Linda Knievel, born on October 17, 1938, is best known as the former wife of the legendary stunt performer and entertainer, Robert Craig Knievel, commonly known as Evel Knievel. Linda had a beautiful journey by her husband’s side, witnessing the highs and lows of his death-defying career and his rise to international stardom.
Together, the couple shared four children: Alicia, Robbie, Kelly, and Tracey, all of whom have had their brush with fame and daredevilry, particularly Robbie.
Linda Knievel was more than just the wife of the famed daredevil, Evel Knievel; she was the matriarch of a family that would leave a significant mark on entertainment history.
I often think about the challenges she must have faced, being married to someone who constantly risked his life for the thrill of the stunt.
They began their journey together in 1959, a bond that would endure for nearly four decades. In that time, they raised a family with Ev looking up to his daredevil father.
Outliving both her ex-husband, Evel Knievel, and her daredevil son, Robbie Knievel, Linda became a figure of resilience. She witnessed the extremes of fame, fortune, and the aftermath of daredevil legacies.
Robbie continued the Knievel legacy by performing stunts that paid homage to his father while undeniably carving out his own place in the annals of daredevil history.
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Key Takeaways
- Linda was an unwavering supporter in Evel’s career and the Knievel household
- She saw her children, especially Robbie and Kelly, follow in their father’s footsteps
- The Knievel legacy is marked by triumph, tragedy, and the bittersweet taste of fame
Linda Knievel’s Life and Relationship with Evel
In her time with Evel Knievel, the world-renowned daredevil, life was anything but ordinary. Their rollercoaster journey together was filled with moments of both public admiration and private challenges.
Marriage to a Daredevil
She married Evel Knievel, whose real name was Robert Craig Knievel, in 1959. At the time, she was just 21 years old.
From that point forward, her life was intertwined with his thrilling career.
Linda stood by him through the danger and the spectacle as he leapt over buses and canyons on his motorcycle.
The celebrity couple lived in California, the hub of showbiz, where Evel transformed from a small-town rebel into an American icon.
Together, they had four children, who brought them great joy amidst the chaos.
Divorce and Personal Challenges
Their marriage couldn’t withstand the pressure of Evel’s public life and personal struggles. They divorced, and Linda had to navigate life thereafter with a sense of resilience and independence.
Her life post-divorce was private—she wasn’t one to bask in the limelight like actors Linda Evans and John Derek in “Being Evel” or “I Am Evel Knievel”.
The tragic loss of her son Robbie to pancreatic cancer added a somber chapter to her story, further testing her fortitude.
Knievel Family Legacy
The Knievel name conjures images of daredevil stunts and death-defying jumps. Let’s talk how this legacy, spearheaded by Evel Knievel, lives on through his family’s achievements and enduring influence on popular culture.
Robbie and Kelly Knievel’s Achievements
As Evel Knievel’s son, Robbie Knievel, followed in his father’s tire tracks, carving out his own niche as a stunt performer.
Also known as Kaptain Robbie Knievel, he has completed over 350 jumps in his career, setting 20 world records.
One of his most notable feats was the jump over Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, an echo of his father’s famous 1967 crash at the same site.
Robbie successfully cleared the fountains, amending his father’s past with his own triumph.
Kelly Knievel has maintained the family’s reputation through his stewardship of Evel’s brand and image, ensuring the Knievel legacy remains prominent within modern pop culture.
Kelly also oversees the Evel Knievel Museum, where the family’s storied past, including Evel’s famed Skycycle X-2 used in the Snake River Canyon attempt, are on display.
The Continuing Influence on Pop Culture
The Knievel family’s impact is not just reserved for the annals of stunt history; it resonates through pop culture as well.
Evel Knievel’s storied past, including his grandiose attempt to jump Snake River Canyon and his televised jumps on ABC’s Wide World of Sports, captured the collective imagination of the public.
Their connection to pop culture is even evident in films; an Evel-inspired character was portrayed by Matthew McConaughey in the movie “Jump!”, reflecting their broad influence.
Today, Evel’s grandchildren, including Krysten Knievel and Robert Edward Knievel II, carry the Knievel spark in their veins.
This enduring fascination with the Knievel’s extreme pursuit of pushing the limits on a Harley-Davidson echoes in the halls of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, where Evel’s legacy is permanently enshrined.
The family’s ties to Butte, Montana, remain strong, celebrating their roots and continued presence in the town that started it all.
