In the process of making A Tribute to Ryan Dunn, boxes of archived tapes were dusted off and cracked open so hours and hours and hours of raw footage could be pored over to find elusive, rare, and never-before-seen moments with Dunn. Anything and everything from a casual look and an easy smile to full-fledged bits that never made a final cut—or, in some cases, not even bonus material.
So much has been filmed over the years though, that even seasoned vets such as myself can't always recall what did or didn't make the grade, like Dunn's ill-fated run-in with an eyeful of bear spray. I mean, I definitely know it didn't make the theatrical release of jackass the movie in 2002, but I could've sworn it was at least thrown into the bucket of added value slop that accompanied the subsequent DVD release. However, others claim otherwise, the sum total of which equates to a modern day definition of "fact" by commonly accepted Wikipedia standards. Hey, if grammar can go the way of the dodo, why not everything else once held near, dear and aspired to? LOL! FML! OMG! ROTFPMASDOMA! Yep, that's right, I'm rolling on the floor peeing myself and shitting dicks out my ass—thank god I can now cram all that wordy crap into a handy-dandy acronym.
Anyway, while scouring my own archives and flipping through binders of 35mm slides from jackass the movie, I assembled a little photo blow-by-blow of Dunn's "Bear Spray" bit. This was the very first thing we'd filmed on arrival in West Chester, PA—on a butt cold, blustery late afternoon in February 2002—and it couldn't have gone worse for poor Ryan. He went from cute and cuddly bear...
...to irritated and tearing mess in just seconds flat.
Johnny Knoxville equated his red pepper spray incident from 1997's "Self-Defense Test" to having gonorrhea of the eyes, but it's safe to say Ryan's grizzled optic nerves were similarly swimming in an STD simile of backstreet San Francisco bathhouse proportions. He eventually regained his vision though, just in time to hit the bowling alley and strike out big-time.
A Tribute to Ryan Dunn premieres on MTV Monday, November 28, at 10:30pm ET/PT.
(Photos* by Sean Cliver; West Chester, Pennsylvania 2002)
* Except for the photo of bear-masked Dunn in shades—that was taken by Benzo.





Can't wait to see the Tribute, I know it's going to be amazing and I know I'm going to look like Dunn after he was sprayed with that stuff by the end of it, I'm gonna cry so much! Ryan makes such a cute bear! :) We all miss him! <3
Posted by: Shannon | November 27, 2011 at 08:03 AM
Dunn and Bam look so young here...
Posted by: Brian Peo | November 27, 2011 at 09:40 AM
Aww, Im so watching this. Miss him so much! <3
Posted by: Veronica | November 27, 2011 at 09:41 AM
i think it was in the credits. hmmm, but im not sure.
Posted by: Molly | November 27, 2011 at 09:43 AM
i so want to see this, but i dont get that channel. totally sucks.
Posted by: angel | November 27, 2011 at 09:49 AM
R.i.P ryan dunn you were a great actor my man you'll never be forgotten jackass is the best thing that ever came out of mtv
Posted by: Pete henry | November 27, 2011 at 09:59 AM
Miss you Ryan.. all my love and support to his family, friends and his beautiful Angie from Argentina
Posted by: Flor | November 27, 2011 at 10:07 AM
molly, i think you are correct... pretty sure the meat 'n' potatoes of this bit did make a cameo in the credits.
Posted by: dickhouse | November 27, 2011 at 10:16 AM
RIP
Ryan Dunn
Posted by: rrrr | November 27, 2011 at 10:16 AM
how would I be able to watch it over in england???
Posted by: Lawrence | November 27, 2011 at 10:26 AM
gotta love these guys
Posted by: taryn | November 27, 2011 at 10:30 AM
I miss You Every Day My Random Heroe
Posted by: mehrdad | November 27, 2011 at 10:30 AM
R.I.P RYAN DUNN HE WAS THE FUNNIEST GUY ON THE SHOW
Posted by: GRIFFIN | November 27, 2011 at 10:35 AM
This is going to be a MUST see!!!
Posted by: Sandy Saville | November 27, 2011 at 11:17 AM
Does anyone know if this is showing in the UK as well tomorrow?
Not sure if US and UK MTV have the same programme schedule and there's no way in hell I'd miss this.
Posted by: Harvy Singh | November 27, 2011 at 12:46 PM
I misst him so much, gunna be such a good show
Posted by: Joe Roach | November 27, 2011 at 12:46 PM
Well always be the funniest Ryan Dunn, we know on jack ass, miss and love you, your a great guy, R.I.P, my mate. <3
Posted by: Margaret Sonny Page | November 27, 2011 at 12:54 PM
I Love you Ryan!! I miss you everyday...I cant wait to watch this special tribute.....RIP
Posted by: Brandy Longnecker | November 27, 2011 at 01:16 PM
I still miss him and tear up over him. He was a great person. Never to be forgotten!
Posted by: Mariah | November 27, 2011 at 02:58 PM
to bad cuse i was waiting for jackass 4.it sould have dog chasing a car in circuls.
