| Human Profile | |
| Name: | Anthony Frank Hawk |
| Birthday: | May 12, 1968 (age 57 years), Born in San Diego, California |
| Height: | 6'3" (191 cm) |
| Education: | Torrey Pines High School (Diploma) |
| Subscribers: | 27.5K |
| Views: | 1,688,100 |
| YouTube Revenue: | $1.7K - $8.4K |
| Videos: | 18 |
| Channel Created: | January 2006 |
Overview
Tony Hawk is an American professional skateboarder and icon, celebrated for his innovative vertical skateboarding, being the first to land a ‘900’ at the X Games, and for creating the influential ‘Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater’ video game series, co-founding Birdhouse Skateboards, and establishing The Skatepark Project to popularize skateboarding globally.
Latest News (Dec 27, 2025): Tony Hawk made a surprise one-night-only debut with the Golden State Ballet's production of The Nutcracker in San Diego on Saturday, December 20, 2025, where he skated onstage and incorporated tricks into the choreography.
Early Life and Education
Anthony Frank Hawk was born in San Diego, California, on May 12, 1968, to Nancy and Frank Hawk. He is the youngest of four children, with two older sisters, Pat and Lenore, and an older brother, Steve. As a child, Hawk was described as hyperactive. A psychological evaluation at school determined he was “gifted,” with an IQ of 144, leading to his placement in advanced classes.
His parents supported his interest in skateboarding, which began at age nine when his brother gave him a used skateboard. This new activity served as an outlet for his immense energy. His father, Frank, was particularly supportive, building a series of backyard ramps for him to practice on. Hawk’s skills developed rapidly, and he graduated from Torrey Pines High School in 1986.
Beginnings of a Professional Career
Anthony Frank Hawk’s journey into professional skateboarding began at a young age. By 12 years old, he had secured his first sponsorship from Dogtown Skateboards. He turned professional at the age of 14. By 16, he was widely regarded as one of the top skateboarders in the world and was sponsored by the influential Powell Peralta team, becoming a prominent member of their “Bones Brigade.”
His early career was marked by significant success in competitive skateboarding. He won numerous competitions throughout the 1980s. His earnings from competitions and endorsements were substantial enough that he was able to purchase his first home while still a senior in high school. Hawk’s innovative style in vertical skateboarding, also known as “vert,” set him apart. He is credited with creating numerous tricks, including the “airwalk” and the “stale fish”.
Rise to Mainstream Prominence
The late 1990s marked a significant turning point in Anthony Frank Hawk’s career, catapulting him from a skateboarding icon to a mainstream celebrity. This rise was fueled by two pivotal events in 1999. At the X Games, he became the first skateboarder to successfully land a “900,” a trick that involves two-and-a-half mid-air revolutions. This achievement, accomplished after numerous attempts, was a landmark moment in the history of action sports and brought him widespread recognition.
That same year, the video game “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater” was released by Activision. The game was a massive commercial success, leading to a multi-billion dollar franchise with numerous sequels and spin-offs. It introduced a generation of young people around the world to skateboarding and its culture, further solidifying Hawk’s status as a household name. The video game series is credited with significantly boosting the popularity of skateboarding, transforming it from a niche subculture into a more mainstream activity.
Major Ventures and Projects
Beyond his competitive career, Anthony Frank Hawk has engaged in numerous business ventures and philanthropic projects. In 1992, during a downturn in skateboarding’s popularity, he co-founded the skateboard company Birdhouse Skateboards with fellow professional Per Welinder. The company, which produces decks, wheels, and apparel, became highly successful, particularly as extreme sports gained popularity in the mid-1990s.
In 2002, he established The Tony Hawk Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping create safe and inclusive public skateparks in underserved communities. In 2020, the foundation was renamed The Skatepark Project. The organization has provided funding for hundreds of skateparks across the United States and internationally.
Hawk also created the Tony Hawk’s Boom Boom HuckJam, a touring action sports exhibition that began in 2002. The tour featured performances by top skateboarders, BMX riders, and motocross athletes, often accompanied by live music. Throughout his career, he has been a sought-after public speaker and has secured numerous brand endorsements with a wide range of companies. He remains an active presence in media through various appearances and collaborations.
Personal Life and Legacy
Anthony Frank Hawk has been married four times and has four children. His son, Riley, from his first marriage to Cindy Dunbar, is also a professional skateboarder. He has two sons, Spencer and Keegan, with his second wife, Erin Lee, and a daughter, Kadence, with his third wife, Lhotse Merriam. He married his current wife, Catherine Goodman, in 2015.
Hawk’s impact on the world of skateboarding is widely considered to be profound. He is credited with inventing dozens of tricks and pushing the boundaries of the sport. His success and visibility helped to legitimize skateboarding and bring it to a global audience. The “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater” video game series is often cited as a major cultural force that introduced countless people to skateboarding.
His philanthropic efforts through The Skatepark Project have provided safe recreational spaces for youth in numerous communities. Early in his career, Hawk faced criticism from some within the skateboarding community who labeled his technical style as “circus tricks” and later, some accused him of being a “sellout” for his mainstream success and corporate sponsorships. He also faced minor public controversy over a photograph of himself skateboarding with his young daughter without a helmet. Despite these criticisms, he remains a widely respected and influential figure in skateboarding.