Roman Atwood

Early Life and Background

Roman Bernard Atwood was born on May 28 1983 in Millersport Ohio. His parents Curt Dale Atwood II and Susan Anne Christman Atwood raised him in the small village. Curt Atwood founded Atwood Rope MFG in 1985. The factory produces utility rope and paracord products. Roman worked at this facility during his youth.

Susan Atwood served as co owner of the business until her death on May 29 2019 following a scooter accident.

20 Questions About Roman Atwood

Atwood developed an interest in video production during high school. He purchased his camera for 300 dollars and began filming sketch comedy with his friends. He chose to enter the workforce directly after high school. He married Shanna Riley in 2001. The couple divorced in 2008.

Before his internet career Atwood produced independent video projects. He created a DVD series titled The Nerd Herd. He and his brother Dale Atwood traveled to the Warped Tour in 2006 to sell these DVDs. He also worked on various local commercials and film projects in Columbus Ohio until 2010. His early employment at Atwood Rope MFG provided the financial support for his initial video equipment purchases.

The Atwood family business played a major role in shaping his early adulthood. Atwood Rope MFG operates in Millersport Ohio and manufactures heavy duty cordage for military and civilian applications. The factory produces 550 Paracord, 1100 Paracord, and Battle Cord. Curt Atwood built the company from the ground up.

Roman spent his early twenties working on the factory floor. He frequently expressed frustration during this period because he wanted to pursue video production full time. He used his earnings from the rope factory to fund his independent comedy sketches.

His passion for editing drove his early projects. He learned to film specifically so he could edit the footage. He believed the editor held all the power in the creative process. He ignored his teachers when they recommended college. He felt traditional education could not prepare him for a career in video production. He saved 300 dollars to buy his camera and began shooting sketch comedy clips in junior high.

The Nerd Herd DVD project represented his commercial success. He and his friends compiled their best pranks and sketches into a single release. They traveled across the country with the Warped Tour in 2006 to sell the DVDs directly to fans. They sold hundreds of copies during the tour. This grassroots distribution method gave him his taste of national exposure.

Following the Warped Tour he continued to seek opportunities in the entertainment industry. A friend invited him to Los Angeles to work on a movie set. He arrived in California only to discover the project was a low budget production. He returned to Ohio and continued working on local commercials in Columbus.

He collaborated with his childhood friend Chase Gilroy to form a new comedy troupe. They used Craigslist to recruit other pranksters in the area. This group eventually formed the foundation for his Sketch Empire YouTube channel in 2010.

Susan Atwood worked alongside her husband to manage the daily operations of Atwood Rope MFG. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and an advocate for alternative medicine. She raised Roman and his brother Dale in a tight knit environment.

Her sudden passing in 2019 deeply affected the family and caused Roman to take an extended break from his public life to grieve. The family business continues to operate in Ohio under the leadership of Curt Atwood.

Career Beginnings and Channel Growth

Roman Atwood expanded his digital presence between January 2015 and December 2025. He uploaded the "Plastic Ball Prank" video on January 18 2015. The production involved filling his house with over 250, 000 plastic balls. The video accumulated 86 million views.

Nissan noticed the video and provided Atwood with a 2015 Nissan GTR to use the footage in their "WithDad" Super Bowl XLIX advertising campaign. The campaign won the Best Brand Campaign award at the 5th Annual Streamy Awards on September 17 2015.

Atwood transitioned into feature films during this period. Lionsgate acquired the distribution rights to the movie "Natural Born Pranksters" on November 6 2015. The studio released the film in theaters and on video on demand on April 1 2016. Atwood co directed the project with Ben Pluimer.

The production featured Atwood alongside Vitaly Zdorovetskiy and Dennis Roady. The film had an estimated budget of $1, 000, 000 and generated $315, 672 at the box office.

20 Questions About Roman Atwood

Merchandise and Touring

Atwood won the YouTube Comedian category at the 8th Annual Shorty Awards in 2016. He launched a worldwide tour named "Roman vs. Fousey" with Yousef Erakat that same year. The tour included live performances across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Atwood expanded his Smile More merchandise business in 2016.

