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Linda Knievel: The Woman Behind The Stunt Legend And Her Own Enduring Story

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When we think about the incredible world of daredevil stunts, names like Evel Knievel usually come to mind right away. Yet, behind every larger-than-life figure, there are often individuals whose contributions, while perhaps less visible, are absolutely central to the story. This is very much the case for Linda Knievel, a woman whose life was so closely woven with the legendary stuntman Robert Craig Knievel, famously known as Evel. Her story, honestly, offers a truly compelling look at the personal side of a public spectacle. She was not just a spouse; she was a foundation, a witness, and a mother to a family that continued a remarkable legacy.

Linda's journey with Evel spanned nearly four decades, a period filled with immense fame, daring challenges, and, in some respects, a very unique kind of family life. She saw firsthand the highs and lows of a career that captured the imagination of so many people. Her experiences provide a rather different angle on the Knievel saga, showing us the quiet strength that supported such a dynamic public persona. It's almost, you know, a story of resilience and dedication.

Uncovering the story of Linda Knievel gives us a fresh perspective on the iconic daredevil Evel Knievel himself. But, it also lights up the very foundation upon which his children built their own paths. Her life, intrinsically linked to one of the most flamboyant figures of her time, is definitely worth exploring. We will look at her life, her family, and the quiet impact she made.

Table of Contents

Linda Knievel's Biography and Personal Details

Linda Knievel, born Linda Joan Bork, came into the world on October 17, 1938. She is best known, you know, as the former wife of the legendary stunt performer and entertainer, Robert Craig Knievel, who was commonly known as Evel Knievel. Her life, naturally, became deeply connected to his, and she played a pivotal role in his personal story.

She was married to Evel Knievel for a very long time, nearly four decades, to be precise. Their relationship was certainly a significant part of Evel's life, and consequently, a part of the history of daredevil stunts. Linda was the mother of four children with Evel, two boys and two girls, who would later carry on parts of the Knievel name in their own ways. It's quite a family story, actually.

Here's a quick look at some key details about Linda Knievel:

DetailInformation
Full NameLinda Joan Bork Knievel
Date of BirthOctober 17, 1938
SpouseRobert Craig "Evel" Knievel (married 1959, divorced 1997)
ChildrenFour (two sons: Kelly and Robbie; two daughters: Tracey and Alicia)
Known ForFirst wife of Evel Knievel, mother of Robbie Knievel
Relationship Duration38 years

A Love Story That Began with a Tale

The courtship and marriage of Linda and Evel Knievel were, in a way, as dramatic as some of his stunts. Their story, you know, even became the theme of the 1971 biopic film "Evel Knievel," starring George Hamilton. This really shows just how much their relationship was a part of his public image. They met in Evel's hometown of Butte, Montana, and their connection was, well, pretty immediate.

It's often said that their story began with a "kidnapping," which sounds quite wild, doesn't it? While the exact details might be shrouded in a bit of legend, this dramatic beginning certainly set the tone for a life that would be anything but ordinary. They dated for about two years after getting together in 1957. Then, on September 5, 1959, they tied the knot. This was the start of a partnership that would last for many, many years, through thick and thin, through fame and challenges.

Their early days together, you can imagine, were a whirlwind. Evel was just beginning his ascent to superstardom, and Linda was right there with him. She witnessed his early efforts, his dreams, and the sheer force of personality that would make him a household name. It was a rather unique kind of start to a marriage, more or less, intertwined with the very beginnings of a daredevil legend.

The Matriarch of a Daredevil Dynasty

Linda Knievel was the mother of the late American daredevil Robbie Knievel, and she raised four children with Evel: sons Kelly and Robbie, and daughters Tracey and Alicia. This means she was, you know, the very heart of a family that would become synonymous with daring feats. Her role as a mother in such an extraordinary household must have been incredibly challenging and rewarding all at once.

Raising children while your husband is a world-famous, risk-taking stuntman would be, quite frankly, a huge undertaking. She provided a stable home life, a place of normalcy amidst the chaos of Evel's career. Her children, especially Robbie, would later follow in their father's footsteps, continuing the family's legacy of motorcycle jumping and stunts. This, you know, speaks volumes about the environment she helped create.

