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One of the most popular motorcyclist/stuntmen of all time, the late Evel Knievel’s wax figure was unveiled at Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum in the Venetian. Evel Knievel performed many of his stunts right here in Las Vegas and his memory continues to live on. Knievel risked his life for the pure enjoyment of his fans. The figure was originally created to commemorate the 40th anniversary of his infamous jump at Caesars Palace. Unfortunately, Knievel passed away before the figure was finished. Now, fans are lining up by the hundreds to take a picture with their favorite daredevil.
Knievel was born Craig “Evel” Knievel in Butte, Montana. Knievel was raised by his grandparents and after seeing a stunt show when he was only 8 years old, he decided he wanted to become a motorcycle daredevil. Knievel’s first stunt was performed accidentally while driving a large piece of mining equipment into a power line. Electricity in Butte was shut down for several days because of it. After the accident and a few more on his motorcycle, Evel Knievel became known as the notorious trouble maker in town. While Knievel still drove his motorcycle only as a hobby, he participated in other adrenaline-pumped activities like rodeos and ski-jumping, he even played minor-league professional hockey for a while. Knievel also served in the U.S. Army for a period of time and joined the track team competing as pole vaulter.
After marrying his first wife, Linda Joan Bork, and fathering two children, the family decided to move to Washington where Knievel opened a Honda motorcycle shop. However, after World War II people were still cautious of buying Japanese products and the shop was eventually forced to close. After the closing of his shop Knievel was forced to seek alternative methods to support his family. With almost no experience, he decided to rent a venue and perform a motorcycle stunt show. During the show, Knievel jumped a 20-foot long box of rattlesnakes and two mountain lions. He landed safely and the show was a success.
Bob Blair, a Norton Motorcycles distributor heard of Knievel’s success and decided to sponsor him in future shows. From this point forward every time he jumped a certain amount of cars, his audience would demand one more at the show. One of Knievel’s most famous jumps was when he jumped the fountains outside Caesars Palace. ABC had originally declined to film the event, so Knievel used his own money to film it. The jump, however, was unsuccessful. He lost control of the bike and landed almost face down on the pavement of the Dunes parking lot. Knievel broke several bones and it was even reported that he spent 29 days in a coma after the crash. ABC bought the rights to the film for more than Knievel had originally asked for them to film it. Knievel broke dozens and dozens of world records. Some for jumping the most cars and some for things like breaking the bones. However, what really sticks in most people’s mind is Knievel’s image (which ironically isn’t evil at all). His famous patriotic jumpsuits and flashy motorcycles entertained fans for decades.
Although Knievel escaped death by the skin of his teeth several times, he couldn’t escape nature. Knievel died of natural causes after a long term battle with diabetes and Hepatitis C. He dies quietly in his home in Clearwater, Florida. He was 69 years old.
Evel Knievel’s image is immortalized in wax at Madame Tussaud’s wax museum at the Venetian hotel in Las Vegas.
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