Johnny Knoxville Reflects on Delusions After Brutal Bull Injury

The Jackass star opens up about the severe mental toll of a concussion that took months to recover from.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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In a candid interview, Johnny Knoxville discussed the aftermath of a devastating bull injury he sustained while filming Jackass Forever. Knoxville revealed he experienced catastrophic thinking, rumination, and delusions that lasted for five to six months as he recovered from the severe concussion. The actor acknowledged the toll it took on his family and how he eventually sought medical help to regain his sense of self.

Why it matters

Knoxville's openness about the long-term mental health impacts of his high-risk stunts provides a sobering reminder of the true costs of the Jackass franchise's daredevil antics. As he prepares for the final Jackass film, Knoxville's account underscores the need for greater awareness and support around traumatic brain injuries in the entertainment industry.

The details

During the brutal bull stunt that left Knoxville with a severe concussion, the actor experienced an extended recovery period marked by debilitating delusions. He described his mind 'falling off a cliff,' with his brain 'feeding him terrible information' that made the world feel like it was 'closing in.' Knoxville said even reassurance from loved ones couldn't penetrate the fog, and it wasn't until he sought medical help and got on medication that he started to feel like himself again.

  • Knoxville sustained the injury while filming Jackass Forever.
  • It took him five to six months to recover from the concussion and delusions.

The players

Johnny Knoxville

The co-creator and star of the Jackass franchise, known for his daring and high-risk stunts.

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What they’re saying

“It was catastrophic thinking, ruminating, the whole world was closing in. I have a lot of sympathy for myself then, because your brain's feeding you terrible information. My mind just turned against me over five or six months.”

— Johnny Knoxville (Rolling Stone)

“People would tell me, 'Your brain is playing tricks on you.' I'm like, 'No, no, it's happening.' But nothing is happening. My mind just fell off a cliff.”

— Johnny Knoxville (Rolling Stone)

What’s next

Knoxville has acknowledged that he can no longer perform stunts involving bulls due to the severe toll on his health. The upcoming Jackass 5 is expected to be the final film in the franchise.

The takeaway

Knoxville's candid account of the mental health struggles he faced after a devastating injury highlights the need for greater awareness and support around traumatic brain injuries in the entertainment industry. His openness provides a sobering reminder of the true costs of the Jackass franchise's high-risk stunts.