# Brandon Novak > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Brandon_Novak > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Brandon_Novak.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandon_Novak > Source revision: 1356446407 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{short description|American skateboarder and motivational speaker}} {{BLP primary sources|date=April 2020}} {{Use American English|date=December 2022}} {{Use mdy dates|date=December 2022}} {{Infobox person | name = Brandon Novak | image = Brandon Novak Speaking.jpg | caption = Novak in 2022 | birth_name = Brandon Thomas Novak | birth_date = {{birth date and age|December 10, 1978}} | birth_place = [Baltimore](/source/Baltimore), [Maryland](/source/Maryland), U.S.{{cite web |last=Novak |first=Brandon |title=About Brandon Novak |url=https://brandonnovak.com/about-brandon-novak/ |website=brandonnovak.com |access-date=May 25, 2022}} | height = | known_for = ''[Jackass](/source/Jackass_(franchise))''
''[Viva La Bam](/source/Viva_La_Bam)'' | occupation = {{hlist|Skateboarder|stunt performer|author|speaker}} | years_active = 1992–present | website = {{URL|https://brandonnovak.com/}} }} '''Brandon Thomas Novak''' (born December 10, 1978{{cite web |last=Swatek |first=Greg |title=Baltimore Native Brandon Novak: From Skateboarding Prodigy To Addiction To Sobriety |url=https://pressboxonline.com/2019/06/19/baltimore-native-brandon-novak-from-skateboarding-prodigy-to-addiction-to-sobriety/ |website=Pressboxonline |access-date=June 12, 2022 |date=June 19, 2019}}) is an American motivational speaker, author, and former professional skateboarder and [CKY crew](/source/CKY_crew) member. He also had appearances in the ''[Viva La Bam](/source/Viva_La_Bam)'' reality comedy series. ==Early life== Novak was born on December 10, 1978, in [Baltimore](/source/Baltimore), [Maryland](/source/Maryland). == Career == === Professional skateboarding === Novak started skateboarding at seven years old and was soon discovered by [Bucky Lasek](/source/Bucky_Lasek).{{citation needed|date=October 2024}} He was the first skateboarder in the world to be sponsored by [Gatorade](/source/Gatorade) at 14 years old.{{Cite web|date=July 14, 2021|title=Skateboarder Brandon Novak wants people to contact him for addiction help|url=https://fox2now.com/am-show/skateboarder-brandon-novak-wants-people-to-contact-him-for-addiction-help/|access-date=November 17, 2021|website=FOX 2}} At this same time, he was a professional skateboarder on the [Powell Peralta](/source/Powell_Peralta) Team, traveling the country with [Bucky Lasek](/source/Bucky_Lasek), [Bam Margera](/source/Bam_Margera), [Tony Hawk](/source/Tony_Hawk), and others. Due to his substance abuse he was presented with the option to quit or attend rehab which he chose to quit.{{Cite web|title=Brandon Novak on underestimating his addiction and turning inward to find recovery|url=https://drugfree.org/article/heart-of-the-matter-guest-brandon-novak/|access-date=November 17, 2021|website=Partnership to End Addiction}}{{Citation|title=Addiction: Tomorrow Is Going To Be Better Brandon Novak's Story #theaddictionseries #dontgiveup| date=September 17, 2017 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OG--M8B04DA|access-date=December 1, 2021}} Upon achieving sobriety in 2015, Novak returned to skateboarding. In 2020, he finally achieved his dream of creating a pro-deck with The Heart Supply (run by CEO and Founder of [Element](/source/Element_Skateboards), Johnny Schillereff). They released the Brandon Novak Heart Supply collection{{Cite web|title=WITH HEART|url=https://theheartsupply.com/pages/friends-with-heart|access-date=November 17, 2021|website=The Heart Supply}} in June 2020. In July 2021, Novak and fellow professional skateboarder [Joey Jett](/source/Joey_Jett) released a short film of their journey to Barcelona titled "The Awakening" showcasing their skateboarding and journey.