The foundation she laid for her children was, arguably, crucial for their own paths. They grew up surrounded by the world of stunts, fame, and adventure. Linda's influence, though often private, surely helped shape their resilience and their connection to the Knievel name. She was, in a way, the quiet strength that allowed the family's public image to thrive.

Witnessing the Fame and the Falls

For nearly four decades, Linda Knievel was right there, watching Evel's career unfold. She saw his fame soar to incredible heights, witnessed his daring jumps, and, unfortunately, endured his many challenges and serious injuries. It's hard to imagine what it must have been like to be married to someone who, quite literally, put his life on the line for entertainment so often. This level of experience, you know, is very rare.

She was present for the triumphs, the roar of the crowd, and the widespread adoration. But she also had to cope with the aftermath of his spectacular crashes. Evel Knievel was known for his incredible ability to survive, but those survivals came at a significant physical cost. Linda, in her role as his wife, would have been intimately aware of the pain, the recovery, and the constant threat that hung over their lives. It was, basically, a partnership that weathered a lot.

Her experience offers a unique window into the human side of the daredevil myth. She wasn't just a spectator; she was a partner in the life that came with that fame. She saw the true price of his legacy, the dedication, and the sheer will it took to keep going. This perspective is, you know, incredibly valuable for anyone wanting to understand the full story of Evel Knievel.

Her Own Path and the Family Legacy

While often seen through the lens of her marriage to Evel Knievel, Linda Knievel managed to maintain a personal life that was, in some respects, quite private. Despite being the devoted wife of a legend, she largely kept her own affairs out of the public eye. This is actually quite impressive, given the constant media attention that surrounded her husband.

Her story, you know, helps illuminate the foundation upon which her children built their own lives and careers. Her sons, Kelly and Robbie, continued the Knievel legacy in different ways. Robbie Knievel, for instance, became a well-known daredevil in his own right, performing many jumps reminiscent of his father's. Linda's role in raising these children, instilling values, and providing support, was surely a significant part of their development.

The impact she made on her family's legacy is, arguably, quite profound. She helped shape the individuals who would carry the Knievel name into new generations of stunts and entertainment. Her life, though not always in the spotlight, was a testament to her strength and her dedication to her family. You can learn more about Evel Knievel's life and career on his Wikipedia page, which gives some context to the world Linda inhabited.

The End of a Chapter and a Lasting Impact

After nearly four decades of marriage, Linda and Evel Knievel separated in the early 1990s. Their divorce was finalized on December 10, 1997, in San Jose, California. This marked the end of a very long and, in some ways, tumultuous chapter in both of their lives. Thirty-eight years is a very long time to be married, especially when that marriage is so intertwined with public life and extreme risks.

Even after their separation and divorce, Linda Knievel's connection to the Knievel family and its legacy remained. She was, after all, the mother of his children, and she had witnessed the entirety of his rise to fame and his enduring impact. Her story, honestly, offers a compelling look at the personal sacrifices and experiences that often accompany public figures.

Linda Knievel's life, from her beginnings as Linda Joan Bork to her decades as Evel Knievel's wife and the mother of his children, is a story of quiet resilience. She was a central figure in the life of a legend, providing support and raising a family that would carry on a remarkable name. Her experiences, you know, give us a deeper appreciation for the personal side of the Knievel legend. Her life is a testament to courage, resilience, and, in a way, the very real human story behind the headlines.

Frequently Asked Questions About Linda Knievel

Who was Linda Knievel?

Linda Knievel, born Linda Joan Bork, was the first wife of the legendary American daredevil Robert Craig "Evel" Knievel. She was also the mother of his four children, including the late daredevil Robbie Knievel. Her life was, you know, deeply connected to Evel's career and the Knievel family's public image.

How long were Evel and Linda Knievel married?

Evel Knievel and Linda Knievel were married for 38 years. They got together in 1957, married on September 5, 1959, and later divorced on December 10, 1997. That's a very long time, actually, to be together through so much.

Did Linda Knievel have children with Evel Knievel?

Yes, Linda Knievel had four children with Evel Knievel. They had two sons, Kelly and Robbie, and two daughters, Tracey and Alicia. Robbie Knievel, in particular, followed in his father's footsteps as a daredevil, continuing the family's legacy in stunts.

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