Ryan Dunn: JACKASS STAR DEATH – The Lesson
By Geno McGahee
The TV show “JACKASS” became so popular that it spawned three movies. The stars made it into the mainstream with their fearless approach to stunts and insanity. They would do anything for amusement and the world tuned in. The three films made incredible money and the group of backyard stuntmen became worldwide celebrities.
Creator Johnny Knoxville went on to huge success in major motion pictures including “THE RINGER” and “WALKING TALL,” and Steve-O had his shot at a weekly TV show on the USA Network that failed, but he was still given the opportunity. Ryan Dunn, although not as popular as the others, had quite the following and was incredibly courageous in his stunts. The common thread in the group seemed to be the willingness to put their health on the line for amusement, but this fearlessness and need for excitement may have led to the untimely death of Ryan Dunn.
Dunn, under the influence of alcohol, drove his Porsche 130 miles per hour, and died along with his passenger from trauma. The deaths are a horrible thing, but it shows just how fragile life can be and how a character like Dunn can seem indestructible on a show but in actuality, is very human and can’t dodge the bullet every time.
RSR sends our condolences to the friends and family of Dunn. RIP.