{{short description|American historian, producer, actor, and entrepreneur}} {{use mdy dates|date=November 2019}}{{use American English|date=November 2019}} {{Infobox person | name = Lathan McKay | image = Lathan Mckay.jpg | alt = | caption = | birth_name = Lathan McKay | birth_date = <!-- CITE A RELIABLE SOURCE --> | occupation = {{Hlist|Producer|historian|actor|writer|entrepreneur}} | years_active = 2002–present | employer = | organization = | known_for = | credits = {{Hlist|''I Am Evel Knievel''|''Chasing Evel''|''Being Evel''|''Levelland''|''Road to Nowhere''}} | style = | height = | television = ''Evel Live 2'' (A&E), ''Collision Course'' (Reelz) | spouse = | partner = | children = | parents = | relatives = | family = | awards = | website = | footnotes = }} '''Lathan McKay''' is an American film and television producer, historian, actor, writer and co-founder of the Evel Knievel Museum.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kansascity.com/sports/article213860159.html|title=How Did An Evel Knievel Museum End Up In Kansas|last1=Goodwin|first1=Shaun|website=Kansas City Star|accessdate=November 17, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/57313|title=Evel Knievel Museum|last1=Staff|first1=Team|website=Roadside America|accessdate=November 17, 2019}}</ref> As a former professional skateboarder, he has amassed the largest collection of Evel Knievel memorabilia in the world.<ref name="collector1">{{cite web |last1=Stemp |first1=Marilyn |title=Lathan Mckay |url=http://evelknievelmuseum.com/the-collector |website=Evel Knievel Museum |accessdate=November 20, 2019 |archive-date=December 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191202005846/http://evelknievelmuseum.com/the-collector |url-status=dead }}</ref> The collection now resides at the official Evel Knievel Museum alongside Historic Harley Davidson.<!-- ("Historic H-D" is a specific place, not a capitalization error. --><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cjonline.com/news/local/2017-06-30/robbie-knievel-son-evel-knievel-sees-father-s-museum-first-time|title=Robbie Knievel Sees Father's Museum For The First Time|last1=Dienes|first1=Angela|website=CJ Online|accessdate=November 17, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wibw.com/content/news/Inside-Evel-Your-first-look-at-Topekas-new-Evel-Knievel-Museum-420434773.html|title=Inside Evel|last1=Bruner|first1=Melissa|website=WIBW|date=April 26, 2017 |accessdate=November 17, 2019}}</ref>
== Biography == {{ref improve section|date=July 2024}} He started skateboarding as a child and became sponsored at 14. Inspired by Evel Knievel, he spent a decade on the road as a professional, breaking for a year to attend college in Austin. McKay became a '70s-era cinephile and was inspired by existential films like ''Cisco Pike'', ''Night Moves'', ''Charley Varrick'', ''Little Fauss and Big Halsy'', ''Thunderbolt and Lightfoot'',<ref>{{cite web|last1=Christensen |first1=Julie |title=Lathan Mckay Biography |url=https://m.imdb.com/name/nm1532404/bio |website=IMDB |accessdate=November 20, 2019}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=January 2026|sure=y|reason= IMDB is wp:UGC see wp:IMDB}} films by Sam Peckinpah, and particularly Monte Hellman’s ''Two-Lane Blacktop''.