{{Cite news|title=Jett Releases 'Joey Jett & Brandon Novak: The Awakening'|url=https://theberrics.com/joey-jett-brandon-novak-the-awakening|access-date=November 17, 2021|website=The Berrics|date=July 21, 2021 }} === Entertainment persona === thumb|Novak (left) and Margera (right) in the mid-2000s Novak makes appearances in ''[CKY3](/source/CKY_(film_series))'' (2001), and ''[CKY4: The Latest & Greatest](/source/CKY_(film_series))'' (2002), and in [Bam Margera](/source/Bam_Margera)'s films ''[Haggard](/source/Haggard%3A_The_Movie)'' (2003), and ''[Minghags](/source/Minghags)'' (2009). In ''Haggard'', Novak plays a friendly drug dealer named Dooli, which was the real nickname of Novak's dealer in northwest Baltimore. He also appeared in Bam's TV shows ''[Viva La Bam](/source/Viva_La_Bam)'' (2003-2006), ''Bam's Unholy Union'' (2007), and ''[Bam's Bad Ass Game Show](/source/Bam's_Bad_Ass_Game_Show)'' (2014), and also made guest appearances in the ''[Jackass](/source/Jackass_(franchise))'' movies ''[Jackass Number Two](/source/Jackass_Number_Two)'' (2006), ''[Jackass 2.5](/source/Jackass_2.5)'' (2007), ''[Jackass 3D](/source/Jackass_3D)'' (2010), and ''[Jackass 3.5](/source/Jackass_3.5)'' (2011). He appeared regularly on the [SIRIUS Satellite Radio](/source/Sirius_Satellite_Radio) show ''[Radio Bam](/source/Radio_Bam)''. One notable radio appearance was on December 26, 2005, where Margera gave Novak $500 to hire two sex workers as a Christmas gift. As Novak was having sex with the women live on air in the studio, [SIRIUS Satellite Radio](/source/Sirius_Satellite_Radio) cut off the show.{{Cite web |title=The Seanfidential Informant: 01 {{!}} Brandon Novak |url=https://theseanfidentialinformant.libsyn.com/01-brandon-novak |access-date=December 19, 2022 |website=theseanfidentialinformant.libsyn.com}} This was significant as it was the first time SIRIUS had ever censored a program before.{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20100912170822/http://brandonovak.com/novak-gets-two-hookers-live-on-radio-bam Novak Gets Two Hookers Live on Radio Bam]}}{{Cite web|date=September 12, 2010|title=Novak Gets Two Hookers Live on Radio Bam {{!}} brandonovak.com|url=http://brandonovak.com:80/novak-gets-two-hookers-live-on-radio-bam|access-date=October 28, 2021|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100912170822/http://brandonovak.com:80/novak-gets-two-hookers-live-on-radio-bam|archive-date=September 12, 2010}} Also in 2005, Novak arrived on the red carpet at the [2005 MTV Video Music Awards](/source/2005_MTV_Video_Music_Awards) wearing nothing except a computer keyboard.{{Citation |title=Bam Margera at the VMA's | date=January 19, 2008 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMWjmZXKcPY|access-date=December 19, 2022}} The night prior he had brought back girls to his hotel room and sometime in the night had thrown his clothes off the balcony. Having no clothes for the VMA's, he decided on a keyboard. In 2008, Novak appeared in ''Bam Margera Presents: Where the#$&% Is Santa?'', which featured Novak and several other cast members trying to find [Santa Claus](/source/Santa_Claus). That same year, Novak appeared in a pornographic film by [Gina Lynn](/source/Gina_Lynn) called ''The Fantasstic Whores 4'' with Margera while Margera had a "prominent, non-sex role".{{cite news |url=http://www.avn.com/movies/79267.html |title=The Fantasstic Whores 4 |publisher=[AVN](/source/AVN_(magazine)) |year=2009 |access-date=September 1, 2009}} In 2010, Novak appeared in ''[Jackass 3D](/source/Jackass_3D)'' in multiple scenes. Novak also had a more prominent role in the follow-up film ''[Jackass 3.5](/source/Jackass_3.5)'', which was released in 2011. In 2013 and 2014, Novak traveled around the world as the opening act for rock and roll band Fuckface Unstoppable.{{Cite web |title=FFU Dyas |url=https://www.instagram.com/tv/B6OYTZEA4VU/ |access-date=December 19, 2022 |website=Instagram }} Performing as "Pill" Collins, a spoof of Phil Collins, he would sing "In The Air Tonight" to open the shows. He would be heavily intoxicated, known for coming out naked and spraying the crowd with wine.{{Citation |title=Brandon Novak at Fuckface Unstoppable Australian Tour with Chad from CKY | date=January 24, 2013 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-fe8JeUis8 |access-date=December 19, 2022}} He has also been featured on [Howard Stern](/source/Howard_Stern)'s Most Outrageous Moments for his appearance in a 2008 episode where he stripped naked and licked [Richard Christy](/source/Richard_Christy)'s anus for $280.