Missy Rothstein is best known as the first wife of Jackass star and professional skateboarder Bam Margera, though her own life as a model, photographer and reality television personality tells a much fuller story. The pair’s romance, marriage and eventual divorce played out partly in the public eye through MTV programming, yet Missy has since built a quieter, more private existence away from the cameras. This article looks at who she really is, how she met Bam, what happened in their marriage, and where she stands today.
Missy Rothstein: Bio Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Melissa “Missy” Rothstein |
| Known For | Model, photographer, former wife of Bam Margera |
| Date of Birth | 3 June 1980 |
| Birthplace | Springfield, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Education | West Chester East High School |
| Spouse | Bam Margera (married 2007, divorced 2012) |
| Children | None |
| Career | Modelling, photography, acting, reality television |
| Notable Appearances | Bam’s Unholy Union (2007), Bam Margera Presents: Where the #$&% Is Santa? (2008), Minghags (2009) |
| Current Status | Private life; working as a photographer |
| Notable Feature | Chose privacy over continued celebrity exposure after divorce |
Who Is Missy Rothstein?
Missy Rothstein, born Melissa Rothstein, is an American model, photographer and former reality television personality. She is widely recognised as the former wife of skateboarder and stunt performer Bam Margera, to whom she was married from 2007 to 2012.
Beyond her connection to Bam, Missy carved out her own creative path. She worked as a model and later moved into photography, a field she has continued to pursue away from the public spotlight.
Early Life and Background
Missy was born on 3 June 1980 in Springfield, Pennsylvania. She grew up in a fairly ordinary household, far removed from the fame that would later find her through her marriage.
She attended West Chester East High School in Pennsylvania, the very place where she first crossed paths with Brandon “Bam” Margera. The two knew each other from around the eighth grade, meaning their relationship had roots stretching back long before either of them became recognisable names.
How Did Missy Rothstein Meet Bam Margera?
Missy and Bam’s connection began as a childhood friendship at school rather than a whirlwind celebrity romance. Their bond gradually deepened over the years, eventually turning romantic around 2000.
By 2006, the couple had become engaged, and the relationship that had started in a Pennsylvania classroom was about to be thrust into the national spotlight through television.
The Wedding and MTV’s Bam’s Unholy Union
Missy Rothstein and Bam Margera married on 3 February 2007 at the Loews Hotel in downtown Philadelphia. The wedding was a lavish affair, reportedly attended by around 300 to 350 guests, with musician Iggy Pop performing at the celebration.
The lead-up to the wedding was documented in the MTV reality series Bam’s Unholy Union, which aired in 2007 and gave viewers an inside look at Bam’s chaotic lifestyle in the run-up to the big day. Missy also later appeared alongside Bam’s family in Bam Margera Presents: Where the #$&% Is Santa? in 2008, and took on an acting role as a nurse in Bam’s 2009 film Minghags.
What Caused Missy Rothstein and Bam Margera’s Divorce?
The marriage struggled under the weight of Bam’s ongoing battle with alcohol. By around 2009, the couple had sought marriage counselling, though the effort was not enough to repair the relationship long term.
By 2010, Missy and Bam were living in separate cities, meeting only occasionally. Reports at the time pointed to Bam’s excessive drinking and alleged infidelity as central causes of the breakdown. The death of Bam’s close friend and fellow Jackass star Ryan Dunn in 2011 reportedly pushed Bam further into crisis, straining the marriage even more.
When Did the Divorce Become Official?
Missy Rothstein and Bam Margera officially divorced on 1 November 2012, bringing an end to a marriage that had lasted just under five years. Missy reportedly marked the occasion on social media at the time, expressing relief at finally being free from the relationship.
What Is Missy Rothstein Doing Now?
Since the divorce, Missy Rothstein has deliberately stepped back from public life. She is understood to work as a photographer, pursuing her creative interests away from the entertainment industry that once introduced her to millions of viewers.
Little detail has emerged about her personal life since 2012, which appears to be a deliberate choice on her part. Some reports suggest she has remained on relatively amicable terms with Bam and his later family, though she has not sought media attention of her own.
Does Missy Rothstein Have Children?
Missy Rothstein and Bam Margera did not have any children together during their marriage. Bam went on to have a son, Phoenix Wolf, born in December 2017, with his second wife, Nicole Boyd.
Missy Rothstein’s Career and Public Profile
Before and after her marriage, Missy pursued modelling, acting and photography. Her acting credits include small roles in projects connected to the Jackass circle, such as Haggard and Minghags, alongside her modelling work, which brought her into contact with entertainment and fashion circles.
Her public profile largely stemmed from her relationship with Bam, yet she used the platform to build a body of creative work in her own right, particularly in photography, which she has continued to pursue quietly in the years since her divorce.
Conclusion
Missy Rothstein’s story is far more than a footnote in Bam Margera’s biography. From a childhood friendship in Pennsylvania to a high-profile MTV wedding and an eventual, difficult divorce, her journey reflects both the pressures of fame and the resilience needed to step away from it. Today, she lives a private life centred on photography, having chosen peace over the public eye that once surrounded her.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Missy Rothstein?
Missy Rothstein is an American model and photographer best known for being the first wife of Jackass star and skateboarder Bam Margera. They were married from 2007 to 2012.
How did Missy Rothstein meet Bam Margera?
Missy and Bam met as schoolmates at West Chester East High School and had known each other since around the eighth grade. Their friendship developed into a romantic relationship around 2000.
Why did Missy Rothstein and Bam Margera divorce?
The couple’s marriage broke down largely due to Bam’s struggles with alcohol and reported infidelity. They lived separately for around two years before finalising their divorce on 1 November 2012.
Does Missy Rothstein have children?
No, Missy Rothstein and Bam Margera do not have any children together. Bam later had a son, Phoenix Wolf, with his second wife, Nicole Boyd.
What is Missy Rothstein doing now?
Missy Rothstein has stepped away from the public eye since her divorce and is understood to work as a photographer. She keeps her personal life largely private and rarely appears in the media.
