Last weekend, John Waters, the acclaimed writer and director of “Pink Flamingos,” took on the role of wedding officiant for Johnny Knoxville as he married costume designer Emily Ting. The ceremony, which saw Waters preside, brought together the eccentric charm of both the filmmaker and the “Jackass” star, highlighting the unique bond between the couple and their choice of John Waters wedding officiant.
A Ceremony Unlike Any Other
Johnny Knoxville, known for his outrageous antics in the “Jackass” series, opted for a wedding that diverged from his usual stunt-filled persona. Instead, the nuptials focused on meaningful moments, with John Waters overseeing the exchange of vows. The event took place without the expected chaos but embraced the offbeat energy that connects both Waters and Knoxville.
“It seems I have had a lot of news lately but there is no news bigger than this…..Today Emily and I got married and I’m the luckiest and happiest fella in the universe,”
Knoxville shared with fans in an Instagram post. The happiness was evident, as he expressed gratitude for the day and the significant people in attendance.
John Waters Leaves a Memorable Mark
Waters’s contribution to the ceremony was celebrated by Knoxville, who highlighted the director’s influence and style.
“THE best minister ever. Thank you John Waters we love you so. Ok I’m getting off Instagram now because it’s our wedding night,”
Knoxville wrote, adding a playful note to the event and acknowledging Waters’s singular flair as officiant.
The Hollywood Connection
The relationship between John Waters and Johnny Knoxville traces back to their collaboration in the 2004 film “A Dirty Shame.” In the film, Knoxville took on the role of Ray-Ray, a humorously outlandish character conceived by Waters. Their mutual respect blossomed from then, with Knoxville frequently sharing his admiration for Waters during press promotions.
“I’m a huge fan of his and, for him to like Jackass, it was a huge compliment,”
Knoxville stated in a 2004 interview, reflecting on how much Waters’s approval meant to him. He continued to praise Waters, saying,
“He said a lot of nice things. He’s amazing. John Waters is, like he’s outrageous, but he’s a sweet guy … He’s very hands on. These movies are distinctly his personality, so I wanted all the input he had. He would give it to us. I’m in a John Waters picture and I’m psyched.”
This rapport has persisted through their various projects and interactions within the entertainment industry.
Support from Friends and the Film Community
The wedding drew attention from many celebrities who shared their congratulations on social media. Notable names like David Spade and Pauly Shore sent well-wishes, while Triumph the Insult Comic Dog jokingly offered to provide romantic company for the couple’s pet dog, Bucket. This outpouring of support underscored the wide affection Knoxville and Ting enjoy among their peers.
A Legacy of Mutual Admiration
John Waters, for his part, has expressed deep appreciation for Knoxville’s unique approach to entertainment.
“He is an anarchist, a real one,”
Waters said, emphasizing Knoxville’s distinctive impact. Waters further observed,
“I think the show Jackass was anarchy. The best thing you can ever do is make all kids love you and have their parents hate you, which is really a liberating thing. I remember knowing that he was really going to be a giant star when 60 Minutes, one of them, 20/20, did a big exposé of all the kids that had done the stunts and been hurt. And this kid set himself on fire and he was, like, being interviewed in the bed, and they said, ‘What would you do today if you could meet Johnny Knoxville, what would you say?’ And he said, ‘I’d ask for his autograph!’ Which is so great.”
These reflections reveal how Waters views Knoxville as a kindred spirit, equally dedicated to individuality and creative expression.
The Couple’s Shared Journey
Emily Ting, who has contributed to both “Jackass 4.5” and “Jackass Forever,” shares professional ties with Knoxville, further strengthening their partnership. Their wedding, with Waters as the quirky officiant, symbolized not only their love but also their shared dedication to unconventional creativity. The event suggested that the trio—Knoxville, Ting, and Waters—form a unique artistic coalition, ready to celebrate life’s milestones in their own style.
What This Means for Knoxville, Ting, and Waters
The union, highlighted by John Waters’s role as officiant, marks a significant personal milestone for Knoxville and Ting, while showcasing the enduring camaraderie among creative professionals in Hollywood. As the couple embarks on their honeymoon, guests and fans alike expect their future together to continue embracing the humor, friendship, and rebellious spirit that brought them together. The collaboration between the worlds of “Jackass” and John Waters has once again produced a celebration that defies convention, promising more memorable moments in the years to come.
