Melanie Lynn Clapp Is Johnny Knoxvill's Ex-wife and an Interior Designer
Before he became famous, Johnny Knoxville married Melanie Lynn Cates in 1996. The couple was together for over a decade before the relationship ended in a lengthy divorce.
During the 12 years of marriage, Johnny Knoxville, born Philip John Clapp, and Melanie, who changed her last name to Clapp when they married, welcomed one child, Madison.
Melanie is a businesswoman who runs a shop in Texas. The shop sells interior design items, and she is also an interior designer. Only a little information is available about her as she prefers to maintain a private life.
Johnny Knoxville, Melanie and Madison arrives for the premiere of Men in Black II on June 25, 2002, in Los Angeles | Source: Getty Images
Melanie Lynn Clapp Was Married to Johnny Knoxville for 12 Years
From Instagram, one can see that Melanie celebrates her birthday on October 31. However, her birth year is unknown to the public. She and Knoxville tied the knot in 1995, but the wedding details are unavailable as the groom was not yet famous back then.
The complex divorce process ended in July 2009 when the two parties finally agreed.
In July 2006, the couple started to live separately, and a year later, Knoxville filed for divorce from Melanie. The divorce proceedings took just under a year before it was finalized in March 2008. The couple shares one child, a daughter called Madison Clapp. She was born on January 4, 1996.
Johnny Knoxville and Melanie Clapp arrive at the Premiere Of "The Dukes of Hazzard" at the Grauman's Chinese Theatre on July 28, 2005, in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
Melanie Lynn Clapp Got Half of the Residuals from 'Jackass' and Dukes of Hazzard Franchise after Her Divorce
Despite having filed for divorce in 2007, the process took two years to be completed, a time that was not easy for Melanie. The couple had lived separately since 2006, but that did not smoothen the process.
Various outstanding issues took too much time to solve. These included child and spousal support, community property, and child custody. While the divorce negotiations were happening, Knoxville was required to cover the family's health and medical costs.
The complex divorce process ended in July 2009 when the two parties finally agreed. The divorce terms included a monthly child support fee of $6,000 for their 13-year-old daughter. The exes also decided to share joint custody of Madison.
From the $5 million Knoxville got for his role in the "Dukes of Hazzard" movie starring Seann William Scott and Burt Reynolds, and the "Jackass" franchise, Melanie received half of the residuals. Their bank accounts were split evenly. Lastly, the stuntman maintained his stake in several production companies.
Johnny Knoxville with wife Melanie and daughter Madison during the 2005 MTV Movie Awards at the Shrine Auditorium June 4, 2005, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Melanie Lynn Clapp Is a Home Designer
Although her Instagram is private, her bio shows that she is an interior designer and runs a business called Side Street Home. The shop in Austin, Texas, has small-batch designs and vintage home goods. These include rugs, luxury bedding, custom furniture, decorative pillows, and lighting items.
The shop's website describes Melanie as a woman from Austin, Texas, who lived in Los Angeles for several years before returning. She is said to have begun that career in the 1990s, focusing on clothing and jewelry. AIA Austin and Tribeca Interior Design tour have recognized her efforts.
However, a common mistake has led to many confusing her business with a fashion clothing store called Melanie Lyne. However, Melanie is not associated with the shop.
Melanie's daughter, Madison, followed in her father's footsteps. She currently works as a writer and freelancer in film production. She also shares many photos of her mother, whom she loves very much, on her Instagram. Pictures of her father are also displayed, and she also developed a good relationship with her stepmom and step-siblings.
Melanie is not very public and maintains a life out of the spotlight. Not much is known about her personal life and the relationship between her and Knoxville after the divorce.