Tony Hawk can be said to be one of the most influential personals in the history and he is indeed arguably the greatest skateboarder of all time. He made the sport popular and also founded a company called ‘BirdHouse’. He was also able to build skateparks in less-privileged areas to inspire young people.
In this post, you will learn about Tony Hawk’s background, career, net worth. personal life and influence in skateboarding over the years. Aside from Skateboarding, Tony Hawk also appeared on television screens as an actor in a couple of movies.
Tony Hawk net worth
Tony Hawk stands as a prominent figure in the realms of professional skateboarding and entrepreneurship, boasting an impressive net worth of $140 million. Undoubtedly, he holds the distinguished title of the most decorated and highest-earning professional skateboarder in history. Throughout his illustrious career, Tony has amassed tens of millions of dollars from diverse revenue streams, including lucrative endorsements, tournament prizes, and appearance fees. However, a significant contributor to his substantial fortune is his eponymous video game, a global phenomenon that has generated billions in revenue.
Over decades, Tony Hawk has consistently garnered substantial earnings. Even in his teenage years as a skateboarding prodigy, he commanded an annual income surpassing $100,000, encompassing prizes and sponsorships. His financial prowess reached such heights that, while still in high school, he surpassed the earnings of many of his teachers. Notably, as a senior in high school, Tony utilized his income to acquire a house for his family, showcasing both his financial acumen and prudency. Tony Hawk’s enduring impact on the sport is a testament to his longevity and profound influence.
Background
Tony Hawk, a former American skateboarder and actor, stands as one of the most influential figures in modern skateboarding. His journey with skateboarding commenced at the age of nine when he acquired his elder brother’s blue fiberglass skateboard. Little did anyone foresee that this young boy would evolve into a pioneer of vertical skateboarding in the years to come.
At the age of 12, Tony honed his skills at the now-defunct Oasis Skatepark, exhibiting maneuvers that surpassed his tender age. His remarkable performances drew crowds, showcasing a talent that would redefine vertical skateboarding. For the hyperactive child, the skateboard became a vital outlet for excess energy.
By the age of 16, Tony had already achieved the status of a professional skateboarder. Collaborating with compatriot Per Welinder, he founded his own skateboarding company, ‘BirdHouse.’ Tony’s entrepreneurial spirit also led to the initiation of a video game series, with 16 titles released since 1999.
Expanding his influence into the digital realm, Tony operates a YouTube channel called Ride, where he hosts various shows and collaborates with artists and musicians inspired by skateboarding. Additionally, he established the Tony Hawk Foundation, dedicated to constructing skateparks for the underprivileged, further solidifying his commitment to the skateboarding community.
Childhood and Early Life
Born on May 12, 1968, in Carlsbad, California, to Nancy and Frank Peter Rupert Hawk, he displayed early signs of exceptional intelligence and talent. In 1980, while attending Jean Farb Middle School, he garnered sponsorship for his skating endeavors. Despite pushing himself to excel, he often experienced disappointment when unable to meet his own high standards.
Driven by a passion for skateboarding, he tirelessly pushed the boundaries. Serving as his own mentor, he held himself to a standard of excellence that surpassed external expectations. Tony Hawk had already earned recognition as one of the premier skateboarders in America at the age of 16.
Career
At the age of 14, Tony Hawk joined the Powell Peralta professional team, becoming a standout in the popular Bones Brigade videos. While initially renowned for street skating, Hawk aimed to prove his prowess as a “vert” (vertical) skater, achieving this feat throughout the 1980s and ’90s. By the age of 16, he had secured a spot as one of the world’s premier skateboarders.
Hawk’s dominance extended to skateboarding competitions, where he reigned as the National Skateboard Association world champion for an impressive 12 consecutive years, clinching victory in over 70 competitions. He not only showcased his skills but also pioneered numerous moves now standard in the sport, including the gymnast plant, the ollie-to-Indy, the Saran wrap, and the frontside 540-rodeo flip.
His journey mirrored the rise of skateboarding in popular culture. Despite a decline in interest during the early ’90s, Hawk’s efforts to promote the sport globally garnered attention. The creation of the Extreme Games (later X Games) in 1995 revitalized skateboarding, with Hawk winning Gold at 10 X Games, Silver at three, and Bronze at two.
