When you hear the name Melanie Lynn Clapp, you might think of her as Johnny Knoxville’s ex-wife. But there’s so much more to her story. Melanie isn’t just someone who was married to a famous stuntman—she’s a strong, creative woman who built her own life after her marriage ended. This article will take you through Melanie’s journey: from meeting Johnny Knoxville, to becoming a mother, to finding success in her own career after divorce.
By the end, you’ll see that Melanie’s life is about much more than her past relationship. Let’s dive in!
Melanie Lynn Clapp Quick Bio
| Full Name | Melanie Lynn Clapp |
| Born | 1964 |
| Age (2026) | 62 years old |
| Birthday | October 31 (Halloween) |
| Place of Birth | Austin, Texas, USA |
| Profession | Designer, Businesswoman |
| Ex-Husband | Johnny Knoxville |
| Daughter | Madison Tatiana Clapp |
| Net Worth (2026) | $500,000 |
| Current Residence | Austin, Texas |
| Career Focus | Interior Design, Business |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Notable Facts | Quiet life, successful career |
Who Is Melanie Lynn Clapp?
Melanie Lynn Clapp, born in 1964 in Austin, Texas, is a designer and businesswoman. She started off in the world of fashion design before making a big switch to interior design. Melanie has always loved creating beautiful things, and her passion for design has been at the heart of her career.
Even though she was once in the spotlight as Johnny Knoxville’s ex-wife, Melanie has always preferred a private life. Her focus has been on her family, career, and building something meaningful for herself.
How Melanie Lynn Clapp Met Johnny Knoxville
Melanie and Johnny Knoxville met in the early 1990s when she moved to Los Angeles. At that time, Johnny was not yet the famous actor and stuntman we know today. He was just trying to get his start in Hollywood. Melanie wasn’t looking for fame or a big Hollywood life; she simply met someone she liked. Their connection was quick and real.
Johnny wasn’t a huge star yet, but Melanie saw something special in him. She supported him through his early years as an actor, before his breakthrough with Jackass. They were just two people who clicked, and their relationship grew stronger from there.
Inside Melanie Lynn Clapp and Johnny Knoxville’s Vegas Wedding
In 1995, Melanie and Johnny got married in a small wedding ceremony at the Elvis Chapel in Las Vegas. The wedding wasn’t big or fancy—Johnny had actually lost their wedding money gambling. Instead of throwing a huge party, they decided to keep it simple and sweet.
Despite the wedding mishap, Melanie and Johnny were happy to start their life together. Johnny was just beginning his career in entertainment, and Melanie believed in him from the start. She stood by him, supporting him as he worked his way up to stardom.
Life as Johnny Knoxville’s Wife
As Johnny Knoxville’s career took off, life for Melanie became much more complicated. Jackass made Johnny a household name, and soon he was doing wild stunts on TV and in movies. The fame, the cameras, the attention—it all became a lot for Melanie.
She wasn’t used to being in the spotlight, and it wasn’t something she enjoyed. While Johnny was on TV and filming movies, Melanie stayed out of the public eye, focusing on her family. Even though Johnny’s life was full of craziness, Melanie kept things steady and focused on their daughter, Madison.
Becoming a Mom
In January 1996, just a year after their wedding, Melanie and Johnny welcomed their daughter, Madison Tatiana Clapp. Becoming a mom changed everything for Melanie. She poured her love into raising Madison and made sure she had a happy and safe childhood.
While Johnny was busy with his career, Melanie was there every day, guiding her daughter through life. Today, Madison is an accomplished writer, editor, and producer. She has even worked on some of the Jackass movies, but she also shares her deep love for her mother on Instagram. The bond between Melanie and Madison is clear, and it’s something that has stayed strong even as Madison grew older.
Why Melanie Lynn Clapp and Johnny Knoxville Got Divorced
After 11 years of marriage, Melanie and Johnny started facing problems. The combination of fame, distance, and personal struggles made their relationship difficult. In 2006, they separated, and a year later, Johnny filed for divorce. The process took a long time, with legal battles and child custody agreements to work through.
