s keeping that promise. "I've had too many concussions," he admitted. It’s a rare moment of vulnerability for a guy who once famously asked to be shot while wearing a bulletproof vest just to see what it felt like.
Navigating the Public Eye in 2026
In the age of social media, being johnny knoxville wife means dealing with a lot of noise. Fans are protective of the Jackass crew. They’ve seen these guys grow up, get injured, go through rehab, and lose friends like Ryan Dunn.
Emily Ting seems to handle it with grace. She stays focused on her work—like her costume design for The Real Bros of Simi Valley: The Movie—and keeps her personal life relatively low-key despite the high-profile marriage.
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Lessons From the Knoxville Journey
If there’s one thing to take away from Knoxville’s relationship history, it’s that life is a series of acts.
- Act 1: The wild years with Melanie, where he became a household name.
- Act 2: The family-building years with Naomi, where he tried to balance the chaos with domesticity.
- Act 3: The partnership with Emily, where he seems to have found a blend of professional respect and personal happiness.
People change. Knoxville isn't the same guy who was jumping into hedges in 2000. He’s a 54-year-old husband and father who has realized that while the stunts are great for a laugh, the people waiting at home are the ones who actually keep you on your feet.
If you’re following the latest on the Jackass crew, keep an eye on Ting’s upcoming film projects. She’s a talent to watch regardless of who she’s married to. For Knoxville, the best "stunt" he’s pulled lately is finding a way to stay happy and healthy after decades of trying to break his own neck for our entertainment.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check out Emily Ting’s film Go Back to China to see her directorial style.
- Follow Knoxville’s production company, Dickhouse Productions, for updates on his non-stunt creative work.
- Respect the family’s privacy as they navigate this new chapter in their lives.