Johnny Knoxville Chokes Up During Emotional Reunion With Bam Margera's Parents
Johnny Knoxville couldn't hold back his emotions after reuniting with Bam Margera's parents on the red carpet this week.
Speaking with Entertainment Tonight, the Jackass star became visibly emotional after embracing April and Phil Margera, wiping away tears as he reflected on seeing them again after everything their families have been through.
"I got a little choked up," Knoxville admitted. "So happy to see them. You know? After all we've been through, and I'm just so happy they're here."
As he fought back tears, Knoxville added, "I cry so much these days, but that's legit emotion."
He then made it clear the reunion meant more than just seeing Bam's parents.
"I'm so happy they're here," he said. "I love them. I love Bam and Jess. The whole family."
A Friendship That Faced Difficult Times
Knoxville's emotional comments come after several years of public turmoil involving his longtime friend and Jackass co-star Bam Margera.
The two helped turn Jackass into a global phenomenon in the early 2000s, with Margera also finding success through his MTV series Viva La Bam. But their relationship became strained as Margera battled addiction and was ultimately removed from Jackass Forever after violating the wellness agreement tied to his participation in the film.
Margera later filed a lawsuit against Knoxville, director Jeff Tremaine, Paramount Pictures, MTV, and others before eventually dismissing the case.
Despite the very public fallout, Knoxville has consistently said his priority has always been Margera's health.
"I love the guy, and I want him to get well and stay well," Knoxville told Variety in 2022 while promoting Jackass Forever. At the time, he explained that he, Tremaine, and Steve-O had tried to help Margera before the situation reached a breaking point.
Is Bam Margera in the New 'Jackass' Movie?
While Margera isn't expected to return for new stunts, fans will still see him in the upcoming Jackass 5.
Earlier this year, Variety reported that Margera signed an agreement to appear in the film through never-before-seen archival footage rather than newly filmed material. The movie is expected to feature a mix of fresh stunts from the current cast alongside footage that was previously left on the cutting room floor.
Margera's parents also shared an encouraging update while speaking on the same red carpet this week, saying their son is "doing fantastic."
Phil Margera added that Bam remains "really good friends with everyone except..." before trailing off and saying he believes "everybody will make up and be awesome together."
April and Phil also reflected on the lasting impact of losing Ryan Dunn in 2011, saying his death made everything that followed even more difficult for Bam and played a major role in why returning to the franchise has been such a complicated decision.
Taken together with Knoxville's emotional comments, the night's interviews painted a hopeful picture. While there are still wounds that haven't fully healed, both sides expressed love for one another and optimism that the relationships can continue moving in a positive direction.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 26, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published June 25, 2026 at 11:45 PM.