'''2003–11'''
In 2003, McKay starred in ''Levelland'',<ref>{{cite web|last1=Young |first1=Neil |title=Film Festival Day Five |url=https://www.jigsawlounge.co.uk/film/reviews/pages-from-a-warm-island-izola-film-festival-day-five/ |website=Jigsaw Lounge |date=May 31, 2005 |accessdate=November 20, 2019}}</ref> a film about coming of age in the flatlands of Texas.<ref name="levelland">{{cite web|url=http://www.movies.com/levelland/details/m26143|title=Levelland Details|website=movies.com|accessdate=27 June 2016}}</ref> Several of its non-fictional characters were skateboarders, and director Clark Lee Walker, co-writer of ''The Newton Boys'', cast avid skateboarders to act in the film.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/levelland|title=Levelland|author=Staff Writer|website=Rotten Tomatoes|accessdate=November 17, 2019}}</ref> ''Levelland'' premiered at the 2003 Tribeca Film Festival.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2003/film/reviews/levelland-1200541868/|title=Levelland Review|last1=Scheib|first1=Ronnie|website=Variety|accessdate=November 18, 2019|date=2003-05-07}}</ref>
In 2004, McKay moved to Los Angeles to continue a career as an actor. As he was looking for a place to live, he was introduced to his favorite film director Monte Hellman by a friend, actor Nicky Katt. Hellman had a spare room in his Laurel Canyon home, and McKay moved in. He performed in several films, and in 2008, he was cast to portray Layne Staley of Alice In Chains<ref>{{cite web|last1=Staff |first1=MTV |title=MTV Music News |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1582305/britney-spears-case-wont-move-to-federal-court-plus-miley-cyrus-amy-winehouse-perez-hilton-bono-more-in-for-the-record/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126070150/http://www.mtv.com/news/1582305/britney-spears-case-wont-move-to-federal-court-plus-miley-cyrus-amy-winehouse-perez-hilton-bono-more-in-for-the-record/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 26, 2021 |website=MTV News |accessdate=November 21, 2019}}</ref> in ''Layne Staley: Get Born Again''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theplaylist.net/alice-in-chains-get-born-again-biopic-20080225/|title=Alice In Chains Biopic Finds It's Man|last1=Perez|first1=Rodrigo|website=The Playlist|accessdate=November 17, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bravewords.com/news/actor-to-play-late-alice-in-chains-singer-layne-staley-meets-with-get-born-again-author-adriana-rubio|title=Actor To Portray Layne Staley|author=Staff Writer|website=Brave Words|accessdate=November 17, 2019}}</ref> This biographical film went into production but was never completed due to estate and legal issues.<ref>{{cite web|author=Staff Writer |title=Get Born Again Movie |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/layne-staley-get-born-again-the-movie-in-the-works/ |website=Blabbermouth |accessdate=November 20, 2019|date=February 20, 2008 }}</ref><ref name="PI">{{cite news|url=http://blog.seattlepi.com/guerrillacandy/2008/03/20/actor-cast-as-layne-staley-in-biopic-rocks-out-with-fake-aic/|title=Actor cast as Layne Staley in biopic rocks out with fake AIC|last1=Hay|first1=Travis|date=March 20, 2008|work=Seattle Post Intelligencer|accessdate=21 June 2016}}</ref>
McKay continued to act,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Staff |first1=IMDB |title=Lathan Mckay |url=https://m.imdb.com/name/nm1532404/filmotype/actor |website=IMDB |accessdate=November 20, 2019}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=January 2026|sure=y|reason= IMDB is wp:UGC see wp:IMDB}} but became more interested in all aspects of filmmaking. In 2008 he joined Melissa and Monte Hellman’s newly formed production company, wearing many hats as his late mentor Hellman's assistant on the 2010 Golden Lion award-winning film ''Road to Nowhere''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2010/film/markets-festivals/road-to-nowhere-1117943481/|title=Road To Nowhere-Review|last1=Feeney|first1=F.X.|website=Variety|accessdate=November 17, 2019|date=September 9, 2010}}</ref> He also performed and produced alongside the Hellman family.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Goldstein |first1=Patrick |title=The Big Picture |url=https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/the_big_picture/2010/09/quentin-tarantino-venice-film-festival.html |newspaper=LA Times |accessdate=November 20, 2019|date=September 13, 2010 }}</ref>
