Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade RE-RELEASE - Tony Hawk
Apr 29, 2026
Tony Hawk, legendary pro skateboarder and entrepreneur known for pioneering vert skating and the video game franchise, shares wild stories and laughs. He revisits gnarly injuries and recovery, the obsession that made him a pro, landing the 900, and how the video game changed his life. He also talks skate culture, safety debates, memorable on-set moments, and his skatepark philanthropy.
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Serious Injuries Can Cost More Than A House
- Hawk emphasized the high financial cost of major injuries even with insurance, noting his femur surgery costs more than a house.
- He contrasted coverage details, naming Anthem Blue Cross and highlighting the long recovery and follow-up surgeries.
From Free Boards To Six Figure Royalties
- Hawk traced his rapid rise: obsessively practicing from after school until late, earning Dogtown freebies, then turning pro at 14 and receiving small early checks.
- He recalled $50 for third place and eventual royalties that grew into six-figure earnings in high school.
From Rejection To Activision Deal
- Hawk recounted early rejections when pitching a skate game with a PC programmer; publishers said skateboarding wasn't popular.
- Activision later reached out, used an engine from Apocalypse, and Hawk joined, proving the skeptics wrong.