Bam Margera is a name that defined a generation of rebellious youth culture in the early 2000s. Known for his fearless stunts, skateboarding skills, and chaotic MTV fame, he became a pop culture icon whose life has been as turbulent as it has been influential.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Brandon Cole “Bam” Margera |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 28, 1979 |
| Place of Birth | West Chester, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Age (as of 2025) | 45 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Former Skateboarder, Stunt Performer, Filmmaker |
| Years Active | 1997–present |
| Famous Shows | Jackass, Viva La Bam, Bam’s Unholy Union |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Children | 1 son – Phoenix Wolf Margera |
Early Life and Family Background
Born on September 28, 1979, in West Chester, Pennsylvania, Bam Margera was raised in a lively household by his parents April and Phil Margera. His grandfather gave him the nickname “Bam Bam” after noticing his habit of running into walls as a toddler—a name that stuck and was later shortened to Bam. He grew up alongside his older brother Jess Margera, who would go on to become the drummer for the band CKY. Bam’s uncle, Vincent “Don Vito” Margera, also became a familiar face through Bam’s TV shows.
Education and Creative Beginnings
Bam Margera attended West Chester East High School but dropped out after his junior year to pursue skateboarding full-time. He was later homeschooled and earned his GED. His creative spark ignited early—he began filming skateboarding and prank videos with friends like Ryan Dunn, Brandon DiCamillo , andChris Raab. These raw, chaotic clips evolved into the CKY (Camp Kill Yourself) video series, which gained a cult following and laid the groundwork for his future in entertainment.
Skateboarding Career and Rise to Fame
Turning pro in 1998, Bam Margera quickly made a name for himself in the skateboarding world. Sponsored by brands like Element, Adio Footwear, and Volcom, he became known for his aggressive style and fearless tricks. His skateboarding wasn’t just about technical skill—it was about attitude. Bam’s charisma and daredevil energy helped him stand out in a crowded field, and he became one of the most recognizable faces in the sport during the late ’90s and early 2000s.
Breakthrough with Jackass and MTV Fame
The CKY videos caught the attention of Jeff Tremaine, Johnny Knoxville, and Spike Jonze, leading to the creation of Jackass in 2000. As one of the core cast members, Bam Margera became a breakout star, known for his outrageous stunts and frequent pranks on his parents. His popularity led to spin-off shows like Viva La Bam (2003–2006), which followed his wild antics at home, and Bam’s Unholy Union (2007), which documented his wedding to Melissa Rothstein.
These shows were cultural phenomena, blending skateboarding, comedy, and chaos in a way that resonated with a generation of thrill-seekers and misfits.
Film Projects and Directorial Work
Beyond television, Bam Margera explored filmmaking. He co-wrote and directed Haggard (2003), a semi-autobiographical film based on his friend Ryan Dunn’s relationship troubles. He followed it with Minghags (2009), another offbeat comedy featuring his usual crew. These projects showcased his creative vision and ability to blend skate culture with storytelling.
Though not mainstream hits, these films became cult favorites among fans of the Jackass universe and further cemented Bam’s status as a multi-talented entertainer.
Age and Physical Appearance
As of 2025, Bam Margera is 45 years old. He stands about 5 feet 10 inches tall and has a heavily tattooed, punk-inspired look that reflects his rebellious persona. With his blue eyes, dark brown hair, and ever-changing facial hair, Bam’s appearance has evolved over the years—from clean-cut skater to grizzled rock-and-roll survivor. His style remains unmistakably his own, often featuring band tees, beanies, and skate shoes.
Personal Life and Relationships
Bam Margera’s personal life has been as dramatic as his on-screen stunts. He was engaged to Jennifer Rivell in the early 2000s, followed by a high-profile marriage to Melissa “Missy” Rothstein in 2007, which was chronicled in Bam’s Unholy Union. The couple divorced in 2012. He later married Nicole Boyd in 2013, with whom he shares a son, Phoenix Wolf, born in 2017. Their relationship ended in divorce in 2023.