McKay played a significant role in the re-release of ''Two-Lane Blacktop'',<ref>{{cite web|last1=Jones |first1=Kent |title=Two-Lane Black Top |url=https://www.criterion.com/current/posts/621-two-lane-blacktop-slow-ride |website=Criterion |accessdate=November 20, 2019}}</ref> assisting production on ''Somewhere Near Salinas'' with Kris Kristofferson and appearing in ''On the Road Again; Two-Lane Blacktop Revisited'',<ref>{{cite web|last1=Staff |first1=IMDB |title=On The Road Again |url=https://m.imdb.com/title/tt1803197/ |website=IMDB |accessdate=November 20, 2019}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=January 2026|sure=y|reason= IMDB is wp:UGC see wp:IMDB}} through The Criterion Collection.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Staff |first1=IMDB |title=Somewhere Near Salinas |url=https://m.imdb.com/title/tt1803207/?ref_=m_ttmi_tt |website=IMDB |accessdate=November 20, 2019}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=January 2026|sure=y|reason= IMDB is wp:UGC see wp:IMDB}}
==Evel Archaeology==
'''2012–18'''
Long enamored with his own father's and Evel Knievel's “live your dreams“ philosophy, McKay began his collection of Evel Knievel memorabilia in early 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thunderpress.net/top-stories/evel-knievel-enterprises-inc/2013/09/09.htm|title=Evel Knievel Enterprises Inc.|last1=Galvin|first1=John|website=Thunder Press|accessdate=November 18, 2019|date=2013-09-09}}</ref> After months of research and lengthy negotiation, he acquired his first set of Knievel's 1974 jump leathers and a performance helmet. Soon after, he traveled to Knievel's hometown of Butte, Montana for the annual Evel Knievel Days celebration.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2014/07/07/2014-evel-knievel-days-largest-memorabilia-collection-montana/|title=Evel Knievel Days-2014|last1=Smith|first1=Sam|website=Ultimate Motorcycling|accessdate=November 18, 2019|date=2014-07-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://ravallirepublic.com/news/state-and-regional/article_9eb1ad9b-6775-52ee-aa9c-b5dea19863dc.html|title=Evel Knievel Sky Cycle Displayed In Butte|last1=Standard|first1=Montana|website=Ravalli Republic|date=July 5, 2013 |accessdate=November 18, 2019}}</ref> Forming connections with Knievel family, crew and fans. During a 2014 interview, McKay noted that none of Knievel's memorabilia was at the celebrations and that Knievel's ramps were left to rot in fields. This helped motivate him and his team.<ref name="fox montana">{{cite news|url=http://www.kfbb.com/story/22921146/man-makes-it-his-mission-to-collect-evel-knievel-goods|title=Man Makes it his Mission to Collect Evel Knievel Goods|last1=Jesselson|first1=Rob|date=July 24, 2013|work=Fox KFBB|accessdate=4 July 2016}}</ref><ref name="collector1"/>
With partnerships from the Knievel family,<ref>{{cite web|agency=Associated Press |title=Knievel's Widow Talks Of Crazy Ride |url=https://billingsgazette.com/news/local/knievel-s-widow-tells-of-life-s-crazy-ride-with/article_9f2834fa-6eef-5aa2-abc1-d821d54a073a.html |website=Billings Gazette |date=July 24, 2008 |accessdate=November 20, 2019}}</ref> McKay, Robby Hull and Marilyn Stemp set out to resurrect Evel Knievel Enterprises. Thus began a worldwide hunt for Knievel memorabilia,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Stemp |first1=Marilyn |title=Evel Knievel Is Back |url=https://irontradernews.com/evel-knievels-traveling-circus-is-back/ |website=Iron Trader News |date=July 2, 2014 |accessdate=November 20, 2019}}</ref> which McKay termed "Evel Archaeology."<ref>{{cite web|last1=Patterson |first1=Mike |title=Evel Knievel Enterprises Resurrected|url=https://evelknievelthrillshowcom.wordpress.com/2016/05/16/lathan-mckay/ |website=Evel Knievel Thrill Show |accessdate=November 20, 2019|date=May 16, 2016 }}</ref> By 2015, he owned the largest Evel Knievel collection ever assembled.