I am so destroyed by the loss of Ryan that words cannot describe it. He was such a huge part of our family and it is forever changed without him. Over the last few days, I’ve been flooded with amazing and touching thoughts from both people who knew him and those who didn’t but still loved him. Ryan was a dude’s dude. Here are a few stories about him that I'd like to share...
Ryan was not very good at personal hygiene—he was a dirty man. The first thing we ever shot with him was the “Poo Dive” and he didn’t shower after that for the whole week we were there in West Chester.
I think it was during season two of jackass when we were all riding in a van and I made the mistake of falling asleep. Dunn quickly shoved his index finger up his butt and leaned over the seat to give me a very aggressive rusty hook. His dirty fingernails scratched my gums and I can still recall the disgusting odor and it makes me sick. His butt smelled the worst of all the guys.
One of my favorite memories of Ryan comes from the time we were filming jackass the movie (2002). We were almost done shooting and getting set to go to Florida for our last trip. The entire production team was gathered around a conference table and Steve-O had just dropped the bomb on us that he was not going to do the “Butt X-Ray.” Everyone was bummed out and we were scrambling to fill in the schedule. Just then, Ryan Dunn walked into the room and asked what everyone was so sad about. I told him, "Steve-O won't put the car in his butt because he's afraid of what his dad would think." Ryan looked me in the eye and said, “This idea is too stupid not to shoot—someone has to do it.” I stared back at him and said, “You’re right, Ryan, SOMEONE has to do it.” The bit is one of the funniest things we ever shot and it closed the movie. Ryan was always willing to take things to the next level. I really don’t think he loved doing stunts at all ... he just loved to make us laugh.
One terribly stupid bit we shot with Dunn was during jackass number two (2006). We were in Louisiana and we had just blown Wee Man across the lake on a parachute with airboats. After that successful bit, we thought it would be funny to re-enact the scene from Teen Wolf, where he was riding on top of the van, but instead of Michael J. Fox it would be Ryan on water skis. Preston was the driver and he was supposed to floor the van into the boat launch and then slam on the brakes to send Dunn skimming across the water. The problem was, Preston hit the brakes a bit too early and the water was a lot shallower than we thought. Ryan body-slammed into the lake with a big splash (he always had great style when he slammed), and when he finally stood up I asked him if he was okay. He gave me the funniest, most sarcastic look, and just pointed to his feet so I could see that he landed on cement covered by ankle-deep water. Sorry for that one, buddy.
Ryan was always so much fun to film with, and he was never happier than he was during jackass 3D (2010). He was so positive and just glad to be around everybody. One of my favorite quotes of his was from the "Snake River Redemption”, where he nervously checked out his mini-bike and then said under his breath, “N'awesome”—meaning "not awesome". I say that all the time now.
He really was at peace with himself and told me many times how he couldn't believe how lucky he was. Not just because the success of jackass and his work, but that he also had Angie. They had been together for as long as I can remember, and he couldn’t understand why a girl that pretty and awesome would stay with him. They were so much fun to be around together, and he just adored her. God bless you, Angie.
Get ready to laugh, angels, because you’re getting a great one.
I love you, Ryan Dunn.
—Jeff Tremaine
(All photos by Sean Cliver)
ur gunnna be well missed dawg
Posted by: mumblesdkloun | June 24, 2011 at 05:28 AM
We love you, Ryan. May you rest in peace.
Posted by: Abby | June 24, 2011 at 05:28 AM
Damn this makes me sad. I didnt know him but I watched Ryan all through high school and it seems like his personality comes across in the shows and movies.....id have loved to hang out with him
Posted by: Dude Manrod | June 24, 2011 at 05:29 AM
amazing dude R.I.P Ryan Dunn
Touched many people's heart's!
Posted by: max | June 24, 2011 at 05:30 AM
Wow :'( RIP x
Posted by: Ben | June 24, 2011 at 05:30 AM
Damn this is just so sad. Cant believe he died, he was one of my favorite jackass guys. R.I.P Ryan Dunn.
Posted by: Roberto Garcia | June 24, 2011 at 05:30 AM
so touching Jeff i was in tears.