In 2024, Bam began dating Dannii Marie, a model and social media personality. Their relationship has drawn media attention, especially as Bam continues to navigate personal challenges and public scrutiny.
Family and Collaborations
Family has always played a central role in Bam Margera’s work. His parents, April and Phil, were frequent targets of his pranks and became beloved figures in their own right. His brother Jess contributed musically through the band CKY, which provided soundtracks for many of Bam’s projects. His late uncle Don Vito was a controversial but memorable presence on Viva La Bam.
These collaborations gave Bam’s shows a unique, familial energy that set them apart from other reality TV programs.
Struggles with Addiction and Legal Issues
Despite his success, Bam Margera has faced serious personal struggles. He has battled alcoholism and substance abuse for over a decade, entering rehab multiple times since 2009. His addiction issues intensified after the death of close friend Ryan Dunn in 2011, leading to erratic behavior and legal troubles.
Bam has been arrested several times for public intoxication, assault, and violating restraining orders. In 2020, he was removed from the production of Jackass Forever due to failing to comply with sobriety requirements. These incidents have strained his relationships and tarnished his public image, though he continues to seek recovery and stability.
Public Image and Media Presence
Once celebrated as a fearless prankster and skateboarding icon, Bam Margera’s public image has shifted dramatically. While many fans still admire his early work, others express concern over his well-being. Social media has become a double-edged sword—offering a platform for connection but also exposing his personal struggles in real time.
Despite the controversies, Bam retains a loyal fan base that hopes for his redemption. His story is a cautionary tale about fame, addiction, and the pressures of living in the spotlight.
Legacy in Skate and Stunt Culture
Bam Margera’s legacy is undeniable. He helped bring skateboarding and DIY filmmaking into the mainstream, inspiring a generation of creators and athletes. His influence can be seen in everything from YouTube prank channels to modern skate culture. Shows like Jackass and Viva La Bam paved the way for alternative entertainment that blends humor, danger, and authenticity.
Though his journey has been rocky, Bam’s contributions to pop culture remain significant. He showed that being different could be powerful—and that chaos, when channeled creatively, could become art.
Conclusion
From a teenage skater filming backyard stunts to a global TV sensation, Bam Margera has lived a life few could imagine. His story is one of creativity, chaos, fame, and fallout. While his path has been marked by both triumph and tragedy, his impact on skateboarding and entertainment is lasting. As he continues to battle personal demons, fans and peers alike hope for a future where Bam finds peace—and maybe even a second act.
FAQs
Who is Bam Margera?
Bam Margera is an American former professional skateboarder, stunt performer, and TV personality, best known for MTV’s Jackass and Viva La Bam.
How old is Bam Margera?
He was born on September 28, 1979, making him 45 years old as of 2025.
Why is Bam Margera called “Bam”?
His grandfather nicknamed him “Bam Bam” as a toddler because he would run into walls; the name was later shortened to Bam.
What is Bam Margera’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated to be between $5 million and $50 million, depending on sources.
Did Bam Margera finish high school?
No, he dropped out of West Chester East High School to focus on skateboarding but later earned his GED.
Who are Bam Margera’s family members?
His parents are April and Phil Margera, his brother is Jess Margera of the band CKY, and his late uncle was Vincent “Don Vito” Margera.
Has Bam Margera faced legal issues?
Yes, he has struggled with addiction and faced multiple legal troubles, including arrests and rehab stints since the mid-2000s.
What are Bam Margera’s most famous shows?
He starred in Jackass, Viva La Bam, Bam’s Unholy Union, and directed films like Haggard and Minghags.
Does Bam Margera have children?
Yes, he has a son named Phoenix Wolf Margera with ex-wife Nicole Boyd.
Is Bam Margera still skateboarding?
While no longer active professionally, he occasionally shares skate content and remains a cultural figure in the skateboarding world.
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