He relocated the operation from his basement to a dedicated building on his property. He hired additional employees to process orders internally.

Atwood announced a major logistical shift for the Smile More brand on May 7 2022. He moved the entire merchandise operation to Texas. This relocation involved a partnership with Matt Carriker and his company Bunker Branding. Atwood launched his third YouTube channel named "RomanAtwoodPodcast" on May 28 2022.

The channel focuses on long format interviews with guests including Steve O, Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, and Yousef Erakat.

Production of Natural Born Pranksters

The development of "Natural Born Pranksters" required two years of writing and planning. Principal photography lasted 30 days. Atwood and his co creators collaborated with guest writers from the television show Punk'd to develop the concepts. The team drafted 400 prank ideas during pre production. The final theatrical cut included 32 pranks.

The production faced legal and safety constraints. Atwood and his partners submitted all stunts to legal departments and insurance providers for approval. Lawyers rejected multiple concepts due to liability concerns.

The creators designed the film's pranks specifically because the stunts violated YouTube's terms of service and could not be uploaded to the platform. The movie featured appearances from digital creators Jenna Marbles, Furious Pete, Jukka Hildén, Dave England, and Tom Mabe. The digital studio financed the project.

Board Game and Hiatus

Atwood expanded his product offerings beyond apparel in 2016. He designed and released a board game titled "War and Pieces". He continued daily vlogging until May 29 2019. Atwood suspended his social media activity on that date following the death of his mother during a family vacation. He maintained a prolonged absence from video production before returning to launch his podcast network.

Financial Metrics

The "Natural Born Pranksters" film recorded specific financial metrics during its 2016 release. The production required an estimated $1, 000, 000 budget. Theatrical box office receipts totaled $315, 672. Domestic DVD sales reached $317, 999. The movie became available on Netflix on September 24 2016.

Award Nominations and Channel Milestones

Atwood received multiple nominations at the 6th Annual Streamy Awards in 2016. The committee nominated him for Entertainer of the Year. He secured a nomination in the Pranks category. He earned a Collaboration nomination for the "Caught Naked In Shower Prank!!" video produced with Yousef Erakat.

Atwood became the second creator on the platform to earn two Diamond Play Buttons. Germán Garmendia was the creator to achieve this metric. Atwood's vlogging channel generated 5 billion total views. His prank channel recorded 1. 4 billion total views.

20 Questions About Roman Atwood's Prank Channel

YouTube Prank Channel Operations

Roman Atwood operated a primary YouTube channel dedicated to hidden camera pranks under the username RomanAtwood. The channel accumulated 10. 4 million subscribers and generated over 1. 4 billion total views. Atwood ceased uploading new content to this specific prank channel in 2016. The creator shifted his focus entirely to his daily vlogging channel after that year.

Content and Viewership Metrics

Atwood produced several highly viewed videos between 2015 and 2016. He uploaded the "Plastic Ball Prank" on January 18 2015. The video shows Atwood filling his house with plastic balls to a height of 2. 5 feet. Atwood waited for his wife to leave the residence before executing the stunt. He placed a trampoline in the center of the living room.

The upload accumulated over 86 million views. Nissan noticed the video and provided Atwood with a 2015 Nissan GTR in exchange for using the footage in their "WithDad" Super Bowl XLIX campaign. The campaign won a Streamy Award for best Brand Campaign.

Atwood uploaded "Blowing Up My Kid PRANK!!" on October 11 2015. The video features Atwood tricking his girlfriend Brittney Smith into believing their three year old son Kane was involved in a fatal ATV explosion. Atwood told Smith that he and their son were test driving a quad bike and wanted to purchase the vehicle.

He asked Smith to retrieve a checkbook from their truck. Atwood swapped his son with a dummy dressed in identical clothing while Smith walked away. He placed the dummy on the remote controlled ATV. The vehicle accelerated over a ramp and exploded in a 30 foot fireball as Smith returned.