RIP Ryan Dunn you will always be remembered and missed
xoxox
Posted by: Sinead | June 24, 2011 at 05:30 AM
That's a beautiful tribute to a cherished friend. Thanks for the laughs Ryan, RIP xxx
Posted by: StephWBates | June 24, 2011 at 05:31 AM
we miss you buddy :'(
Posted by: Caner Ünsal | June 24, 2011 at 05:31 AM
Why do bad shit happen to good people :( ur Gona b missed dude!! Xxxxx
Posted by: Craig | June 24, 2011 at 05:31 AM
Good words Jeff. Ryan maybe gone, but never forgotten.
Posted by: Jesalyn Fluharty | June 24, 2011 at 05:31 AM
restinpeace dunn now its your turn to make the angels laugh!
Posted by: josh | June 24, 2011 at 05:31 AM
he was a brilliant person, r.i.p friend
Posted by: nathan | June 24, 2011 at 05:31 AM
rest in paradise man .. do some wild shit up in heaven
Posted by: Tice | June 24, 2011 at 05:32 AM
Amazing! He made Jackass so funny, you all did. But Ryan will be missed <3 I hope you still continue to suprise us in the future.. I don't think Ryan would want you to quit the fun, but I do understand that you all need some time to think things through and get yourselves together.
I lost a friend last year, not to a car accident, but he was drunk and fell off a roof. It takes so much time and we still miss him endless everyday.. But in a way you learn to live with it. You don't get over it, but you learn to live with it.
So sorry for your loss and you are all in my thoughts these days.
Greetings from a Norwegian Jackass-fan since the early days.
Posted by: Renee | June 24, 2011 at 05:32 AM
Beautiful sentiment to Ryan :'(
Posted by: ben shaw | June 24, 2011 at 05:32 AM
R.I.P. <3
Posted by: Dustin Martindill | June 24, 2011 at 05:33 AM
R.I.P. Ryan
You will be greatly missed
Posted by: Craig Bird | June 24, 2011 at 05:33 AM
It makes me sad. Im growing a beard in his honor. I wont shave it for one year. May he be at peace. On Love.
Posted by: Randy Gnagy | June 24, 2011 at 05:33 AM
rest in peace Ryan
Posted by: Tomasz Bidziński | June 24, 2011 at 05:33 AM
i have really absolutely no idea what to say
i think my face would explain everything at this point
its not right... we love you and miss you and will never forget you <3 r.i.p
Posted by: Moudy | June 24, 2011 at 05:34 AM
This is amazing. Im gonna miss Ryan so much. He was my favourite one. R.I.P buddy.
Posted by: Olivia | June 24, 2011 at 05:34 AM
I still go on thinking this can't possibly be real. What a big part all of the cast has been of my adolescent life. I'm sad to him go to soon. Every single day he lived to the fullest. Sadly we don't get any new memories from him but we are truly blessed for all the ones we get to have of him. My prayers and thoughts go out to all the families and friends and the crew. Love all you guys. Stay strong and lean on those who are strong in your life. Big hugs all around. Take care
Posted by: Stephen Jensen | June 24, 2011 at 05:34 AM
Huge Jackass fan, want to make my own similar show, will do it for you Ryan
RIP <3
Posted by: Keefy | June 24, 2011 at 05:34 AM
Gone way too soon, but he will always be in our hearts. RIP Ryan Dunn
Posted by: Andrea | June 24, 2011 at 05:35 AM
*Dedication To The Late Great Ryan Dunn*
http://soundcloud.com/8bit404/funn
Here is a song i made in the Memory of Dunn, because i think he wouldn't want all of us to wallow about his death, we should all be happy ( not that he passed ) but that he's happy, just like Jeff said "Get ready to laugh, angels, because you’re getting a great one." I couldn't have said it any better, This song and my next set is all dedication to you dunn. Thanks for the Laughs and mor importantly the inspiration.
