Evel Knievel

Evel Knievel (1938-2007) was an American stunt performer and entertainer known for his daring motorcycle jumps. Born in Butte, Montana, Knievel was inspired to become a daredevil after attending a Joie Chitwood auto daredevil show. He attempted over 75 ramp-to-ramp jumps throughout his career and was inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999. Knievel started as a rodeo performer, participated in ski jumping events, and served in the U.S. Army before marrying Linda Joan Bork and starting a semi-pro hockey team. He later worked as an insurance salesman and opened a Honda motorcycle dealership. Knievel's career was marked by both triumphs and injuries, and he passed away in 2007 due to pulmonary disease at the age of 69.