Smith ran toward the flames before realizing the event was a staged trick. She kicked Atwood and expressed intense anger over the stunt. The video reached 2. 5 million views within 24 hours of uploading and eventually surpassed 50 million total views.

Atwood uploaded a video titled "INSANE Toilet Paper PRANK!!" on March 15 2015. He covered the Los Angeles home of television host Howie Mandel with toilet paper. Mandel's son Alex assisted Atwood with the stunt. Mandel later discussed the prank and the subsequent cleanup process during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live. The video generated over 20 million views.

Viewership Chart for Major 2015 Prank Uploads

Financial Earnings and Industry Recognition

The success of the prank channel contributed directly to Atwood's financial earnings. Forbes reported that Atwood earned $8 million in 2016. This income placed him at number two on the Forbes list of highest paid YouTube stars for that year. His earnings increased by 70 percent from 2015.

The revenue generated from his prank videos supplemented his income from his daily vlogs and his Smile More merchandise line. Atwood sold branded shirts, hoodies, and bracelets through his online store. He also completed a worldwide tour titled Roman vs Fousey in 2016 alongside fellow creator Yousef Erakat.

The duo performed live shows across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The tour capitalized on the massive audience built through their respective prank channels.

Atwood received formal recognition for his prank content during this period. He won the YouTube Comedian category at the 8th Annual Shorty Awards. The award committee specifically recognized his plastic ball prank and the exploding ATV prank as his most notable work of the year. Atwood also directed the feature film Natural Born Pranksters in 2015.

The movie featured Atwood alongside other YouTube creators performing elaborate stunts. He became the second YouTube creator to receive two Diamond Play Buttons for surpassing 10 million subscribers on two separate channels. The prank channel remained a major component of his digital footprint even after he stopped uploading new videos to it in 2016.

Daily Vlogging 2015 to 2025

Roman Atwood transitioned his primary focus from prank videos to daily vlogging between 2015 and 2025. He uploaded the Plastic Ball Prank on January 18 2015. He filled his house with plastic balls up to 2. 5 feet high. The video generated over 86 million views and directed massive traffic to his daily vlog channel.

Atwood and fellow creator Yousef Erakat launched a worldwide tour called Roman vs Fousey in 2016. They performed live shows across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

The Roman Atwood Vlogs channel reached 10 million subscribers on November 14 2016. YouTube awarded him the Diamond Play Button for this achievement. He continued to document his daily life with his wife Brittney Smith and their children. The channel reached 15 million subscribers on November 13 2018.

Atwood monetized his audience through Google AdSense and brand sponsorships. He earned an estimated 2, 200 dollars per day from YouTube advertisements during his peak daily vlogging years. This generated approximately 800, 000 dollars annually strictly from ad revenue.

He received 55 percent of the total advertising revenue generated by his videos while Google retained the remaining 45 percent. Advertisers paid an average of 2 to 5 dollars per 1000 views. His channel averaged 550, 000 daily views during its fastest growth period. The channel gained approximately 15, 000 new subscribers every day during this peak.

He also generated revenue through his Smile More merchandise line. The Smile More store sold apparel and accessories directly to his viewers.

His daily vlogs prominently featured his wife Brittney Smith and their children Noah, Kane, Cora, and Knox. The family documented their daily routines, vacations, and major life events. Atwood proposed to Smith on April 30 2018. They married on July 27 2018 in Maui Hawaii. They announced the birth of their son Knox in January 2021.

The channel maintained a family friendly rating to appeal to a broad demographic and secure premium advertising rates.

Atwood used specific equipment to produce his daily vlogs. He filmed with Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and Canon G7 X Mark II cameras. He captured aerial footage using DJI Phantom 4 and DJI Mavic Pro drones. He edited the daily footage on an Apple MacBook Pro using Adobe Premiere Pro software. The channel accumulated over 1700 videos.