Posted by: clive jr | November 27, 2011 at 03:24 PM
SAUDADES..
Posted by: Rafa Margera | November 27, 2011 at 04:50 PM
are guys going to make jackass 4....and rip ryan dunn
Posted by: julian riestra | November 27, 2011 at 07:18 PM
rip ryan dunn
Posted by: zack | November 27, 2011 at 08:54 PM
i have to work tomorrow and wont get to see the tribute...hopefully, one day i will...miss you ryan...r.i.p.funny man...
Posted by: SueMag71 | November 27, 2011 at 11:34 PM
OMGosh, so sad and heartbreaking the loss. RIP.
Posted by: LauraSay | November 28, 2011 at 02:11 AM
RIP Dunn. You are seriously missed and very much loved! Will definitely be watching this tribute tonight.
Posted by: Kate | November 28, 2011 at 11:14 AM
Met Ryan once in Ohio and he was really cool to us. We were drinking and he bought us some beers. Thanks Ryan. RIP. Good guy.
Posted by: Kris Koson | November 28, 2011 at 04:58 PM
just watch the tribute for Ryan, all i can really say is that it was beautiful. Ryan was no wait is a beautiful person. he maybe not with us anymore but he will never be forgotten R.I.P.
Posted by: ryan | November 28, 2011 at 08:35 PM
watched the tribute this evening. My husband and I have been fans since day one. Not a dry eye in the house. to see you guys tear up and to watch some of the footage was truly difficult. we do not know those personally but when watching every week or on the big screen you develop a different sense of knowing. you are familiar to us and you become like the metaphorical crazy cousins we look forward to seeing. Ryan dunn and bam are personal favorites in this house and when ryan passed we cried along with you. may time, family and friends strengthen your hearts each day and bring you peace. <3
Posted by: Annie | November 28, 2011 at 08:50 PM
i know exactly how it feals too lose a friend in a fatal car wreck i lost my girlfriend 3 years ago to one
R.I.P Ryan Dunn
Posted by: jake | November 28, 2011 at 09:14 PM
you will be missed by youre fans and youre great loving family in jackass by the way TO "ryans mother and father yes we love him for his passion and fullheartedness to dedicate his life to his love of making people laugh and live life to the fullest just as he has done. RIP brother!!!!
Posted by: James D. Abbitt | November 29, 2011 at 12:14 AM
Damn, Ryan I liked Ur style classic funk with attitude :p U will be missed.
Posted by: Stan Krise | November 29, 2011 at 03:20 AM
11-28-11 Thank you to the Jackass Crew & MTV for airing a Spectacular Tribute to Ryan Dunn & Zach Hartwell. Very Well done! I LMAO...& then as usual I'd get teary eyed over the Loss of Ryan. Never knew HE had 'Lyme Disease' & in Pain with Nerve Damage from a Stunt that went bad. Or that he left for 2 yrs. in 2007 & in a Dark Place...only to return in 2009 to do'3' & '3.5' >Thanks for the Memories. I watched it twice & the films. PEACE.
Posted by: Pretender FooFighterfreak | November 29, 2011 at 04:34 AM
Just watched the tribute. Laughed and cried (a lot) of course. It was really a great memorial of his life. Rest in peace, Ryan. You'll always be remembered.
Posted by: Jessica | November 29, 2011 at 08:01 AM
I thought Ryan looked so cute with that bear hat on:)
Posted by: lua | December 06, 2011 at 02:35 AM
you will be missed by youre fans and youre great loving family in jackass by the way TO "ryans mother and father yes we love him for his passion and fullheartedness to dedicate his life to his love of making people laugh and live life to the fullest just as he has done. RIP brother!!!!
Posted by: Cheap Timberland Boots | December 06, 2011 at 11:09 PM
you will be missed by youre fans and youre great loving family in jackass by the way TO "ryans mother and father yes we love him for his passion and fullheartedness to dedicate his life to his love of making people laugh and live life to the fullest just as he has done. RIP brother!!!!
Posted by: Air Jordan Shoes | December 06, 2011 at 11:37 PM
R.I.P Ryan you are missed so much, does anyone know also what jumper he is wearing ( black ) and where to get it? x
Posted by: Josh | January 24, 2012 at 02:46 PM
This brought me to tears just knwiong there are people and companies like Michael & Sons who are willing to be so generous and caring. Please, those of you live in and near the Loudoun County area, consider using the services of Michael & Sons for your home improvements. How can we not support a company that demonstrates this kind of tremendous commitment to our community?And Ken, I hope you know that it is a wonderful privilege to be able to know and help your family whenever possible. We just have so much respect and love for all of you. To look at Ryan today is to see a miracle unfolding. The unending love and devotion you have shown to Ryan, Kari and Sue is deeply and profoundly moving.You rock.Hugs, Love & Prayers always,PaulaThis comment is well-loved.