{{Cite web|title=Bam, Brandon Novak, on Howard Stern|url=https://www.slapmagazine.com/index.php?topic=30839.0|access-date=November 17, 2021|website=www.slapmagazine.com}} === Author of ''Dreamseller'' and ''The Streets of Baltimore'' === thumb|Novak in 2019 thumb|Novak writing the book in 2014 prior to his sobriety Novak, along with co-author and CKY filmographer [Joe Frantz](/source/Joe_Frantz), authored his first book, titled ''Dreamseller'', which is based on his life and experiences with [heroin](/source/heroin) in [Baltimore](/source/Baltimore). The book was published on October 18, 2008. A paperback version of the book was released exactly a year after its original publishing on October 18, 2009. A movie, also to be titled ''Dreamseller'', was supposed to be in production in early 2007, but was stopped when Novak began using heroin again. On the December 17, 2007 episode of Radio Bam, it was announced that the movie may be completed in the near future with [Bam Margera](/source/Bam_Margera) starring as Novak in the film. In 2015, the idea of a movie was again floated, but Novak claimed that to secure funding they would have to approve [Justin Bieber](/source/Justin_Bieber) playing Novak, which they felt wasn't the right direction.{{cite web |title=Joe Frantz – DREAMSELLER THE MOVIE UPDATE! Sorry, it's... {{!}} Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/100001026473515/posts/1048603431850529/?d=n |website=Facebook |access-date=January 10, 2022}} Production ceased again. In 2018, Novak and Frantz released a graphic novel titled ''The Brandon Novak Chronicles: The Shocking True Addiction Stories of a Counter-Culture Icon''. Novak released a second book titled ''The Streets of Baltimore'' in 2020, marking the five-year anniversary of his sobriety, which chronicles more of his struggle with addiction. ==Battles with drug abuse== [[File:Novak Skate 2010.jpg|thumb|Novak skating at [Bam Margera](/source/Bam_Margera)'s skate park in 2010]] thumb|Novak under the influence Before achieving sobriety in 2015, Novak struggled for over 20 years with addictions to heroin, cocaine, pain pills, benzodiazepines, and alcohol. He spent his 19th, 20th, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 27th, 28th, 29th, 32nd, 33rd, 34th, and 35th birthdays in a jail or treatment center.{{Citation|title=Addiction: Tomorrow Is Going To Be Better Brandon Novak's Story #theaddictionseries #dontgiveup| date=September 17, 2017 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OG--M8B04DA|access-date=November 29, 2021}} When Novak was 14, he was a professional skateboarder on the [Powell Peralta](/source/Powell_Peralta) Team, traveling the country with [Bucky Lasek](/source/Bucky_Lasek), [Tony Hawk](/source/Tony_Hawk), and others.{{Cite web|last=Swatek|first=Greg|date=June 19, 2019|title=Baltimore Native Brandon Novak: From Skateboarding Prodigy To Addiction To Sobriety|url=https://pressboxonline.com/2019/06/19/baltimore-native-brandon-novak-from-skateboarding-prodigy-to-addiction-to-sobriety/|access-date=October 28, 2021|website=PressBoxOnline.com}} Despite his meteoric rise to success, his drug use was discovered by [Mike Vallely](/source/Mike_Vallely) and Todd Hastings, team manager at the time, presented him with the unanimous choice for him to either leave the team or attend rehab for his "[psychoactive substance](/source/psychoactive_substance) abuse"; he elected to leave the team. Over the next 20 years, he went to rehab 13 times, was frequently arrested, overdosed over four times, stole from his friends and family, and prostituted himself to pay for drugs.{{Cite web|date=July 1, 2019|title=From Ramps to Rehab: Brandon Novak's Fall and Rise|url=https://www.bocamag.com/from-ramps-to-rehab-brandon-novak-addiction-banyan-treatment-center/|access-date=October 28, 2021|website=Boca Magazine}} Novak was clean for almost four years, from 2003 to 2007, before relapsing.{{Cite web|date=May 25, 2017|title=Today, Pro Skater Brandon Novak Is Two Years Clean And Sober From Opioids|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/today-pro-skater-brandon-novak-is-2-years-clean-and_b_5926562ae4b0aa7207986ae5|access-date=October 28, 2021|website=HuffPost}} Novak was absent from the January 23, 2006 episode of ''[Radio Bam](/source/Radio_Bam)'' on [Sirius Satellite Radio](/source/Sirius_Satellite_Radio) while he attended rehab for addiction to pills.{{Cite web|title=Radio Bam – full episode #56 (2006-01-23)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4PsEghvGQQ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/B4PsEghvGQQ| archive-date=December 12, 2021|url-status=live|date=March 10, 2016|website=Youtube.com}}{{cbignore}} On February 26, 2007, Novak admitted on Radio Bam that while he had quit using heroin, he still regularly abused [cocaine](/source/cocaine) and [pain medication](/source/pain_medication) and frequently drank alcohol.