Atwood took multiple extended breaks from daily vlogging. He stopped uploading videos on December 31 2019. He remained absent from all social media platforms for eight months. He returned to YouTube on August 18 2020 with a video titled Never Recover. He launched a third YouTube channel called RomanAtwoodPodcast in 2022.

The podcast featured interviews with other internet personalities. The RomanAtwoodPodcast channel expanded his digital footprint beyond traditional vlogging. He recorded episodes with high profile guests including Vitaly Zdorovetskiy.

This transition allowed Atwood to produce longer form content without the daily filming requirements of his previous schedule. His primary vlog channel retained its massive audience even with his reduced upload frequency. The total video view count surpassed 5. 4 billion by the end of 2025. His subscriber base stabilized at 15. 5 million users.

The Smile More brand continued operations from his Ohio facility, shipping merchandise globally. Celebrity Net Worth estimated his total net worth at 30 million dollars in January 2025.

Smile More Brand Operations

Roman Atwood operates the Smile More merchandise brand. The company sells apparel and accessories featuring a signature logo. The logo includes the words Smile More with a curved line connecting the bottom of the letter S to the letter O. Atwood promotes the brand heavily across his YouTube channels. The merchandise line centers on a message of positivity.

Products include T shirts, hoodies, hats, backpacks, water bottles, and stickers.

20 Questions About Smile More

Financial Performance and Sales Data

Atwood discussed the financial metrics of the Smile More brand during a September 2022 appearance on the Impaulsive podcast hosted by Logan Paul. Atwood stated that the brand generated over 20 million dollars in total revenue. He confirmed that the company fulfilled approximately 700, 000 individual orders.

Atwood and his wife Brittney initially packed and shipped orders from their living room and basement. They chose to manage fulfillment internally rather than using third party merchandise platforms like Teespring. The brand remains a primary source of income for Atwood.

Financial estimates from 2024 place his net worth between 15 million and 16 million dollars. The merchandise sales contribute heavily to this valuation. Atwood explained that controlling the production and shipping processes allowed the company to increase profit margins.

He applied the operational knowledge he gained from working at his family rope factory to grow the merchandise business.

Trademark Disputes and Legal Actions

The Smile More brand faced multiple legal challenges regarding trademark rights between 2018 and 2020. In November 2018 the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board ruled on a cancellation petition filed by Disorderly Kids LLC. The petition attempted to cancel the Smile More trademark registration for apparel and retail store services.

The board dismissed the petition and ruled in favor of Atwood. The board determined that Atwood actively policed the mark by issuing over 50 cease and desist letters within a two year period. This enforcement established the phrase as a valid trademark rather than a purely ornamental design.

In April 2019 Atwood accused the retail corporation Target of copying his signature design. Atwood published a photograph showing a Target crop top featuring the exact Smile More phrase and the connecting curved line. Target responded by removing the item from its online store.

In July 2019 Atwood published a video confirming his company faced another lawsuit over the brand name. Public records show that Jerry Leigh of California sued Atwood and the Smile More brand for trademark infringement. Atwood filed a countersuit against the company.

In August 2020 the court dismissed the case with prejudice after the two parties reached a settlement agreement.

Product Lines and Retail Operations

The Smile More store operates as an online retail business. The product catalog includes a variety of branded merchandise. Customers purchase T shirts, hoodies, hats, and backpacks. The store also sells drinkware such as water bottles and tumblers. Atwood expands the product offerings by releasing limited edition items and seasonal apparel.

The brand maintains a dedicated customer base supported by Atwood publishing regular video content. The merchandise serves as a physical extension of his digital presence. Atwood uses his background in factory work to manage the logistics of the merchandise operation.

The internal fulfillment method allows the company to retain a higher percentage of the profits compared to outsourced production models. The store frequently updates its inventory to include new designs and accessories. Fans purchase temporary tattoos, stickers, and novelty items featuring the signature logo.

The consistent release of new products ensures steady sales volume throughout the year.