<ref name="Moto News">{{cite news|url=http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/2015/03/article/largest-evel-knievel-collection-at-cota-gp/|title=Largest Evel Knievel Collection at COTA GP|last1=Stamp|first1=Marilyn|date=March 15, 2015|work=Motorcycle USA|accessdate=4 July 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://cyclesource.com/the-largest-evel-knievel-collection-in-the-world/?fdx_switcher=true|title=The Largest Evel Knievel Collection In The World|last1=Stemp|first1=Marilyn|website=Cycle Source|accessdate=November 17, 2019|date=2015-03-22}}</ref> He has exhibited the collection throughout the United States consistently since it was first displayed in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nationalmcmuseum.org/featured-bikes/feature-friday-evel-knievel-x2-rocket-bike/|title=Evel Knievel X2 Sky Cycle|author=Staff Writer|website=National Motorcycle Museum|accessdate=November 17, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://newatlas.com/evel-knievel-exhibition-memorabilia/37069/|title=Evel Exhibition|last1=Smith|first1=Vicki|website=New Atlas|accessdate=November 17, 2019|date=2015-04-21}}</ref> It includes six jump bikes; X-rays of Evel's broken bones Knievel's performance leathers; and most iconic helmets, wardrobe, and personal effects.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.womensmotoexhibit.com/evel-knievel/|title=Evel Knievel|last1=MacNaughton|first1=Lanakila|website=Women’s Motorcycle Exhibit|accessdate=November 17, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Barker |first1=Stuart |title=Whatever Happened To Evel Knievel's Bikes |url=https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/2016/june/mcn-plus---whatever-happened-to-evel-knievels-bikes/ |website=Motorcycle News}}</ref>
After it was featured on the television series ''American Trucker'', McKay purchased the truck Big Red with the assistance of Robb Mariani.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Stokes |first1=Keith |title=Big Red |url=http://www.kansastravel.org/topeka/evelknievelmuseum2.htm |website=Kansas Travel |accessdate=November 20, 2019}}</ref> The Mack truck Knievel used as living quarters and bike and ramp hauler and was badly weather-damaged. McKay, Mike Patterson, and his team of restoration experts at Historic Harley-Davidson in Topeka, Kansas, refurbished Big Red.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.overdriveonline.com/photos-painting-the-evel-knievel-haul-rig/|title=Painting The Evel Knievel Rig|last1=Dills|first1=Todd|website=Overdrive|date=October 2, 2015 |accessdate=November 17, 2019}}</ref> A bolt-by-bolt restoration which took 22 months, 96 people and over $300,000.00<ref>{{cite web|last1=Dillls |first1=Todd |title=A Special Mack Is Back |url=https://www.overdriveonline.com/a-special-mack-is-back-evel-knievel-combo-moves-closer-to-its-final-home/ |website=Overdrive |date=September 30, 2015 |accessdate=November 21, 2019}}</ref> The truck's interior and exterior were restored to its exact condition in the 70s when Knievel, at the height of his popularity, travelled in it.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.overdriveonline.com/photos-sneak-peek-at-the-restored-evel-knievel-mack-haul-rig-on-the-gats-show-floor/|title=Sneak Peek At Evel Knievel's Mack Truck|last1=Dills|first1=Todd|website=Overdrive Online|date=August 27, 2015 |accessdate=November 17, 2019}}</ref>
It debuted and led the yearly parade at Evel Knievel Days in Butte in 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.todaystrucking.com/mack-trucks-latest-promotion-pure-evel/|title=Mack Trucks Promotes Pure Evel|author=Staff Writer|website=Today’s Trucking|accessdate=November 18, 2019|date=2015-07-17}}</ref> Driven by Mike Draper,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://rapidcityjournal.com/sturgisrallydaily/news/big-red-revives-legacy-of-america-s-premier-motorcycle-daredevil/article_61a5fe9d-4f68-5745-89a3-1b09208cbe22.html|title=Big Red Revives Legacy|last1=Griffith|first1=Tom|website=Rapid City Journal|date=August 2, 2015 |accessdate=November 17, 2019}}</ref> who began driving for Knievel in the early 1970s, Big Red was displayed on tour at events throughout the United States with the support of Mack Trucks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fleetowner.com/fleet-management/mack-partnership-revive-evel-knievel-s-legacy|title=Mack Partnership To Revive Evel's Legacy|author=Staff Writer|website=Fleet Owner|accessdate=November 18, 2019|date=2015-07-20}}</ref> The tour schedule included Evel Knievel days, Sturgis, Hollywood, Texas Motor Speedway and the Great American Trucking Show.