{{Cite web|title=Radio Bam – full episode #109 – Jimmy Pop's house (2006-02-26)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqpVNv6DUGw |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/uqpVNv6DUGw| archive-date=December 12, 2021 |url-status=live|date=March 15, 2016|website=Youtube.com}}{{cbignore}} While it was not mentioned on the radio show, Novak broke both ankles the day before Margera's wedding while skating with [Tony Hawk](/source/Tony_Hawk) and Margera during filming for ''[Bam's Unholy Union](/source/Bam's_Unholy_Union)'' on February 2, 2007. He was shown holding a bottle of prescription pain killers afterwards. Margera stated on ''Radio Bam'' that Novak relapsed in March 2007 and was seeking treatment in a rehabilitation clinic.{{Cite web|date=March 16, 2016|title=Radio Bam – full episode #111 (2007-03-12)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0A4LoB2S6I |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/v0A4LoB2S6I| archive-date=December 12, 2021 |url-status=live|website=Youtube.com}}{{cbignore}} It is unclear if this incident led to his relapse, or if the relapse was already occurring by this time. Margera announced on the April 3, 2007 episode of Radio Bam that Novak had a relapse with his addiction to heroin and was back in rehab.{{Cite web|title=Radio Bam – full episode #114 (2007-04-02)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hw2ctOrzK8k |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/hw2ctOrzK8k| archive-date=December 12, 2021 |url-status=live|date=March 16, 2016|website=Youtube.com}}{{cbignore}} On the July 30, 2007 episode of Radio Bam, Margera and [Chad I Ginsburg](/source/Chad_I_Ginsburg) were discussing the topic of heroin and announced that Novak's addiction was "the worst [Bam] had ever seen" and that Novak was "just killing himself now". He was kicked out of rehab in [Scranton, Pennsylvania](/source/Scranton%2C_Pennsylvania), after heroin pills were found in his bag. Novak claimed that the pills were "planted" on him.{{Cite web|title=Radio Bam – full episode #127 (2007-07-30)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFTleLiaEx8 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/UFTleLiaEx8| archive-date=December 12, 2021 |url-status=live|date=March 16, 2016|website=Youtube.com}}{{cbignore}} On a Radio Bam episode in November, Novak stated that he had attempted suicide three weeks before the radio show, as a result of a heroin binge, but survived it.{{Cite web|title=Radio Bam – full episode #138 – Guest: Novaks doctor (2007-11-12)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NF9iZzkCCOk |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/NF9iZzkCCOk| archive-date=December 12, 2021 |url-status=live|date=March 22, 2016|website=Youtube.com}}{{cbignore}} On the December 17, 2007 episode of Radio Bam, Novak was asked to leave Margera's house again when he lied on air about not having pills and being clean. He had recently been released from a psychiatric ward he had been held in for 12 days because of suicidal tendencies and drug use. The crew found multiple bars of [Xanax](/source/Alprazolam) on Novak, which he claimed had been prescribed to him. [Joe Frantz](/source/Joe_Frantz) and Margera exiled Novak for a period of time as a result.{{Cite web|title=Radio Bam – full episode #143 (2007-12-17)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llki-V0CeZA |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/llki-V0CeZA| archive-date=December 12, 2021 |url-status=live|date=March 23, 2016|website=Youtube.com}}{{cbignore}} On the March 3, 2008 episode of Radio Bam, Novak stated that he was 33 days clean and would appear in Bam's new MTV show. In March 2009, Frantz had a phone conversation with Novak about his attempted suicide and mental health issues that resulted in him being institutionalized.[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXj7uoIGEmY Brandon Novak institutionalized] [Joe Frantz](/source/Joe_Frantz)'s YouTube account, March 3, 2009 On March 9, 2009, Novak appeared on Radio Bam and discussed getting out of the mental institution, his drug use, and the delusions that led to the problems.{{cite episode | title = Radio Bam | episode-link = Radio Bam | series = Radio Bam | series-link = Radio Bam | airdate = March 9, 2009 }} === Influence === Novak and his battles with addiction influenced a number of songs. In a 2006 episode of ''[Loveline](/source/Loveline)'' with [Dr. Drew](/source/Drew_Pinsky), lead vocalist of [HIM](/source/HIM_(Finnish_band)), [Ville Valo](/source/Ville_Valo) confirmed their song "[Killing Loneliness](/source/Killing_Loneliness)" was inspired by Novak who blamed his heroin addiction on a need to, "kill the loneliness."