Bam Margera, the 46-year-old skateboarding pro and original Jackass cast member, is noticeably absent from promotion of the final film, Jackass: Best and Last. Fans have questioned his involvement after a turbulent past marked by alcohol addiction, rehab, and a legal feud with the franchise. He now appears only through archive footage, having signed a deal that excludes him from new stunts.
Jackass Origins and Early Stardom
Margera joined the original Jackass lineup when the MTV series premiered on October 1, 2000, alongside Johnny Knoxville, Steve-O, Chris Pontius, and Ryan Dunn. His skateboarding skills and outrageous stunts won him a legion of fans, leading to appearances in most spin-offs and movies. Following the show's success, he married childhood friend Melissa 'Missy' Rothstein in 2007, with the wedding documented in Bam's Unholy Union.
First Rehab and Personal Struggles
In July 2009, Margera was hospitalized after a four-day drinking binge, with then-wife Missy calling 911. He recovered, telling TMZ his legs and kidneys were affected by dehydration. According to Complex, he entered rehab in December 2009 after an intervention but did not complete the program. His divorce from Missy was finalized in 2012, and he began dating Nicole Boyd shortly after. They married in Reykjavik in 2013 and welcomed son Phoenix Wolf in 2017.
Margera has said his drinking intensified after Ryan Dunn's death in 2011. Speaking to People Magazine in 2017, he explained: 'I took a five year hiatus from skating because I had bone spurs, so instead I was making money by doing nightclub appearances, which basically was shooting photos and taking shots with the locals. So I was s**tbag wasted every night, and eventually was like, "This has to stop." Once I woke up in my own puke and piss, I knew I had to cut it off.'
DUI Arrest and Further Rehab
In January 2018, Margera was arrested in Los Angeles for driving under the influence and checked into rehab shortly after. Nearly 12 months later, he announced a third rehab stint on Instagram: 'Off to alcohol rehab for the 3rd time. I am hoping the term 3rd time is a charm is true.'
Jackass Lawsuit and Removal
Despite being an original cast member, Margera was axed from filming Jackass Forever in 2021 after allegedly breaching a 'wellness agreement.' The contract reportedly required him to 'blow into a breathalyser three times a day, submit to a urinalysis twice a week, have his hair follicles tested on a regular basis, and take pills every morning while on a FaceTime call with a doctor hired by Paramount.' He claimed this violated his civil rights and described his termination as 'illegal discrimination.' He encouraged fans not to see the film, saying: 'Who the f**k cares if I'm drunk as hell anymore? Jackass has put me through hell on f*****g wheels for a year and a half.' He dropped the lawsuit in April 2022.
Second Divorce and New Marriage
In February 2023, Nicole filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. In May, Margera was arrested for being drunk and disorderly at a restaurant, and weeks later placed on a 72-hour psychiatric hold. He met his current wife in June 2023 and credited her for his sobriety. In an interview with Us Weekly, he said: 'We're just a really good team. I never had structure before. I always woke up not knowing what to do with the day … Now I wake up, I walk the dogs, I stretch, I go to the gym, I go skateboarding. Everything's a structured fun schedule.' They married in May 2024.
Current Chapter and Cast Support
As of 2026, Margera focuses on skateboarding. He has been sober since September 2024. Despite his absence from new stunts, the cast and director Jeff Tremaine have kind words. Johnny Knoxville told GQ: 'Maybe six, eight weeks ago. He's not ready. And that's fine. As long as he's thriving and he's healthy, that's all I care about. Selfishly, I would love him to be in my life again. But that's on his own time.' Tremaine added: 'Goddamn, it just makes me miss Bam so much. He's so funny.'