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Trucks |first1=Mack |title=Mack Brings Big Red To Texas Motor Speedway |url=https://www.macktrucks.com/mack-news/2015/mack-trucks-brings-big-red-to-big-time-racing-at-texas-motor-speedway/ |website=Mack Trucks |accessdate=November 20, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.365trucking.com/blog/2015/9/19/evel-knievel-truck-photo-coverage-at-gats-truck-show-2015|title=Tour The Evel Knievel Truck At Gats|last1=Allan|first1=Jim|website=365 Trucking|accessdate=November 17, 2019}}</ref> It was the star attraction at the premiere of the documentary ''Being Evel''.<ref name="transport topics">{{cite news|url=https://www.ttnews.com/articles/printopt.aspx?storyid=39303|title=Evel Knievel's 'Big Red' Mack Restored for Documentary on Famous Daredevil|last1=Abt|first1=Neil|date=August 31, 2015|work=Transport Topics|accessdate=4 July 2016}}</ref><ref name="mack">{{cite news|url=http://www.trucknews.com/transportation/mack-trucks-helps-revive-evel-knievels-spirit/1003067346/|title=Mack helps revive Evel Knievel's spirit|last1=Straface|first1=Sonia|date=August 21, 2015|work=Truck News|accessdate=4 July 2016}}</ref> Big Red is to be permanently housed at the Evel Knievel Museum, which opened in Topeka, Kansas in July 2017. McKay refers to it as the "mothership" of his collection.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ttnews.com/articles/evel-knievels-big-red-mack-restored-documentary-famous-daredevil-photos-video|title=Evel Knievel's Big Red Mack Restored|author=Staff Writer|website=Transport Topics|accessdate=November 17, 2019|date=2015-08-31}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.concreteconstruction.net/business/evel-knievel-to-thrill-a-new-generation-with-the-support-of-mack-trucks_c|title=Evel Knievel To Thrill A New Generation|last1=Trucks|first1=Mack|website=Concrete Construction|accessdate=November 18, 2019}}</ref>
McKay was also a co-producer and rare film and photo archivist for the Emmy nominated documentary Being Evel<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.slackerwood.com/node/4607|title=SXSW Being Evel|last1=Cerda|first1=Debbie|website=Slackerwood|accessdate=November 17, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.truckinginfo.com/144381/photos-being-evel-documentary-premiere?photo=179960|title=Being Evel Hollywood Movie Premiere|author=Staff Writer|website=Trucking Info|accessdate=November 18, 2019}}</ref> with producers Johnny Knoxville<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.trucker.com/galleries/evel-big-red-mack-hit-hollywood-premiere|title=Big Red Mack A Hit At Hollywood Premiere|last1=Mele|first1=Jim|website=Trucker|accessdate=November 17, 2019|date=2015-08-24}}</ref> and George Hamilton.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2015/01/sundance-review-evel-knievel-documentary-being-evel-is-a-death-defying-treat-267836/|title=Sundance Review-Being Evel|last1=Taylor|first1=Drew|website=Indie Wire|accessdate=November 18, 2019|date=2015-01-26}}</ref> He appeared in Derik Murray's documentary ''I Am Evel Knievel'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2014/09/08/evel-knievel-premieres-spike-tv-september-10/|title=I Am Evel Knievel Premieres On Spike TV|last1=Ilimen|first1=Gary|website=Ultimate Motorcycling|accessdate=November 18, 2019|date=2014-09-08}}</ref> with Matthew McConaughey,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dvdmg.com/iamevelknievel.shtml|title=I Am Evel Knievel Review|last1=Jacobson|first1=Colin|website=DVD MG|accessdate=November 18, 2019}}</ref> for which he was also a co-producer/archivist, and executive produced the Leo Award-winning feature-length documentary ''Chasing Evel: The Life of Robbie Knievel'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://irontradernews.com/new-documentary-tells-robbies-story-chasing-evel/|title=New Documentary Tells Robbies Story-Chasing Evel|last1=Stemp|first1=Marilyn|website=Iron Trader News|date=May 22, 2017 |accessdate=November 17, 2019}}</ref> which premiered at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival and Nashville Film Festival in 2017.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Sky |first1=Big |title=Big Sky Film Fest-Chasing Evel |url=http://www.bigskyfilmfest.org/archives/archived_films-2015/chasing_evel_the_robbie_knievel_story/2017 |website=Big Sky Film Festival |accessdate=November 21, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Film |first1=Nashville |title=Chasing Evel |url=http://prod1.agileticketing.net/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=117541%7E95c7d792-cc78-409e-9556-3d769472d98b&epguid=ef94bca0-51d7-4913-b3be-e854aa7fecc9 |website=Nashville Film Festival |accessdate=November 21, 2019}}</ref> It was released worldwide in 2018.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Clock |first1=Cinema |title=Chasing Evel |url=https://www.cinemaclock.com/movies/chasing-evel-the-robbie-knievel-story-2017 |website=Cinema Clock |accessdate=November 21, 2019}}</ref>
