Evel Knievel was supposed to be "America's Greatest Daredevil" who defied gravity as he rode his motorcycle to the heights of fame international with increasingly difficult and exciting jumps. His popularity transcended the stunt world in the early 1970s. His death-defying acts attracted thousands of thrill-seekers and millions more watched on television. Coming from humble beginnings, Evel Knievel proved that you could be anything by shocking the world with his exhilarating stunts and fearless attitude. Evel Knievel does not, as one would say, come from the best childhood. He was born in the small mining town of Butte, Montana. His first introduction to the daredevil profession began when he saw “Joey Chitwoods Auto Daredevil Show,” which was later credited for Evel Knievel's career choice. After his father abandoned him and his mother, she struggled to make ends meet. His mother quickly realized that she was unable to care for Evel Knievel and left him in the care of his grandparents. His grandparents said that even at his young age he was a “little” daredevil. He first began his stunt career by doing tricks on his bike for neighborhood children. Then, for his thirteenth birthday, Evel Knievel received his first motorcycle. It was his favorite gift, but unfortunately it didn't last very long. He crashed it into their neighbor's garage while showing off again and nearly set their entire house on fire when the motorcycle's gas tank caught fire and exploded. For much of Evel Knievel's teenage life, he found himself in prison numerous times for things like theft, breaking into houses, and stealing small things like motorcycles. Then, on a particular "job", he decided that...... middle of paper...... a hospital. Today, many people miss his shows, like riding fast motorcycles down steep approach ramps and jumping through the air above fourteen Greyhound buses before landing safely on a downhill ramp up 150 feet away, but it was some of his defeats that made him most famous, like crashing into the sidewalk in front of Caesars Palace or falling into an Idaho River canyon while trying to jump it on his " skycycle”. (Promotions K and K)In many ways, this American icon showed that you can do anything, but sometimes it's done at your own risk. He became a friend and artist to the American people. He was appreciated for his successes and his failures. Evel Knievel showed that you can be whatever you want to be.