Brandon “Bam” Margera is a multi-talented American entertainer who first rose to fame in the early 2000s as a central cast member on the hit MTV reality series “Jackass.” Margera’s unique brand of outrageous stunts, pranks, and antics, often performed alongside his close-knit group of friends, captivated audiences and cemented his status as one of the most recognizable personalities of the era.
However, Margera’s journey has been anything but smooth, as he has publicly battled personal demons ranging from substance abuse to mental health issues. Despite the ups and downs, Margera’s legacy as a pioneering figure in extreme sports entertainment remains intact. As we delve into the details of his life and career, we’ll explore the many facets that have made Bam Margera an actual one-of-a-kind celebrity.
Who is Bam Margera?
Brandon Cole “Bam” Margera was born in West Chester, Pennsylvania, on September 28, 1979. His grandfather gave him the nickname “Bam” as a child owing to Margera’s penchant for intentionally running into walls. This early propensity for physical comedy and stunt-driven behavior would define his later career.
Margera’s introduction to extreme sports came through his passion for skateboarding. He honed his skills on the ramps and half-pipes of his hometown, eventually gaining recognition within the skate community for his amateur videos showcasing his daring tricks and stunts. This would prove to be a pivotal stepping stone, as Margera’s skateboarding exploits caught the eye of Jeff Tremaine, the editor of the influential “Big Brother” skateboarding magazine.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Brandon Cole “Bam” Margera |
| Date of Birth | September 28, 1979 |
| Birthplace | West Chester, Pennsylvania |
| Age | 44 |
| Height | 5’8″ (173 cm) |
| Weight | 160 lbs (73 kg) |
Age and Physique
At the age of 44, Bam Margera stands at 5’8″ (173 cm) and weighs approximately 160 lbs (73 kg). His athletic build and youthful appearance, cultivated through a lifetime of active pursuits, have long been a part of his public persona. However, Margera’s health and physical condition have been the subject of increasing concern in recent years, as his well-documented struggles with substance abuse and mental health issues have taken a visible toll.
Personal Life and Relationships
Margera’s personal life has been the subject of intense media scrutiny, with his relationships and family dynamics playing a significant role in his public narrative. His first high-profile relationship was with Jenn Rivell, who was featured prominently in his early projects and videos. Their seven-year engagement ended in 2005, setting the stage for Margera’s next significant relationship.
In 2006, Margera became engaged to childhood friend Melissa “Missy” Rothstein, and their wedding preparations and ceremony were documented in the MTV series “Bam’s Unholy Union.” However, this union was short-lived, as Margera and Rothstein divorced in 2012 after just five years of marriage.
Margera’s most recent marriage was to Nicole “Nikki” Boyd, whom he wed in Iceland in 2013. The couple welcomed a son, Phoenix Wolf Margiela, in December 2017. In May 2023, Nikki filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences and seeking physical and legal custody of their child, as well as $15,000 per month in child support.
Net Worth and Salary
Bam Margera’s net worth is estimated at around $50 million as of 2024. The majority of his wealth has been accumulated through his work in the entertainment industry, particularly his involvement in the “Jackass” franchise and his television series, “Viva La Bam” and “Bam’s Unholy Union.”
While specific salary details are not publicly available, Margera’s earning potential as a central cast member in the highly successful “Jackass” series, as well as the revenue generated by his shows, have undoubtedly contributed significantly to his substantial net worth. His ventures into independent filmmaking, music, and other business endeavors have also supplemented his income.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | Estimated at $50 million (2024) |
| Major Income Sources | “Jackass,” “Viva La Bam,” “Bam’s Unholy Union,” filmmaking. |
| Real Estate Investments | Owns “Castle Bam,” a 14-acre property in Pennsylvania. |
Company, Investments, and Real Estate
Margera’s most notable business venture is his 14-acre property in West Chester, Pennsylvania, which he developed into a playground known as “Castle Bam.” This sprawling estate, heavily featured in his “Viva La Bam” series, boasts an indoor skatepark, swimming pool, barn with a music stage, a BMX track, and more.
In addition to his primary residence, Margera also owns another home in the West Chester area, which he has occasionally made available for parties and as an Airbnb rental property. His real estate investments have likely contributed significantly to his overall net worth.
Professional Career
Bam Margera’s professional career can be divided into several distinct phases, each of which has played a crucial role in shaping his public persona and legacy.
Skateboarding Career: Margera’s early fame was primarily built upon his talents as a professional skateboarder. He was sponsored by various brands, including Toy Machine Skateboards and Element Skateboards, and his amateur skateboarding videos caught the attention of the “Jackass” team.
“Jackass” and Spin-Off Shows: Margera’s big break came when Jeff Tremaine recruited him to appear on the wildly popular “Jackass” reality series, which aired on MTV from 2000 to 2002. Margera’s outrageous stunts and pranks made him one of the show’s most recognizable cast members. This success led to the creation of his spin-off shows, “Viva La Bam” and “Bam’s Unholy Union,” which further cemented his status as a rising star in the entertainment industry.
Independent Filmmaking: In addition to his television work, Margera has also directed and starred in several independent films, including “Haggard” (2003) and “Minghags” (2008), both of which were based on real-life events involving his friend Ryan Dunn.
Music and Other Pursuits: Margera has also dabbled in the music industry, starting his label, Filthy Note Records, and playing the keyboard in the band Gnarkill. He has also directed music videos for various artists and lent his voice to the video game “Scarface: The World Is Yours.”
Investment and Funding
While Margera’s primary source of income has been his work in the entertainment industry, he has also explored various investment and funding opportunities over the years. His real estate ventures, including the development of “Castle Bam,” have likely provided a reliable stream of passive income. His music label and other entrepreneurial pursuits may have generated additional revenue streams.
Contact Details and Social Media
Bam Margera maintains an active presence on social media, with a solid following on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Fans can follow him at:
| Platform | Link |
|---|---|
| Bam Margera Instagram | |
| Bam Margera Facebook | |
| Bam Margera Twitter | |
| YouTube | Bam Margera YouTube |
| Apple Music | Bam Margera on Apple Music |
| Spotify | Bam Margera on Spotify |
Margera also has a YouTube channel, where he occasionally shares updates and content with his loyal fanbase.
Conclusion
Bam Margera’s journey has been tumultuous, marked by both incredible and deeply personal lows. From his early days as a skateboarding prodigy to his rise to fame as a central figure in the “Jackass” universe, Margera’s impact on the world of extreme sports entertainment is undeniable.
However, Margera’s struggles with addiction, mental health issues, and personal relationships have also been a significant part of his narrative. As he navigates the challenges of his life in the public eye, it is clear that Bam Margera remains a complex and captivating figure whose legacy will continue to evolve and be debated for years to come.
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