Tony Hawk

May 12, 2025

Fast Facts
Background
Career Timeline
Why We Love
Surprising Facts
FAQs

Skateboarding sensation Tony Hawk was born on May 12, 1968, in San Diego, California. Hyperactive from a young age, everything changed when his brother gave him a skateboard to spend his time and energy on. Hawk became a star athlete when he was only 14, holding the National Skateboard Association title. Inventing creative and exciting new skateboard tricks is just the tip of the iceberg for Hawk: he is featured in multiple T.V. shows and movies, he has his own video game series, and he owns a clothing line. We owe this superstar a huge celebration on his birthday.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Anthony Frank Hawk

Nickname:

Birdman

Birth date:

May 12, 1968

Age:

Zodiac Sign:

Taurus

Height:

6' 3"

Relationship Status:

Married

Net Worth:

$140 million

Background

Anthony Frank Hawk, better known as Tony Hawk, grew up in San Diego, California. As a kid, he was very strict with himself; he signed up for as many activities as he could, and he didn’t tolerate failure well. His mom thought Hawk was hyperactive, so she had him do an IQ test. The results surprised everyone; young Hawk was quite a prodigy – he had an IQ of 144. When Hawk was nine, his older brother gave him a skateboard. Hawk used all his energy and tenacity in learning to use that skateboard; it would change his life forever. At age 14, he was already a professional skateboarder, holding the National Skateboard Association title; a title that he would hold for 12 consecutive years.

Hawk has his own video game series titled “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater,” launched in 1999. The game was a huge success; it brought a new wave of young skateboard fans that helped the sport come alive again. The video game has had ten main-series titles, four spin-offs, and four repackages since its launching. Hawk has been featured in several T.V. shows and movies; from “Police academy 4” to “CSI: Miami.” He even features in an episode of “The Simpsons.” Throughout his career, this living legend invented thousands of new skateboarding tricks. In 1999 he successfully completed the “900” — one of his most famous personal tricks.

Hawk has been married four times and is the father of four children – Riley, Spencer, Keegan, and Kadence Clover. He is currently married to Cathy Goodman; the couple got married in 2015 in Ireland. Hawk is a huge philanthropist. In 2002 he created the “Tony Hawk Foundation,” today known as “The Skatepark Project.” This foundation builds skateparks in underprivileged areas, giving young athletes access to healthy and safe sports spaces and activities.

Career timeline

1977

He Gets His First Skateboard

His brother gives him his first skateboard.

1982

He Becomes a Professional Skateboarder

At age 14, Hawk receives the title from the National Skateboard Association.

1999

The 900

Hawk masters the “900” trick after trying it for over a decade.

1999

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater

His video game series launches.

2002

Boom Boom HuckJam

Hawk starts a tour featuring freestyle motorcycles, skateboarders, and B.M.X. riders.

Why We Love Tony Hawk

His philanthropy work
Hawk is the founder of “The Skateboard Project.” This foundation has created over 600 skateparks for children. In 2007, he joined other athletes to create the charity “Athletes for Hope.” The organization inspires people to volunteer in their communities and help young kids have access to sports.
His perseverance
His most famous trick, the “900,” not only took him 10 years to master, but he also had to endure several fractures and even lose a tooth until he got the trick right. We admire anyone that has that much dedication to their beliefs or dreams.
He encourages people to pursue their passions
In a podcast of 2018, Hawk told his fans to “do what you love.” He encourages people to follow their passions, even if they seem difficult or find bumps along the road. The skateboarder made a millionaire career out of a sport that was barely alive when he started performing it. Hawk is an inspiration to all young athletes and all dreamers out there.

5 Surprising Facts

His signature tricks
Tony Hawk has developed 100 signature tricks in his 17-year-old career.
He helped design the skateboard emoji
After finding the skateboard emoji unacceptable, he worked with Jeremy Burge to design a new one.
He skated in the White House
In 2009 he was invited by President Barack Obama to the White House, where he skated for a few minutes in the halls of the Old Executive Office Building.
He could have become a violinist
As a kid, he played the violin and had to choose between it and skateboarding.
He is scared of waves
Hawk claims big waves scare him and he believes he wouldn’t make a good surfer.