'''2019–20'''
In 2019 editing began on ''Resurrecting Evel/Evelution''. Both films documenting the undertaking that was the restoration of Evel Knievel's Mack truck and the six-year journey that lead to the opening of the Museum.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://screamingthunder.com/evel-knievel-museum-open/|title=Evel Knievel Museum Is Open|website=Screaming Thunder|accessdate=November 17, 2019|date=2017-05-15}}</ref> McKay co-produced and was featured in both the Austin, Texas-based film ''Off The Record''<ref>{{cite web|last1=Staff |first1=IMDB |title=Off The Record |url=https://m.imdb.com/title/tt6428170/ |website=IMDB |accessdate=November 21, 2019}}</ref> and Reelz channel's ''Collision Course''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://radaronline.com/videos/hotel-owner-helped-evel-knievel-motorcycle-stunt/|title=Collision Course Evel Knievel|last1=Sanchez|first1=Rosa|website=Radar Online|date=August 23, 2018|accessdate=November 17, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv/article/REELZ-Announces-Summer-2018-Slate-with-New-Programming-As-Part-of-Its-Growing-Commitment-to-Original-Programming-20180423 |title= Reelz Announces Summer 2018 Slate |last1= Prickett |first1= Macon |website= Broadway World |accessdate= January 19, 2026}}</ref> In April 2019 production began on ''Evel Live 2'' for A&E Networks and the Evel Knievel Museum received a THEA Award awarded by Themed Entertainment Association for being one of the best new attractions in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.teaconnect.org/Thea-Awards/Past-Awards/index.cfm?id=7908&redirect=y|title=Thea Award For Outstanding Achievement-Museum|last1=Gagnon|first1=Benjamin|website=TEA Connect|accessdate=November 17, 2019}}{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wibw.com/content/news/Even-Knievel-musuem-honored-international--500422731.html|title=Evel Knievel Museum Receives International Honor|last1=Dattilio|first1=Natalie|website=WIBW|date=November 13, 2018 |accessdate=November 17, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ksnt.com/news/local-news/evel-knievel-museum-wins-entertainment-award/1925942056|title=Evel Knievel Museum Wins Entertainment Award|last1=Davis|first1=McKenzi|website=KSNT News|date=April 15, 2019|accessdate=November 17, 2019}}</ref> Production for NBCUniversal's limited series ''Evel'' starring Milo Ventimiglia began in early January, 2020. The limited series was shut down just three days prior to principal photography due to the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/milo-ventimiglia-play-evel-knievel-usa-network-limited-series-1237209|title = Milo Ventimiglia to Play Evel Knievel in USA Network Limited Series| website=The Hollywood Reporter |date = September 5, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://m.imdb.com/title/tt10936758/fullcredits/producer?ref_=m_ttfc_4|title = Evel (TV Series 2020– ) - IMDb| website=IMDb }}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=January 2026|sure=y|reason= IMDB is wp:UGC see wp:IMDB}}
'''2021–24'''
In October 2021 Network Entertainment began production on The Evel Way. A biographical series documenting the ten-year journey of Mckay’s Evel Archaeology project intertwined with the reconnecting of Evel’s original crew and the arduous journey to the Snake River Canyon Jump.<ref>https://www.networkentertainment.ca/</ref>
In August 2022 It was leaked that the Evel Knievel Museum was relocating to Las Vegas, Nevada.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://neon.reviewjournal.com/arts-culture/evel-knievel-museum-moving-to-las-vegas-2416732/ | title=Evel Knievel Museum moving to Las Vegas | Arts & Culture | Entertainment | date=August 10, 2021 }}</ref>
In May 2022 History Channel began production on The Icons Who Built America which Mckay appeared, co-produced and provided the original Evel Knievel archival materials.
