The young Bob in his grandmother’s kitchen, next to the cabinet door he hit with his head. (photo credit i1.1)

Bob (left), brother Nic, and their mother, Ann, on a visit to Reno. (photo credit i1.2)

Caesars Palace. Warming up. (photo credit i1.3)

High above the fountains … trouble ahead. (photo credit i1.4)

The trailer was his dressing room. His refuge before and after he went to work. (photo credit i1.5)

Now, listen to me … (photo credit i1.6)

George Hamilton saw his movie as a commentary on American values. Critics mostly were not entertained. (photo credit i1.7)

He didn’t want to go to the bottom of the canyon to pose, but the Sports Illustrated cover became the picture that was remembered from Snake River. (photo credit i1.8)

The long day at Snake River. (photo credit i1.9)

Five, four, three, two, one—Lift-off! Uh-oh … (photo credit i1.10)

The wrong side of the canyon. (photo credit i1.11)

Survives! Surrounded by mayhem upon his return. (photo credit i1.12)

He told Harry O he wouldn’t pose with the gun and the bullets, but if Harry wanted to take a picture as he went to bed … well, that might be okay. (photo credit i1.13)

He played daredevil golf. Every shot was worth big money. (photo credit i1.14)

Selling, selling, selling. The talk shows seemed to have been invented just for him. Here he is on The Tonight Show with guest host Sammy Davis Jr. (photo credit i1.15)

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Wembley (photo credit i1.20) (photo credit i1.21)

Actress Ann-Margret visits the famous daredevil in his London hospital room. The famous daredevil likes this. (photo credit i1.22)

Viva Knievel! The movie was supposed to start acting careers for both Knievel and model Lauren Hutton, but didn’t do the job in either case. (photo credit i1.23)

The family gathers at Kings Island. Kelly, Linda, and Tracey visit the trailer before the show. (photo credit i1.24)

Robbie, ready to appear with Dad at Kings Island. (photo credit i1.25)

Evel heads to jail. (photo credit i1.26) Inset: Shelly Saltman after surgery, after the beating. (photo credit i1.27)