{{Cite book|last=Halupczok|first=Marc|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=28t3DwAAQBAJ&q=Killing+Loneliness+novak&pg=PT81|title=The Authentic Unauthorized Secret Biography of HIM: & Ville Valo|date=June 3, 2013|publisher=UBOOKS|isbn=978-3-944154-96-1|language=de}} Bam Margera's band Fuckface Unstoppable produced two songs heavily featuring Novak. "Moonshine", where in the chorus Margera sings about Novak and the music video begins with a naked Novak throwing a fit outside of a gas station.{{Citation|title=Bam Margera "Moonshine" by Fuckface Unstoppable OFFICIAL|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6B8zlL-BJvY |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/6B8zlL-BJvY| archive-date=December 12, 2021 |url-status=live|access-date=November 26, 2021}}{{cbignore}} In 2013, Margera also developed the song "Till the Wheels Fal Alf". The music video opens with Novak intoxicated on the phone and ends with a naked Novak being dragged out of a building.{{Citation|title=Fuckface Unstoppable TILL THE WHEELS FAL ALF .... test 1|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Pf4uhyhfjo |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/0Pf4uhyhfjo|url-status=live| archive-date=December 12, 2021|access-date=November 26, 2021}}{{cbignore}}{{Citation|title=Fuckface Unstoppable – Till the Wheels Fall Alf!|url=https://genius.com/Fuckface-unstoppable-till-the-wheels-fall-alf-lyrics|access-date=November 26, 2021}} The song contains lyrics alluding to Novak's addiction to pills. In 2017, the band Black Haze released a song titled "Dreamseller", as an ode to Novak's nickname. The music video contains videos of Novak pre-sobriety.{{Citation|title=Black Haze – Dreamseller (Official Video)| date=December 15, 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLQjxCq_30g |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/pLQjxCq_30g|url-status=live|archive-date=December 12, 2021 |access-date=December 1, 2021}}{{cbignore}} In April 2023, Brandon Novak became affiliated with [https://redemptionaddictiontreatmentcenter.com/ Redemption Addiction Treatment Center], located in Wilmington, DE. He actively answers incoming calls and helps those that struggle with substance use disorder.{{Cite web |title=Meet Brandon Novak {{!}} Redemption Addiction Treatment Center Delaware |url=https://redemptionaddictiontreatmentcenter.com/about/meet-brandon-novak/ |access-date=2026-02-03 |website=Redemption Addiction Treatment Center |language=en-US}} === Arrests and jail sentence === Prior to achieving sobriety, Novak had a long history in and out of the legal system. Novak has been charged over 30 times with charges ranging from burglary to possession over the course of 1997–2014.{{Cite web|title=Search – BeenVerified|url=https://www.beenverified.com/app/report/person?name=BRANDON%20NOVAK&permalink=ebb7f3b35e6476fefc40e02c1036f68fa8c322a91e6b9459717690|access-date=October 28, 2021|website=www.beenverified.com}} In a 2008 interview, Bam Margera details how Novak was featured on ''[World's Dumbest Criminals](/source/World's_Dumbest_Criminals)'' following a humorous arrest where Novak breaks into a gas station during a blizzard, leaves with the stolen goods, then realizing he has nowhere to go, decides to return to the gas station and sleep. He awakes to the police questioning him.{{Citation|title=Brandon Novak About His Heroin Addiction And Friendship With Bam Margera| date=May 20, 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWG3CTUewmw |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/oWG3CTUewmw| archive-date=December 12, 2021 |url-status=live|access-date=October 28, 2021}}{{cbignore}} On July 7, 2010, Novak was arrested at [Chester County Hospital](/source/Chester_County_Hospital) for an outstanding warrant after being admitted to the hospital for breaking several bones filming a scene for ''[Jackass 3D](/source/Jackass_3D)''. He was charged with forging a prescription after he tried to pass a fake prescription for Xanax at a Walgreens in [Media, Pennsylvania](/source/Media%2C_Pennsylvania).