Another passing...Evel Knievel

In media, the first sign of aging is when movies you paid good money for to see in the theatres begin showing up on tv for free. The second sign is when people who were famous in your youth die. Sadly, the ultimate daredevil - Evel Knievel - has reportedly passed at age 69.

Evel embodied a type of reckless behavior that could only exist in the 70's. In doing this he became a rock star in popular culture, an icon of American machismo and rebel spirit. Probably more famous for the crashes he survived than the landings he sticked, Evel's no fear attitude and willingness to lay everything on the line carried weight because, well, he jumped things people shouldn't jump to earn a living.

In searching Evel Knievel online I came across some toy commercials I hadn't seen since the Carter presidency. My friend had the Evel Knievel stunt bike with the ramp bus and I've seen the actual toy in action. The rare toy that could live up to the reputation of it's character. I'd see that toy Evel Knievel fly off the toy motorbike on the landing and think "Just like the real thing!"

Evel seemed to take a low profile after a failed attempt to jump the Snake River Canyon. As a tribute, here's two videos: the toy commercial from Ideal and his most famous bike crash. Rest In Peace Evel Knievel, you were crazy to do the things you did and amazing for pulling it off.

Evel Knievel-Ideal toy commercial and Ceasar's Palace jump