Film and Television Projects (2015 to 2025)

Roman Atwood produced formal film and television projects between 2015 and 2025. His most prominent project during this period was the 2016 feature film Natural Born Pranksters. Atwood directed the comedy alongside Ben Pluimer. He starred in the film with YouTube creators Vitaly Zdorovetskiy and Dennis Roady.

Lionsgate acquired the distribution rights and released the film on April 1, 2016. The studio used a simultaneous release strategy. They launched the film in select theaters, on electronic sell through platforms, and via video on demand on the same day. This distribution model targeted Atwood's digital audience directly.

The production of Natural Born Pranksters required two years of development. The creators conceptualized 400 pranks. Legal and insurance constraints reduced the final count to 32 stunts. The legal department rejected multiple concepts due to safety and liability concerns.

The film featured cameos from internet personalities such as Jenna Marbles, Furious Pete, and Jukka Hilden. The project operated on an estimated budget of $1, 000, 000. It generated $315, 672 at the domestic box office. It earned an extra $317, 999 in domestic DVD sales. serious and audience reception remained low. The film holds a 3.

8 out of 10 rating on IMDb and a 43 percent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Netflix added the title to its streaming library on September 24, 2016.

Atwood released the tour documentary Roman Vs. Fousey in 2016. The film chronicled his international live tour with Yousef Erakat. The documentary provided backstage footage of their performances across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It highlighted stage challenges and the daily logistics of their touring schedule.

The film captured their interactions with fans and the physical demands of performing consecutive live shows. The documentary was distributed digitally and allowed viewers to see the unedited realities of internet creators transitioning to live stage entertainment.

Atwood transitioned to episodic content in 2017 with the YouTube Red series Roman Atwood's Day Dreams. The show premiered on November 22, 2017. Studio71 produced the series. Atwood, John Fitzpatrick, Dan Weinstein, and Rabih Gholam served as executive producers. The program shifted away from his previous prank content.

Atwood, his family, and a team of volunteers executed large projects to fulfill the dreams of fans facing hardships. In the premiere episode, Atwood helped a wheelchair bound fan named Angelo participate in a Nitro Circus event. He secured a new home for Angelo and his family.

Other episodes featured stunts like building a monster truck playground in a residential backyard. The production team collaborated with various organizations to source materials and coordinate the surprise reveals. The series aimed to provide uplifting narratives for audiences.

Roman Atwood's Day Dreams received industry recognition the following year. The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences nominated the series for a Daytime Emmy Award in the Outstanding Special Class Special category in 2018. The program competed against traditional television specials and other digital original productions.

The program secured a nomination at the 8th Annual Streamy Awards in the Subject Awards category. These nominations validated his transition from short form viral videos to structured episodic television.

Atwood made a guest appearance on the Animal Planet reality television series Tanked. His episode aired on July 1, 2016. The broadcast featured hosts Brett Raymer and Wayde King constructing a customized aquarium inside Atwood's corporate office. The tank design incorporated elements of his Smile More branding.

The installation process was documented on both the television broadcast and Atwood's personal vlog channel. This crossover appearance introduced his digital brand to a traditional television audience.

20 Questions About Roman Atwood's Hiatus

The 2019 Disappearance and Fan Speculation

On December 31 2019 Roman Atwood uploaded a vlog and immediately ceased all social media activity. Fans speculated about his status for months. During the eight month absence followers expressed serious concern across social media platforms. Reddit forums filled with theories about the sudden departure.

users suspected legal trouble while others worried about the family health. Atwood had previously taken a break in May 2019 after his mother Susan Atwood died from a scooter accident. Fans wondered if the 2020 absence related to his grief. The sudden stop in uploads contrasted sharply with his history of daily vlogging.

Atwood built his brand on consistent uploads for nearly a decade. The abrupt halt caused a noticeable void in the YouTube community.

He broke his silence on August 18 2020. He uploaded a return video to end the long absence. Atwood confirmed his family was safe withheld the exact reason for the break. He stated that internet rumors regarding his disappearance were inaccurate. Two days later on August 20 2020 he uploaded another video.