Posted by: Frank Era | June 24, 2011 at 05:35 AM
R.I.P. Bro
Posted by: AJay Hubbard | June 24, 2011 at 05:35 AM
Well said Jeff. I never had the pleasure to meet Ryan or any of the Jackass crew for that matter. Yet when I watched any of the shows or movies, you all felt like family to me just watching homemade movie clips, because who would be insane enough to do stunts like that on film? My family is pretty out there and I could only imagine how it would feel to lose one of mine as you did one of yours. I know they say time heal all wounds, but I wish there was something I could say or do to somehow make everything feel better. Unfortunately I know I can't. Just know that Ryan, Dunn's family and his Jackass family and friends are all in our thoughts and prayers. We love you all.
Posted by: Randy | June 24, 2011 at 05:35 AM
love you always crazy dude!
Posted by: Fiorellá | June 24, 2011 at 05:35 AM
Jeff, that was so lovely and heart warming. Such funny stories. I can't wait for more tributes.
Posted by: Ryan Maiden | June 24, 2011 at 05:35 AM
so sad. what you wrote is beautiful. RIP.
Posted by: rominicole | June 24, 2011 at 05:35 AM
damn that last bit about the angels choked me a bit i must admit :/ this must be hard for you lot, and im very sorry to hear of your loss, he seemed like such an awesome guy and i would of loved to of met him, R.I.P Ryan!
Posted by: Tom.J | June 24, 2011 at 05:36 AM
rip
Posted by: jack | June 24, 2011 at 05:36 AM
En cualquier parte de la otra vida en que estés espero que sigas haciendo las travesuras que nos hacían reír,
te fuiste pero aun te llevamos en nuestros corazones! RIP :_{
Posted by: Tissor | June 24, 2011 at 05:36 AM
Every time I think I'm done crying you guys put out something else. RIP Ryan, you were truly loved, and will be missed by many.
Posted by: Amanda Bayona | June 24, 2011 at 05:36 AM
R.I.P Ryan Dunn Thank you man you are the best
Rogeri-O Brazil
lafenix.com.br
Posted by: Rogeri-O | June 24, 2011 at 05:37 AM
Thanks for posting this story and the pictures Jeff, It's nice reading about the good times you guys had with Ryan.
R.I.P Random Hero
Posted by: Dane | June 24, 2011 at 05:37 AM
we will miss you!!! RIP Ryan
Posted by: Steffi | June 24, 2011 at 05:37 AM
Rest in Peace brother.
Posted by: Abel Barboza | June 24, 2011 at 05:37 AM
i feel for all of you, and his family and angie. he will be truly missed.
Posted by: the ev | June 24, 2011 at 05:37 AM
hope ur doin somthin funny were ever u are now
Posted by: devin | June 24, 2011 at 05:38 AM
So in my time of knowing ryan just on tv and movies he really touched me alot if i could my goal in life was to meet ryan dunn and the cast of jackass he was truely my favorite person of all jackass bless his heart and rip forever
Posted by: john strausbaugh | June 24, 2011 at 05:38 AM
you made us laugh
you made us smile
you made us want to try stupid things that could only end badly
some are blessed with brains others with looks to die for
but you my friend where blessed with the greatest gift of all
a heart and soul greater the Jesus himself
you may be gone my friend
Posted by: Mc lefty | June 24, 2011 at 05:38 AM
We will miss ryan dunn he was a very funny man. I never liked jackass til I seen ryan stick the car up his ass that was soo funny. Rip ryan
Posted by: Kari close | June 24, 2011 at 05:39 AM
R.I.P Ryan your going to be missed so much x
Posted by: Carol Raven | June 24, 2011 at 05:39 AM
it is really sad, but he shouldn,t have been drinking!
Posted by: dave | June 24, 2011 at 05:39 AM
the bearded angel.........mr dunn and mr god comparing whiskers,,,,
Posted by: smiler | June 24, 2011 at 05:39 AM
We will miss you buddy R.I.P
Posted by: Andy Cuevas | June 24, 2011 at 05:39 AM
It sucks that we lost an amazing man. But that means god wanted a good laugh up there. I hope your lookin down on us right now. R.I.P Dunn. You are missed.
Posted by: alex | June 24, 2011 at 05:39 AM
un grande de el humor grotesco ,,, idolo de mis hijos...
Posted by: Jose Marcelo Irala | June 24, 2011 at 05:39 AM