{{cite news|year=2010|title=Novak is Going Back to Jail|publisher=brandonovak.com|url=http://brandonovak.com/novak-is-going-back-to-jail|url-status=usurped|access-date=November 12, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101107191220/http://brandonovak.com/novak-is-going-back-to-jail|archive-date=November 7, 2010}} On November 3, 2010, Novak was sentenced to 11–23 months. His initial sentence called for the first 30 weeks,{{Cite press release|title=Fans and Co-Stars Rally To Support MTV Reality Star|url=https://www.newswire.com/fans-and-co-stars-rally-to-support/74144|website=newswire.com|access-date=May 1, 2020}} to be spent as weekend confinement at the [George W. Hill Correctional Facility](/source/George_W._Hill_Correctional_Facility) in [Thornton, Pennsylvania](/source/Thornton%2C_Pennsylvania).{{Citation needed|date=April 2020}} After his weekends were completed, Novak would spend six months on house arrest until eligible for release.{{Citation needed|date=April 2020}} In early February 2011, Novak claimed on ''[Radio Bam](/source/Radio_Bam)'' that he had used his cellmate's urine to pass a drug test and mentioned the facility by name. The episode was intercepted by the staff at the correctional facility, and on February 11, 2011, the judge revoked Novak's weekend sentence and ordered him to be jailed for 10 months. Novak was released from the jail on December 30, 2011. He was then on parole for one year and was on probation until the end of 2013, during which time he had to stay clean of illegal substances. === Feud with Bam Margera === [[File:Novak and Bam.jpg|thumb|[Bam Margera](/source/Bam_Margera) (left) and Novak (right) in 2014]] A feud between Novak and childhood best friend [Bam Margera](/source/Bam_Margera) began in 2019 as a result of Margera's continued substance abuse problems. Margera has routinely taken to [Instagram](/source/Instagram) to attack Novak. In early 2021, Margera shared a series of text messages between himself and Novak with him saying to Novak, "Your [''sic''] not signing a book on my turf till you admit who you are. You can't just keep coming around my way. Dont [''sic''] you reply to your best friend?"{{Cite web|title=Margera Novak Texts|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CORW-7ylwhN/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/CORW-7ylwhN |archive-date=December 24, 2021 |url-access=registration|url-status=live}}{{cbignore}} He additionally went on [Instagram Live](/source/Instagram_Live) while intoxicated, claiming his best friend and "life partner" Brandon Novak promised him a new car and Margera felt betrayed by him.{{Cite web|date=February 11, 2021|title=Fans Tell Bam Margera To 'Sober Up' After Recent Instagram Video|url=https://www.thethings.com/fans-tell-bam-margera-to-sober-up-after-recent-instagram-video/|access-date=October 28, 2021|website=TheThings}} In further posts, alluding to the financial support he provided Novak for rehab attempts, he says, "If you fucking faggots don't think I fixed Novak then tell that to the 150,000.00 I have spent on fixing him! Fuckers."{{Cite web|title=Bam Margera|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CN52QAClz29/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/CN52QAClz29 |archive-date=December 24, 2021 |url-access=registration|url-status=live|access-date=October 28, 2021|website=www.instagram.com}}{{cbignore}} In a 2019 interview, Novak addresses the personal attacks from Margera, "You see Bam's public tirades and the fact that he focused a lot of his attention and his anger on me for a little while.. Did it hurt? Absolutely. Was I angry? Absolutely. Did I retaliate? Definitely not. The reality is why me, why me, it's like why the fuck not me? As many times as I hurt him, I took advantage of him, I lied to him, I stole from him, he always lent a hand. And now what better person to understand where he's at than me? There's nothing he could say that would offend me or make me abandon our friendship. I won't and I'll see this through with him till the very end, good, bad, or indifferent."{{Citation|title=Behind the Curtain: The Bam/Novak Saga| date=December 4, 2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IR5kg0Iaumg |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/IR5kg0Iaumg| archive-date=December 12, 2021 |url-status=live|access-date=October 28, 2021}}{{cbignore}} ==Sobriety== thumb|Novak speaking at a prison in 2021 After a string of relapses and homelessness, Novak entered Today, Inc. in [Langhorne, Pennsylvania](/source/Langhorne%2C_Pennsylvania) and successfully completed treatment. He has been clean and sober since May 25, 2015.