Long before Jackass became one of the most successful comedy franchises in entertainment history, two friends from Bethesda were riding BMX bikes, making skate videos, and unknowingly laying the foundation for a cultural phenomenon.
Montgomery County natives Jeff Tremaine and Spike Jonze, along with Johnny Knoxville, co-created the original Jackass television series that debuted on MTV in October 2000. Twenty-six years later, the trio has reunited for what is being billed as the franchise’s final chapter, Jackass: Best and Last, a celebration of the series’ legacy featuring classic moments, fan favorites, and previously unseen footage.
Tremaine, a 1985 graduate of Walt Whitman High School, was editor of the influential skateboarding magazine Big Brother during the 1990s when aspiring actor Johnny Knoxville pitched an article testing self-defense equipment on himself. Rather than publishing it as a story, Tremaine encouraged Knoxville to film the stunts instead, planting the seed for what would eventually become Jackass.
As director and producer, Tremaine has overseen every episode of the original MTV series, every feature film, and spin-offs including Wildboyz. Beyond Jackass, he has served as executive producer of hit series including Rob & Big, Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory, Ridiculousness, Nitro Circus, and Loiter Squad.
Jonze, a 1987 Whitman graduate, was already making a name for himself through BMX and skateboard photography before becoming one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed filmmakers. His career has included directing iconic music videos for artists including Beastie Boys, Weezer, Daft Punk, Fatboy Slim, R.E.M., Sonic Youth, and Kanye West, as well as directing acclaimed feature films such as Being John Malkovich, Adaptation, Where the Wild Things Are, and the Academy Award-winning Her.
The lifelong friends first bonded while growing up in Bethesda through their shared love of BMX riding. Jonze, born Adam Spiegel, received the nickname “Spike” while spending time at the former Bethesda Community Store off Greentree Road, a name that would stay with him throughout his career.
When Tremaine, Jonze, and Knoxville packaged together the early stunt footage, they pitched the concept to several television networks. Although Saturday Night Live expressed interest in adapting the concept into recurring segments, the trio instead accepted MTV’s offer to produce a half-hour television series.
The decision proved historic. Jackass aired for three seasons between October 2000 and February 2002, quickly becoming one of MTV’s biggest hits and earning the network its highest Sunday ratings at the time. The franchise would go on to spawn multiple feature films that collectively generated well over $1 billion at the worldwide box office.
The success has always traced back to the creative partnership between Tremaine, Jonze, and Knoxville, with Tremaine directing every Jackass film and Jonze serving as a writer and executive producer throughout the franchise’s run while occasionally appearing on camera in memorable disguises, including the fan-favorite “Old Man” sketches.