He announced his wife Brittney was 21 weeks pregnant with their fourth child. He clarified that the pregnancy was not the reason for their sudden departure from the internet.

The Stalker Investigation and FBI Involvement

On January 23 2021 Atwood published a 15 minute video explaining the situation. He stated that severe stalking forced the family offline. Perpetrators targeted the family with bomb threats and death threats. The stalkers hacked the family vehicles through the OnStar system. They manipulated the car locks and headlights remotely.

The harassers also sent the family photographs of their own home security cameras. The Federal Bureau of Investigation intervened and instructed Atwood to stop posting. Authorities used the public silence as a tactic to monitor the stalkers without alerting them to the federal investigation.

Atwood stated the harassment required constant police surveillance outside their home. The family relocated to a new residence to ensure their safety.

During a September 2022 appearance on the Impaulsive podcast Atwood detailed the FBI sting operation. He explained that federal agents monitored the stalkers closely. The authorities told Atwood to endure the harassment silently. If Atwood spoke out publicly the stalkers might have stopped their activities.

The FBI needed the perpetrators to continue their actions. This allowed agents to gather enough evidence for a conviction. Atwood mentioned that the stalkers were eventually caught. He warned other internet creators that the FBI tracks these cybercrimes. Perpetrators frequently face long prison sentences for swatting and stalking.

Atwood described the experience as terrifying. He stated he would not wish the ordeal on anyone.

Return to Content Creation and Podcast Launch

Following the resolution of the FBI investigation Atwood resumed regular uploads. On January 6 2021 Brittney gave birth to their son Knox Atwood. The family weighed the risks of public life and decided to continue creating content. He noted that his audience has grown up over the years. adults method him to say they watched his videos during their childhood.

This demographic shift influenced his decision to start a podcast.

On May 28 2022 Atwood expanded his digital footprint. He launched the RomanAtwoodPodcast channel. The new format featured interviews with guests like Steve O and Vitaly Zdorovetskiy. By late 2025 the podcast channel accumulated over 524000 subscribers and 59. 5 million views. This marked a shift from daily vlogging to long form discussions.

His main vlogging channel maintained 15. 1 million subscribers and 5. 57 billion views. His original prank channel held 10 million subscribers and 1. 56 billion views.

The RomanAtwoodPodcast allowed him to discuss mature subjects that did not fit the family friendly tone of his daily vlogs. He used the platform to examine his past controversies and share business insights. The studio setup provided a controlled environment for content creation. This reduced the security risks associated with filming in public spaces.

The transition proved successful as the channel steadily gained traction among his older fan base.

YouTube Channel Viewership and Subscribers

Podcasting

Roman Atwood launched The Roman Atwood Podcast on May 28 2022. The audio and video program broadcasts through Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Atwood records the episodes in a dedicated studio space and frequently features his wife Brittney Atwood as a primary conversation partner. The production focuses on comedy, real life stories, and interviews with digital creators and athletes.

The program features a diverse roster of guests from the entertainment and sports industries. Professional skateboarder Tony Hawk, stunt performer Steve O, and rally driver Travis Pastrana appeared for long form interviews. Atwood also hosts prominent YouTube personalities. Guests include Bradley Martyn, Shay Carl, Alex Eubank, and Jesse Ridgway.

The episode featuring Ridgway, known online as McJuggerNuggets, holds the record for the longest runtime at 2 hours and 48 minutes. Family members also participate in the recordings. Atwood interviewed his brother Dale Atwood about his health conditions and departure from YouTube.

The video versions of the podcast generate millions of views on YouTube. The most watched episode features Atwood, his wife Brittney, and his son Noah Atwood. This specific family oriented broadcast accumulated over 2 million views. The second highest performing video features FaZe Rug with over 1. 7 million views.

Interviews with Cleetus McFarland and Jesse Wellens tie for third and fourth place with 1. 5 million views each. The HeavyDSparks episode ranks fifth with 1. 4 million views.