{{Cite web|last=Herald|first=Cheryl SobunFor The Record|title=Clean, sober, and helping others|url=https://www.therecordherald.com/news/20170802/clean-sober-and-helping-others|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210214054341/https://www.therecordherald.com/news/20170802/clean-sober-and-helping-others|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 14, 2021|access-date=May 1, 2020|website=Waynesboro Record Herald – Waynesboro, PA}} He now serves as a Certified Intervention Professional and serves as a motivational speaker.{{Cite news|title=Keynote Speaker|url=https://brandonnovak.com/keynote-speaker/|access-date=October 28, 2021|website=Brandon Novak}}{{Citation|title=Addiction: Tomorrow Is Going To Be Better Brandon Novak's Story #theaddictionseries #dontgiveup| date=September 17, 2017 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OG--M8B04DA|access-date=October 28, 2021}} Novak tours the nation sharing his story of recovery and message of hope, seeking to help suffering addicts. He has appeared on broadcasts nationally. In all media appearances he encourages anyone who is struggling to reach out to him for help directly. He even provides his personal cellphone number to audiences for anyone who needs help. Novak serves as the keynote speaker for the [DEA](/source/Drug_Enforcement_Administration)'s Youth Summit events, bringing drug awareness and education to high schools and organizations across the nation.{{Cite web |title=Operation Engage |url=https://www.dea.gov/operation-engage |access-date=December 19, 2022 |website=www.dea.gov}} He starred in "Facing Addiction in America", a television special featuring celebrities who had been affected by addiction. The special was aired on [BET](/source/BET), [Comedy Central](/source/Comedy_Central), [CMT](/source/CMT_(American_TV_channel)), [Logo TV](/source/Logo_TV), [MTV](/source/MTV), [MTV2](/source/MTV2), [MTV Classic](/source/MTV_Classic_(American_TV_channel)), [MTV Live](/source/MTV_Live_(TV_network)), [Spike TV](/source/Spike_TV), [TV Land](/source/TV_Land), and [VH1](/source/VH1).{{Citation |title=Listen: Facing Addiction in America |url=https://vimeo.com/193957811|access-date=December 19, 2022}} TENGA Productions produced a video with Novak telling his story that went viral on [YouTube](/source/YouTube). It was shown in more than 40 US markets and garnered more than 4.5 million views inspiring countless individuals to reach out for help.{{Citation |title=Addiction: Tomorrow Is Going To Be Better Brandon Novak's Story #theaddictionseries #dontgiveup | date=September 17, 2017 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OG--M8B04DA|access-date=December 19, 2022}} ===Novak's House=== [[File:Novaks House-2827.jpg|thumb|Novak (left) with Darren Prince and Allison Rush at the first Novak's House event in [Boca Raton, Florida](/source/Boca_Raton%2C_Florida), in 2022]] Novak, alongside George Evagelou, founded Novak's House, a sober home in [Delaware](/source/Delaware) for young men in recovery. As of 2022, there are three Novak's Houses located in [Wilmington, Delaware](/source/Wilmington%2C_Delaware). In February 2022, Novak, alongside manager Allison Rush and Julie Johnson, held the first-ever Novak's House gala in [Boca Raton, Florida](/source/Boca_Raton%2C_Florida) to raise money for sober living scholarships. The event raised nearly $70,000 and was featured on [WPTV-TV](/source/WPTV-TV),{{Cite web |title=How the Novak House is lending a helping hand |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/video/asia.php/how-the-novak-house-is-lending-a-helping-hand/vi-AAU6Zfw |access-date=September 9, 2022 |website=MSN }} [Yahoo! Sports](/source/Yahoo!_Sports),{{Cite web |title=How the Novak House is lending a helping hand |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/novak-house-lending-helping-hand-043520734.html |access-date=September 9, 2022 |website=sports.yahoo.com|date=February 21, 2022 }} and [ESPN](/source/ESPN).{{Cite web |title=How the Novak House is lending a helping hand |url=https://www.yahoo.com/now/novak-house-lending-helping-hand-043520734.html |access-date=September 9, 2022 |website=www.yahoo.com|date=February 21, 2022 }} Also in 2022, Novak and Johnson partnered with the [Mountain Dew Skate Tour](/source/Dew_Tour) and Punk Rock and Paintbrushes to sponsor an art show and also raise money for Novak's House scholarships through a VIP event.