Overview:
Bam Margera’s legacy as a skateboarder and reality TV icon was once marked by groundbreaking stunts and millions of fans. But public meltdowns, addiction, and legal battles overshadowed his talent—until now. As Margera embraces a quieter, sober life, his story is turning from one of downfall to one of redemption.
By Adeen Kennedy
Bam Margera’s legacy as a skateboarder and reality TV icon was once marked by groundbreaking stunts and millions of fans. But public meltdowns, addiction, and legal battles overshadowed his talent—until now. As Margera embraces a quieter, sober life, his story is turning from one of downfall to one of redemption.
Beginnings: The Rise of Bam
Born Brandon Cole Margera on September 28, 1979, in West Chester, Pennsylvania, Bam was nicknamed “Bam Bam” by his grandfather for constantly running into walls. By kindergarten, it was just “Bam.”
Influenced by skateboarding legends like Tony Hawk and Rodney Mullen, he dropped out of high school to pursue skating full-time. He gained early sponsorship from Fairman’s Skate Shop and later rode for Toy Machine Skateboards.
Camp Kill Yourself and DIY Fame
In the late 1990s, Margera and friends began filming outrageous stunts in what became the Camp Kill Yourself (CKY) video series. These videos—known for skateboarding, pranks, and edgy humor—helped launch Margera’s cult following.
He also formed a band named Camp Kill Yourself, featuring his brother Jess on drums. Their music appeared in the CKY video series, particularly in standout clips like “Jump Off the Building.”
Jackass: From Underground to Mainstream
In 2000, Margera caught the attention of Big Brother editor Jeff Tremaine, leading to his role in MTV’s Jackass. The series (and later films) brought Margera, his family, and his West Chester crew to national prominence.
Though wildly popular, the show drew criticism for its influence on kids imitating dangerous stunts. Castmate Steve-O reflected on this during his appearance on the Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson podcast, calling the show “a legitimate bad influence.”
Viva La Bam and Expanding the Brand
MTV handed Margera his own series, Viva La Bam, in 2003. The show chronicled wild stunts across the globe—from Pennsylvania to Brazil—and birthed the Viva La Bands music series. It aired for five seasons until 2005.
Margera also created and starred in Unholy Union, which followed his wedding to Missy Rothstein, and appeared in Jackass 2.5, Punk’d, Nitro Circus, and Bam’s World Domination.
Beyond TV: Music, Film, and Producing
Margera delved into music with the band GnarKill and helped produce Viva La Bands Volume 2 in 2007. He also wrote, produced, and directed films like Haggard (2003), based on the life of friend Ryan Dunn.
His credits include:
- Jackass: The Movie
- Jackass 3D and 3.5
- Minghags
- Ultimate Castle Bam House Tour
Personal Struggles and Family Turmoil
Bam’s relationships were often volatile. He split from Jenn Rivell in 2005, divorced Rothstein in 2012, and later married Nicole Boyd in 2013. Their son, Phoenix Wolf, was born in 2017. The couple separated in 2021 and finalized their divorce in 2023.
He married model Dannii Marie in May 2024. The two now co-parent Phoenix alongside Boyd.
Descent into Darkness
Addiction plagued Margera for over a decade. Rehab attempts in 2009 and 2018 failed. His struggles worsened after the 2011 death of best friend Ryan Dunn.
Margera’s behavior escalated: a DUI arrest in 2018, public altercations, and domestic violence allegations led to multiple psychiatric holds and jail stints—including a 2024 arrest for violating probation.
He was fired from Jackass Forever due to erratic conduct. Tremaine and Knoxville even filed restraining orders against him, prompting Margera to file (and later drop) a lawsuit against MTV and Jackass producers.
Road to Recovery
After a 2024 jail stint, Margera began embracing sobriety. In a candid interview on the Ed Clay Show, he reflected on breaking free from the “cycle of insanity.”
“I had so many terrible things going on in my life that I didn’t want to remember. Drinking was how I coped,” he said.
Margera now lives quietly with his wife, Dannii Marie, and co-parents his son. He has publicly expressed grief over the deaths of Ozzy Osbourne and Hulk Hogan, signaling a renewed awareness of life’s fragility.
His Legacy
Despite a chaotic past, Margera’s contributions to skateboarding, entertainment, and music reached millions. His story is one of extreme highs and lows—but also hope. Margera’s journey is a stark reminder that recovery is possible and legacy isn’t always defined by downfall.
Editor’s Note:
This article was written by the Presence News editorial team and includes publicly available information and verified sources. For full transparency, some links may include affiliate partnerships for tools or media referenced.