In the summer of 1999, Hawk etched his name in history by successfully landing a 900 at the X Games, a groundbreaking achievement in skateboarding. After retiring from competitive skating, he continued to be an influential presence. In 2009, Hawk, invited by then-president Barack Obama, skateboarded on the White House grounds, marking a historic moment. He was inducted into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame in 2009 and recognized as the second most influential skateboarder globally by Transworld Skateboarding Magazine in December 2011.
In a brief return from retirement in July 2021, Hawk participated in the X Games’ Vert Best Trick event, securing fourth place among nine competitors. Beyond his skateboarding achievements, Hawk has graced numerous movies and skating videos, including notable roles in films such as ‘Police Academy 4,’ ‘Haggard,’ ‘Waiting for Lighting,’ ‘The Other F Word,’ and ‘Comedy Bang! Bang!’
Awards
- In 2014, labeled one of the ‘Most influential skateboarders of all-time’ by FoxWeekly.
- Received awards such as Make-A-Wish’s Favorite Male Athlete, Nickelodeon’s Kid’s Choice Awards’ Favorite Male Athlete, and Teen Choice Awards, surpassing legends Tiger Woods and Kobe Bryant for these accolades.
Personal Life
Hawk and Cindy Dunbar embarked on their relationship during high school, eventually tying the knot in April 1990. Their union welcomed a son, Riley Hawk, into the world in 1992. Following in his father’s footsteps, Riley is a sponsored skateboarder, affiliated with Lakai Limited Footwear and Baker Skateboards. The marriage between Hawk and Dunbar concluded in 1994.
In 1996, Hawk entered into matrimony with Erin Lee, and their union lasted until 2004. The couple expanded their family with the addition of two sons, Spencer (born 1999) and Keegan (born 2001). Subsequently, Hawk’s marital journey led him to Lhotse Merriam, and they were married from 2006 to 2011. Together, they share a daughter named Kadence Clover Hawk, born in 2008.
On June 27, 2015, Hawk exchanged vows with Cathy Goodman in Ireland. The Hawk family currently calls Encinitas, California, their home.
In a noteworthy move, Tony Hawk purchased a century-old house in Detroit in August 2016. This historic building, once a single-family home, had served as a hospital and was later converted into apartments. The purchase was influenced by his wife Cathy’s Detroit roots.
Investments and Philanthropy of Tony Hawk
Tony Hawk’s involvement extends beyond skateboarding into various investments and philanthropic endeavors, showcasing a commitment to both business and giving back.
As an investor, Tony has stakes in over a dozen ventures, including prominent entities like Birdhouse Skateboards, Hawk Clothing, and the film production company 900 Films. Birdhouse Skateboards, in particular, stands out as one of the world’s most popular skateboard companies today.
In the realm of business acumen, Tony was among the early investors in Blue Bottle Coffee, a venture that garnered significant success and was eventually acquired by Nestle in 2017 for $500 million.
Tony Hawk’s philanthropic efforts are equally noteworthy. In 2002, he established the Tony Hawk Foundation to address the scarcity of safe and legal skateparks in the United States. Over the years, the foundation has granted over $5.8 million, supporting more than 596 skatepark projects nationwide. In 2020, the foundation underwent a name change to The Skatepark Project.
The impact of Tony’s philanthropy was acknowledged when the foundation received the Robert Wood Johnson Sports Award in 2015, recognizing its innovative and influential use of sports to benefit local communities.
As a co-founder of Athletes for Hope, Tony Hawk contributes to inspiring athletes to volunteer in their communities and support programs that drive meaningful change.
In 2023, Tony demonstrated his philanthropic spirit by auctioning off a signed photograph of himself and Rick Thorne. Remarkably, 50% of the proceeds were directed to the Tyre Nichols Memorial Fund, a cause close to his heart. Tony’s plan is to honor Nichols by building a skatepark in his memory.
Social Media
Tony Hawk is active on Instagram with over 8 million followers. He is also on X with more than 4 million followers on his page.