{{Cite press release |title=Punk Rock & Paintbrushes Partners With Brandon Novak and Julie Johnson for Dew Tour 2022 |url=https://www.newswire.com/news/punk-rock-paintbrushes-partners-with-brandon-novak-and-julie-johnson-21781168 |access-date=December 19, 2022 |website=www.newswire.com}} Brandon and Julie continued their support for Punk Rock and Paintbrushes artists and scholarships by sponsoring a show at [Tony Hawk](/source/Tony_Hawk)'s Weekend Jam in May 2022.{{Cite web |title=Punk Rock & Paintbrushes is teaming up with The Tony Hawk Weekend Jam |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CcgPfHRvNOd/ |access-date=December 19, 2022 |website=Instagram}} == Filmography == === Movies === {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! Year ! Title ! Role ! class="unsortable" | Notes |- |2001 |''[CKY3](/source/CKY_(video_series))'' | rowspan="2" |Himself | rowspan="2" |[Direct-to-video](/source/Direct-to-video) |- |2002 |''[CKY4: The Latest & Greatest](/source/CKY4%3A_The_Latest_%26_Greatest)'' |- |2003 |''[Haggard: The Movie](/source/Haggard%3A_The_Movie)'' |Dooli | |- |2006 |''[Jackass Number Two](/source/Jackass_Number_Two)'' | rowspan="5" |Himself | rowspan="2" |Guest appearances |- |2007 |''[Jackass 2.5](/source/Jackass_2.5)'' |- |2008 |''Bam Margera Presents: Where the#$&% Is Santa?'' |Direct-to-video |- |2008 |''The Fantasstic Whores 4'' | |- |2009 |''Dreamseller: The Brandon Novak Documentary'' |Short documentary |- |2009 |''[Minghags](/source/Minghags%3A_The_Movie)'' |Gay biker | |- |2010 |''[Jackass 3D](/source/Jackass_3D)'' | rowspan="6" |Himself | rowspan="2" |Guest appearances |- |2011 |''[Jackass 3.5](/source/Jackass_3.5)'' |- |2017 |''The Fast Food King'' |Documentary |- |2020 |''[Steve-O](/source/Steve-O): Gnarly'' |Direct-to-video
Guest appearances |- |2022 |''Humanity Stoked'' | rowspan="2" |Documentary |- |TBA |''The Brandon Novak Story'' |} === Television === {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! Year ! Title ! Role ! class="unsortable" | Notes |- |2004–2006 |''[Viva La Bam](/source/Viva_La_Bam)'' | rowspan="13" |Himself |18 episodes |- |2005 |''[MTV Cribs](/source/MTV_Cribs)'' |1 episode |- |2005 |''[2005 MTV Video Music Awards](/source/2005_MTV_Video_Music_Awards)'' |Guest appearance |- |2007 |''[Bam's Unholy Union](/source/Bam's_Unholy_Union)'' |9 episodes |- |2008 |''[truTV Presents: World's Dumbest...](/source/truTV_Presents%3A_World's_Dumbest...)'' |1 episode |- |2009 |''[The Dudesons](/source/The_Dudesons)'' |Episode 3.6 |- |2009 |''[Nitro Circus](/source/Nitro_Circus)'' |2 episodes |- |2011 |''A Tribute to [Ryan Dunn](/source/Ryan_Dunn)'' |TV documentary
Archive footage |- |2014 |''[Bam's Bad Ass Game Show](/source/Bam's_Bad_Ass_Game_Show)'' |6 episodes |- |2014 |''[CKY: The Greatest Hits](/source/CKY%3A_The_Greatest_Hits)'' |TV special |- |2017 |''Epicly Later'd: [Bam Margera](/source/Bam_Margera)'' |TV documentary |- |2018 |''[WGN Morning News](/source/WGN_Morning_News)'' |1 episode |- |2021 |''[FOX 29 Philadelphia](/source/WTXF-TV)'' |1 episode |} === Web series === {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! Year ! Title ! Role ! class="unsortable" | Notes |- |2018 |''[Bathroom Break Podcast](/source/Chris_Raab)'' | rowspan="2" |Himself |1 episode |- |2021–2024 |''[Steve-O](/source/Steve-O)'s Wild Ride'' |[Podcast](/source/Podcast)
3 episodes |} == Bibliography == *Brandon Novak, ''Dreamseller''. (Citadel Press, 2008) (hardcover) {{ISBN|0-8065-3003-0}} *Brandon Novak, ''Dreamseller''. (Citadel Press, 2009) (paperback) *Brandon Novak, ''The Streets of Baltimore.'' (Frantz Press, 2020) (paperback) {{ISBN|0578602768}} == References == {{reflist}} == External links == {{Commons category}} *[https://brandonnovak.com/ Official website] *[https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBrandonNovak Brandon Novak on YouTube] *{{Instagram|brandon__novak}} *{{Twitter|brandon_novak}} *{{IMDb name|1069950}} {{Authority control}} {{CKY}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Novak, Brandon}} Category:1970s births Category:American skateboarders Category:American stunt performers Category:CKY crew Category:Living people Category:Sportspeople from Baltimore --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Brandon Novak](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandon_Novak) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandon_Novak?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.