On June 28, 2023, Variety magazine announced that Mckay’s Sam Peckinpah archive and collection found its permanent home at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2023/film/directors/sam-peckinpah-private-collection-cowboy-museum-oklahoma-1235656788/ |title=Private Collection of Legendary Director Sam Peckinpah's Personal Effects, Manuscripts Heads to Cowboy Museum in Oklahoma |website=variety.com |date=June 28, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cowboysindians.com/2023/12/saving-sam-peckinpah/ |title=Saving Sam Peckinpah |date=December 17, 2023 }}</ref>
May 14th 2024, The official announcement of the Evel Knievel Museum’s relocation to Las Vegas was announced. <ref>https://www.wibw.com/2024/05/14/evel-knievel-museum-formally-announces-move-las-vegas/?outputType=amp</ref>
== Personal life ==
The years 2015 to 2017 were fortuitous as the inaugural tour of Big Red (partnering with Mack Trucks) went nationwide. It led the parade at Evel Knievel Days in Butte, Montana. McKay and Doug Danger successfully completed their mutual dream of the world record 22-car jump on Evel's Harley Davidson XR750.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegram.com/article/20150806/NEWS/150809468|title=Doug Danger Nails World Record|last1=Ring|first1=Kim|website=Telegram|accessdate=November 18, 2019}}</ref> During the 75th anniversary of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at the legendary Buffalo Chip Campground. In 2015 he again partnered with the Knievel family on Evel Ale, a custom beer made by South Austin Brewery.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.statesman.com/news/20161222/south-austin-brewerys-evel-ale-fuels-thirst-of-national-knievel-fans|title=Evel Ale Fuels Thirst|last1=Auber|first1=Arianna|website=Austin Statesman|accessdate=November 18, 2019}}</ref>
The Evel Knievel Museum opened in June 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hotbikeweb.com/evel-knievel-museum-ribbon-cutting#page-3|title=Evel Knievel Museum-Ribbon Cutting|author=Staff Writer|website=November 19, 2019|date=May 31, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://issuu.com/tcj5/docs/evel_knievel_web|title=Evel Knievel Special Section|last1=Media|first1=CJ|website=ISSUU|date=November 8, 2017 |accessdate=November 18, 2019}}</ref><ref>cite web|url=https://easyridersmag.com/articles/an-eye-for-evel/</ref>
In July 2021 The Divine Horsemen released a reunion recording of new material that included a song titled "Falling Forward". McKay co-wrote the song with founding member Julie Christensen.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pleasekillme.com/divine-horsemen/|title = Divine Horsemen Ride Again: Chris D & Julie Christensen Speak to PKM|date = July 15, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.laweekly.com/the-divine-horsemen-ride-again/|title = The Divine Horsemen Ride Again|date = August 4, 2020}}</ref>
In October 2021 pre-production began on a feature-length narrative docudrama on Mckay’s life with Derik Murray’s Network Entertainment. Principal photography began in Kansas, California, Idaho, Montana and continues throughout 2024-2026. In January 2026 McKay and partner Elizabeth Mack launched American Icon Spirits under the Evel Knievel brand.
