TONY HAWK

Tony Hawk was born in San Diego, California on May 12, 1968.  His passion and love of skateboarding began at nine years old, when his brother gave him his first skateboard.  Tony not only found skateboarding to be fun, but also, he found it to be very therapeutic.  As his motivation and desire to become better intensified, he always had the constant support of his loving parents and siblings.  His father, Frank, drove him to numerous California skating competitions, built skate ramps, and founded both the California Amateur Skateboard League and the National Skateboard Association.

Tony worked extremely hard at perfecting his sport.  His constant dedication and persistent nature helped him to become successful.  At the age of twelve, Dogtown skateboards sponsored him and at the age of fourteen, he became a professional. Over the years, he signed major endorsement deals with companies such as: Jeep, Sirius Satellite Radio, and Adio shoes.

In addition to being a skateboard legend, Tony is a true entrepreneur.  He founded the skateboard company, Birdhouse; he started the children’s clothing company, Hawk Clothing; and he and Activision made the PlayStation games, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2, and Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground.  For ESPN, he made Tony Hawk’s Gigantic Skatepark Tour.  He also established Boom Boom HuckJam, a tour featuring world-renown BMX bike riders, motocross riders, and skateboarders.  In addition, he has proven to be a great writer.  His autobiography, Hawk- Occupation: Skateboarder, was on the New York Times Best Seller list.  Tony has also worked with Six Flags.  He was the inspiration for Tony Hawk’s Big Spin roller coasters as well as the water ride, Tony Hawk’s Halfpipe.

For decades, Tony has proven to be a great force in the skateboarding world.  He has reaped many rewards, deservingly so, and is an inspiration to many.  He even established the Tony Hawk Foundation, through which he generously gives back to the skateboarding community.  Young Hollywood recently met up with Tony Hawk and discussed how he gives back to the community as well as his future career plans.

Fun Facts:

• He once won a contest after only getting three hours of sleep the night before.


• By the age of 19, he had already owned two houses.


• Tony refers to himself as a ‘computer geek’.