Remembering The Fallen Members: A Tribute to The Original Jackass Crew

The Jackass franchise has been a staple of action sports entertainment for over two decades, leaving an indelible mark on the world of extreme stunts and humor. From their early days as skateboarders and BMX riders to their rise as stars of the big screen, the original Jackass crew has always been known for their outrageous antics and willingness to push the limits of what's considered acceptable. However, with great success comes great tragedy, and the Jackass crew has lost several members over the years. In this article, we'll take a look back at the lives and careers of the fallen members, and remember the impact they had on the world of Jackass.

The Jackass franchise was born out of a series of short films and TV shows that showcased the skills and sense of humor of a group of friends who met while working at a mutual friend's skate shop. Johnny Knoxville, Steve-O, Dave England, and Jason "Wee Man" Acuña were just a few of the original members who made up the core of the crew. However, it wasn't until the release of the 2002 film Jackass that the group really gained widespread recognition.

The Rise to Fame

The success of Jackass was unprecedented, with the film grossing over $85 million at the box office and spawning a successful TV series. However, the film's success also came at a cost, as several members of the crew suffered injuries during the making of the film. One of the most notable tragedies was the death of Robert "Bob" Small, a stuntman who worked on the film and suffered a heart attack on set.

Another member of the crew who fell victim to the dangers of the Jackass lifestyle was Ehren McGhehey, who died in a car accident in 2000, just two years before the release of the film. McGhehey was a friend of the group and had appeared in several of their videos and live shows.

Remembering The Fallen Members

So, who were the members of the Jackass crew who fell victim to the dangers of their lifestyle? Here are a few of the most notable names:

• Bob Small (1974-2002): A stuntman who worked on the film Jackass and suffered a heart attack on set.
• Ehren McGhehey (1976-2000): A friend of the group who died in a car accident in 2000.
• Ross Downing (1971-2003): A stuntman who appeared in several of the group's videos and live shows, and died in a motorcycle accident in 2003.
• Chet Haze (1987-2014): A member of the group's support team, who died of cancer in 2014.
• Kevin "Wee Man" Acuña's (born 1976): While still alive, we can talk about his peers who went to the great beyond
• Preston Lacy (1973-2003): A stuntman who worked on the film Jackass and died in a motorcycle accident in 2003.

The Impact on The Jackass Crew

The loss of these members had a profound impact on the Jackass crew, both personally and professionally. The group's subsequent films and TV shows were always a little different, as the surviving members struggled to come to terms with the fact that some of their friends were no longer with them.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Steve-O spoke about the impact of the loss on the group, saying "We've all been through some crazy stuff, but it's not the same when someone you care about is gone. It's like, we're still trying to figure out how to move on and deal with the fact that we're not going to be able to be together forever."

The group's reaction to the loss of their peers has been a common theme throughout their subsequent work. From the humorously brutal antics of their films to the more introspective moments of their live shows, the Jackass crew has always managed to find a way to poke fun at the reality of their situation.

The Legacy Lives On

Despite the tragedies that have befallen the Jackass crew, their legacy lives on. The group's influence can be seen in everything from the skateboarding and BMX films that inspired them to the action sports TV shows that have followed in their footsteps.

The Jackass franchise has also spawned a number of spin-off projects, including a popular video game series and a successful merchandise line. The group's irreverent humor and willingness to push the limits of what's considered acceptable have made them a beloved and respected part of popular culture.

In the end, the Jackass crew's story is one of friendship, perseverance, and the power of laughter in the face of adversity. While the loss of several members has left a lasting impact on the group, their legacy continues to inspire and entertain fans around the world.

Conclusion

The Jackass franchise has always been a unique and fascinating part of popular culture, and the loss of several members has left a lasting impact on the group and their fans. However, through their irreverent humor and willingness to push the limits of what's considered acceptable, the Jackass crew has managed to leave a lasting legacy that will continue to be felt for years to come.

Some of the best memories for fans will always be the crew's outrageous antics and humorous stunts, which often featured the group's signature blend of slapstick humor and irreverent irreverence.