Bam Margera has made a significant return to the skateboarding scene after a long battle with personal challenges that played out publicly. The former Jackass star, who gained fame 25 years ago through his wild antics on MTV, revealed in an interview that he took a ten-year break from skateboarding due to struggles with alcoholism and weight gain, reaching up to 250 pounds. Now at 45, Margera is promoting the release of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4, a remake of classic skateboarding games he featured in two decades ago.
Margera openly addressed his past difficulties, noting that his journey to recovery was spurred by his marriage to Dannii Marie, whom he credits as a key factor in helping him regain his love for skating. Through dedicated workouts with her, including daily stretching, he has regained not just his fitness but also his passion for skateboarding. “A trick a day keeps the sanity sane,” he shared, underscoring his renewed commitment to the sport.
Interestingly, Margera’s initial omission from the roster of the remake led to considerable fan backlash, pressuring Activision and Tony Hawk to reconsider. After having a heartfelt reunion with Hawk, Margera was able to secure his place back in the game, demonstrating the impact of their friendship and the community’s support.
Reflecting on his past, he spoke about his iconic role in the Tony Hawk’s Underground 2 game and how it helped to raise interest in skateboarding among newer generations. “Viva La Bam,” his reality show, also contributed to this culture, as it intertwined skateboarding with his unique brand of humor and adventure.
Margera’s story stands not only as a personal triumph but also serves as an inspiration to many who face their own battles. He expressed gratitude for the ongoing public support and recognition of his influence in skateboarding cultures. With the promise of staying sober and skateboarding regularly, Margera aims to inspire others to believe in their own comeback stories.
Through the ups and downs, Bam Margera is once again out there, showing joy and passion in his beloved sport. His journey back to skateboarding is emblematic of resilience and the importance of community, encouraging those who may be struggling to seek help and pursue what they love.