Posted by: Mariamab | July 05, 2012 at 04:45 AM
Omigosh! This truly is a Marvelous Toy,! Thank you so very much, Ken. I had no idea that Ryan's stretching soissen was this involved. I came in about 10:20, and it seemed that the Livestream was already underway very nice picture. I watched until the end. I tried some of the stretches, but I must need a therapist no go, especially the fingers and wrists. You and Rita get your workout for the day, too, which saves a trip to the gym. Nice going here and thanks again for this gift, You Great Big Smarty-pants! Such a techie! Love
Posted by: Nathan | July 06, 2012 at 11:31 AM
Ken, A lot going on for sure .Hoping Ryan is getting more alert and the UTI will clear.Hard to blvieee IBRF hasn't gotten back to you.Praying that they call soon. How wonderful your community is . with all the benefits and caring for Ryan. One day I'll make one .Waiting for pics of new rooms. Thinking and praying always for Ryan Gail
Posted by: Higor | July 06, 2012 at 12:19 PM
You should get to the hotiaspl immediately , but they can't give details because the person is over 18. Your mind races in a thousand different directions at once. You move as fast as you can, but it feels like you are moving through quicksand or something. The drive to the hotiaspl takes an eternity, even though the speedometer is being pushed higher and higher. Except for still being haunted by those words on the other end of the phone that night, the similarities end there. Ken, what you faced upon arrival at the hotiaspl was the worst that any parent could ever have to face. There was your child, the one you protected and nurtured all his life, was now fighting for his own life. I cannot imagine the anger that set in as you were informed how it happened .some stupid, senseless act from another person. It's definitely okay to still grieve and be angry about it. I don't think you should feel you have to hide your grief in front of your family though, because they feel the grief too. Have you ever told Ryan how much you grieve for him? I know you want to be the protector and strong one for your family, and that's so admirable. But there's no rule that says you can't take off the strongman hat now and then, especially at a time like this.
Posted by: Faatima | July 06, 2012 at 12:38 PM
Ken I will never forget where I was when Charlie caelld me early Saturday morning 2 years ago to tell me what he knew so far about Ryan. I'm not sure how you will get through the next few days Ken and Sue but I know you will just like you always do and for the same reason for Ryan.I wake up every morning and think and pray about 3 things both of my boys and the Divineys. We love you and pray for your continued strength every day. I know you will make sure that tomorrow is a positive day for Ryan and he will feel your love and support, like always. Love to all of you ~ xoxoThis comment is well-loved.
Posted by: Adela | July 06, 2012 at 01:23 PM
to BelieverThank you for taking the time to renospd. It seems as though Jen's second post made her intentions clear, as it sounds as though she truly did not mean to offend. Regarding the expression, prayer warrior.' That could mean a group who designates themselves as such, and in the broader sense of the word, it could refer to a person who has prayed about something in an unceasing kind of way. May I suggest that those of us who do rely on prayer in their life, may all be warriors fighting for a cause at some point? In this situation, we are all fighting for the full restoration of Ryan and the complete healing of the Diviney family in general.I pray that in our journey with the Divineys as we all struggle to convey just exactly what we mean, even though we fall incredibly short of understanding all that they have been through, that we be patient with each other, accept each other's differences and always keep the main thing the main thing that is, Ryan fully coming back to his family.
Posted by: Najeer | July 06, 2012 at 02:58 PM
You are doing such a fantastic job in the rehab. therpay services that I think, as soon as Ryan is all better, you should open therpay clinic. Only God knows your total dedication and drive. Be at peace and I pray for Ryan's healing.
Posted by: Meme | July 06, 2012 at 03:47 PM
Right on, Paula. Ken, just keep doing what you are doing .Ryan is healing at his own pace, tests or no tests (your hoorwmek for this session is to read Paula's comment 6 times more if needed but i would advise against calling her in the morning ). Actually, i think you should transfer her comment to a plaque and hang it on the wall where you will see it every day .it will give you blessed support as you go about your day's work. Love u Ryan, Hang in there Buddy. Love, Annie Still here, still praying..
Posted by: Hans | July 07, 2012 at 08:28 PM
Ken, you just sound so very worn out. Ryan does too. We all feel for you and keep praying for your coteunind strength. Thanks so very much for taking the time to post. It keeps us connected. You are doing an outstandingly awesome job taking extraordinary care of Ryan. He is still fighting and we are so proud of him.Keep up the good work. We are with you inprayerful spirit always.Love, Peggie
Posted by: Angelito | July 07, 2012 at 08:57 PM
GREAT news! Can't wait to hear, anythiing that keeps Ryan and his story rleavent and front page is wonderful! The more people that know the better, especially since the Newark news did not think it was a news worthy story when it happened.
Posted by: Jamila | July 07, 2012 at 09:27 PM
It sure sounds like tgnihs are looking positive for Ryan! It's great that the official sleep study report confirms the fact that Ryan does have a somewhat normal pattern, and very promising that they found it surprising. I'd commented that he was in uncharted territory, and that seems to prove it. Hopefully you are on the right track and the red rashy area fades away more after the blood thinner was discontinued. Here's hoping you'll see an improvement in his alertness once there's been sufficient time for his system to adjust the Baclofen reduction .
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