Exclusive: Johnny Knoxville Reveals Shocking Reason for Rejecting SNL- You Won't Believe His Jaw-dropping Decision!

Jackass superstar Johnny Knoxville reveals his decision to turn down Saturday Night Live. As a testament to his thriving career and the popularity of the Jackass brand, Knoxville took on the role of SNL host on May 7, 2005. Sharing the stage with the heavy metal band System of a Down as the musical guest, Knoxville's episode holds special importance as it marked the inaugural appearance of Jason Sudeikis as a cast member.

In a video segment for Vanity Fair, Knoxville openly reflects on the difficult choice he had to make between joining the SNL cast or continuing with the Jackass television show.

Knoxville acknowledges that it was a difficult decision, but he explains that he ultimately decided to have faith in himself and his friends. He reveals, "They were only offering me around five minutes per week to do a video segment. During that period, the Jackass deal was finally coming together, although it took a couple of years. Consequently, I had to make a choice between pursuing my own path on Saturday Night Live, a highly competitive show, or taking a chance on myself and my friends. It was a risky decision at the time, but I chose to go with my instincts and trust in my friends. It was not an easy choice to make."

Other Actors That Turned Down Saturday Night Live

Knoxville is not alone in the company of other famous celebrities and actors who declined the offer to be on SNL. Mindy Kaling shared that, despite it being her dream job at one point, she had to decline the opportunity because it would require her to leave The Office, which ultimately propelled her career. Bonnie Hunt, an experienced actor and comedian, also turned down the chance when she was informed that she would not have the freedom to improvise if a specific segment didn't work out.

In an interview with Oprah, Jennifer Aniston revealed that she rejected SNL, citing it as "such a boys' club." Her decision proved to be a beneficial one, as she later achieved immense fame through her role as Rachel Green on Friends. These stories highlight the wisdom of Knoxville's decision to believe in himself and his circle of friends.

Jackass Forever, the latest release in the Jackass series, received praise for its captivating blend of emotional depth and the signature wild stunts that audiences had eagerly awaited. It remains uncertain whether he could have replicated the same success within the Saturday Night Live cast.