== Filmography == {| class="wikitable sortable" !Year !Title !Credit !Medium |- |1995 |''411 Video Magazine - Houston Metrospective'' |Skateboarder (himself) |Video magazine |- |1997 |''Ten Losers'' |Skateboarder (himself) |Video |- |1997 |''Austin Stories'' |Skateboarder, Episode 7 |MTV series |- |1999 |''ATX'' |Skateboarder (himself) |Video |- |2000 |''Reflection Understood'' |Skateboarder (himself) |Video |- |2000 |''Miss Congeniality'' |Actor (himself) |Feature Film |- |2001 |''Logic #2 Scope-Austin Texas'' |Skateboarder (himself) |Video magazine |- |2001 |''The Right Girl'' |Actor (skateboarder) |Film |- |2002 |''Pastime'' |Editor, skateboarder (himself) |Video feature |- |2002 |''The New Guy'' |Stunts (skateboarder) |Feature film |- |2003 |''Levelland'' |Actor (Nick Stanley) |Feature film |- |2005 |''Protest Kids'' |Actor (Varan) |Short film |- |2007 |''Two-Lane Blacktop (Revisited)'' |Production, actor (himself) |Short film |- |2007 |''Somewhere Near Salinas, Kris Kristofferson'' |Production |Short film |- |2008 |''Harold'' |Actor (Officer Shannon) |Feature film |- |2009 |''Layne Staley and Demri'' |Actor (Layne Staley) |Short film |- |2011 |''Road to Nowhere'' |Associate producer, actor (Erik), director’s assistant |Feature film |- |2011 |''Trichotomy'' |Writer, actor (The Kid) |Video short |- |2011 |''Echo Park Love Story'' |Actor (The Artist) |Short film |- |2012 |''Snake River Canyon'' |Archival |Short film |- |2012 |''True Evel'' |Archival, film, photo |TV documentary |- |2013 |''Pure Evel'' |Archival, film, photo |TV documentary |- |2014 |''I Am Evel Knievel'' |Himself, Archival, Consulting Producer |TV documentary |- |2014 |''Sal and the Goon'' |Co-executive producer |Short film |- |2014 |''Evel Knievel Lives On'' |Archival, (himself) |Documentary short |- |2015 |''Being Evel'' |Co-producer, archival (himself) |Feature documentary |- |2015 |''Road to the Record; Doug Danger'' |Associate producer |TV movie |- |2016 |''Color Me Lucky'' |Executive producer, actor (Evel) |Video short |- |2016 |Tim Montana - ''Shredneck USA'' |Himself, Episode 3 |Web series |- |2016 |''BBC Four Storyville'' |Co-producer, archival, 1 episode |TV series |- |2017 |''Resurrecting Evel Knievel'' |Director, executive producer, editor (himself) |Documentary short |- |2017 |''Mysteries at the Museum'' |Archival, contributor (himself), 1 episode |TV series |- |2017 |''Chasing Evel; The Life of Robbie Knievel'' |Executive producer, contributor (himself), archival |Documentary |- |2018 |''Collision Course Evel Knievel Reelz'' |Co-producer, Archival, (himself) |Reelz TV series |- |2018 |''Off the Record'' |Producer, actor (Simms) |Feature film |- |2018 |''Evel Live'' |Archival |History TV series |- |2019 |''Evelution; Evel Knievel'' |Director, executive producer, editor, writer (himself) |Documentary |- |2019 |''Evel Live 2'' |Panelist (himself), archival |History TV series |- |2020 |''Evel Live Redemption'' |Panelist (himself), archival |History TV series |- |2020 |''Evel'' |Associate producer, consulting producer |Universal TV series |- |2020 |''The Evel Knievel Way'' 1 & 2 |Director, Writer |Short Film |- |2021 |''Stuntman'' |Archival Filmhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evel_Knievel_Museum |Feature Film |- |2022 |''Evel Ways'' |Executive producer, (himself) |Feature film |- |2023 |''The Icons That Built America'' |Associate Producer, Archival (himself) |History TV Series |- |2024 |''Talking Evel'' |Associate producer, (himself) |Docu-Series |- |2025 |''American Pickers'' |Consulting producer, archival |History TV Series |- |2025 |''American Pickers'' |(himself) |History TV Series |}
== References == {{reflist}}
== External links == * [http://evelknievelmuseum.com/ Evel Knievel Museum] * {{IMDb name|1532404}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:McKay, Lathan}} Category:Year of birth missing (living people) Category:Living people Category:American skateboarders Category:People from Austin, Texas Category:American male film actors Category:American collectors Category:21st-century American male actors