In March 2008, their divorce was finalized, though the legal battle continued until July 2009. The official reason for the split was irreconcilable differences—a way of saying they couldn’t fix their issues anymore. But despite the divorce, both Melanie and Johnny agreed that their daughter’s well-being came first, and they worked together as co-parents.
What Melanie Got in the Divorce
When Melanie and Johnny Knoxville divorced, they had to divide their life and finances. They decided on joint custody of their daughter, Madison, and Johnny agreed to pay $6,000 a month in child support. The financial split wasn’t just about custody, though.
In the divorce, Melanie received half of Johnny’s earnings from his Jackass projects and other movies like The Dukes of Hazzard. She also got her share of their bank accounts. This financial settlement ensured that Melanie was taken care of and that both parents contributed to Madison’s upbringing.
Melanie Lynn Clapp’s Career in Design
After her divorce, Melanie Lynn Clapp took control of her life and focused on building a career that reflected her true passions. She had always loved design, and this led her to shift from fashion to interior design.
Melanie started working on home remodels and design projects, helping people create beautiful, functional spaces. She found a true calling in this work, and it became the foundation of her new career. Instead of focusing on clothes and jewelry, Melanie used her creativity to transform homes, making them stylish and cozy.
Her Business
In Austin, Texas, Melanie opened her own design business called Side Street Home. The shop is known for selling unique, custom furniture, decorative pillows, luxury bedding, and even vintage lighting. It’s the perfect place for anyone looking for special home décor items that have a personal touch.
Melanie’s design work has been recognized by local professionals, including AIA Austin and the Tribeza Interior Design Tour. These accolades show how much people appreciate her talent and creativity. What makes Melanie’s business so special is her focus on small-batch designs that feel both personal and timeless.
Where Is Melanie Lynn Clapp Now?
As of 2026, Melanie Lynn Clapp continues to live a quiet and peaceful life in Austin, Texas. She loves spending time with her daughter, Madison, and continues to focus on her business, Side Street Home. Although she was once married to a famous celebrity, Melanie has stayed out of the spotlight. She prefers to live a simple, private life away from the media.
Despite being a successful businesswoman, Melanie has never sought fame or attention. Instead, she quietly goes about her work, finding joy in creating beautiful homes for others and spending time with the people she loves.
Melanie Lynn Clapp, A Life Beyond the Spotlight
Melanie’s story shows us that happiness doesn’t always come from fame. She’s someone who values privacy, peace, and the simple joys of life. After her marriage to Johnny Knoxville ended, she didn’t fall into a life of sadness or anger. Instead, she focused on her career, raising her daughter, and finding contentment in the small moments.
Today, Melanie is an example of strength and independence. She built a life that works for her, one that’s filled with creativity, love, and fulfillment. She may not be in the public eye, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t doing incredible things.
Final Thoughts
Melanie Lynn Clapp, Johnny Knoxville’s ex-wife, is much more than just a former Hollywood spouse. She’s a talented designer, a loving mother, and a quiet force who built a fulfilling life after her marriage ended. Through her career in design and her choice to keep things private, Melanie has shown that true happiness comes from within.
Her story is a reminder that sometimes the most successful lives are the ones lived away from the spotlight. Melanie’s journey is one of strength, creativity, and self-love, and it’s something we can all learn from.
(FAQs)
How old is Melanie Lynn Clapp, and when is her birthday?
Melanie Lynn Clapp was born in 1964, so she is 62 years old in 2026. Her birthday is on Halloween, October 31!
Why did Melanie Lynn Clapp divorce Johnny Knoxville?
Melanie and Johnny Knoxville divorced in 2008 after being married for 11 years. They separated in 2006, and the divorce took almost 3 years to finish. Melanie got half of Johnny’s earnings, including from Jackass.
Is Melanie Lynn Clapp related to Jessica Simpson?
Melanie Lynn Clapp is not related to Jessica Simpson. They have different backgrounds, despite the name similarity.
What is Melanie Lynn Clapp’s net worth?
Melanie Lynn Clapp’s net worth is around $500,000, from her work as a designer and the business she owns, Side Street Home.
Where does Melanie Lynn Clapp live now?
Melanie Lynn Clapp lives in Austin, Texas. She keeps a private life, works on her business, and is not remarried.
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