The podcast covers a wide range of subject matter beyond casual conversation. In episode 14 Atwood and his wife detailed the arrest of her stalker caught on camera. Medical and dietary discussions occur on the platform. Atwood interviewed Paul Saladino in episode 6 to talk about food addiction and mental health.

Financial and legal matters surface during guest interviews. Cleetus McFarland used his appearance on episode 12 to explain his interactions with the IRS regarding his racing business. Shay Carl joined episode 13 to talk about losing his fortune and navigating personal struggles. Atwood also dedicates episodes to conspiracy theories.

A June 2023 broadcast focused entirely on aliens, the moon landing, and flat earth theories.

The program achieved national recognition in data studies. On June 15 2023 Pew Research Center published an analysis of the 451 top ranked podcasts in the United States. The Roman Atwood Podcast appeared on this verified list. The researchers evaluated programs based on average daily rankings on Apple Podcasts and Spotify between April 1 2022 and September 30 2022.

Corporate sponsors fund the production through integrated audio and video advertisements. The host reads promotional copy for companies including SeatGeek, BetterHelp, Babbel, Manscaped, and Ridge Wallet. Athletic Greens also purchased advertising space on the show. Atwood provides custom discount codes to track listener conversions for these brands.

The podcast publishes new episodes twice a week and maintains a 4. 9 out of 5 star rating based on 7900 reviews on Apple Podcasts.

20 Questions About Roman Atwood

Early Relationship and Marriage

Roman Atwood and Brittney Smith met in September 2009. The two connected at the wedding of Chase Gilroy. Gilroy served as the best friend of Atwood while Veronica the sister of Brittney married Gilroy during the ceremony. At the time of their meeting Brittney worked as a dental assistant in Ohio. The couple dated for nearly a decade before taking the step in their relationship.

Atwood officially proposed to Brittney on April 30 2018. The couple traveled to Maui Hawaii for their wedding ceremony on July 27 2018. Together they expanded their family with two children between 2015 and 2025. Brittney gave birth to their daughter Cora Atwood in 2017. On January 6 2021 the couple welcomed their son Knox Atwood.

Knox weighed just under nine pounds at the time of his birth. Atwood also has two older sons named Noah Vaughn and Kane Alexander from previous years. The family practices their faith as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints.

Atwood Children Count Over Time

Security Threats and Law Enforcement Intervention

In 2020 Atwood abruptly stopped uploading videos for eight months. He returned to the internet on August 18 2020 with a new video. In January 2021 Atwood published a detailed explanation regarding his extended absence. He stated that severe stalking forced his family offline to protect their safety.

The perpetrators executed multiple targeted attacks against the Atwood family over several months. Stalkers successfully canceled the family car insurance policies leaving them unknowingly without coverage. The attackers sent unauthorized photographs of the family directly to the personal cell phones of Roman and Brittney.

The harassment escalated to a dangerous level when stalkers called in a bomb threat during a family funeral.

The only thing we could do was shut down and make sure that our kids are safe.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation intervened to assist the family in tracking the perpetrators. Local law enforcement provided constant police surveillance outside the Atwood residence. Atwood described the stalking tactics as demented and stated the perpetrators remained one step ahead whenever the family changed their phone numbers.

Primary Residence Relocation

Following the security breaches the Atwood family relocated to a new property in early 2021. Atwood announced the move in a February 27 2021 video titled Welcome To Our New House. He deliberately withheld the exact location of the new Ohio estate to prevent further privacy violations. The new property features a double staircase entryway where the family celebrated their arrival.

The interior of the new estate includes custom spaces for both Roman and Brittney. Brittney uses a fully stocked walk in closet equipped with a vanity mirror and a dedicated makeup table. Roman built a brand new music studio inside the home. The studio contains enough space for an entire stage a drum set and high end audio speakers.

Former Thornville Estate

Before the 2021 relocation the family lived in a 2734 square foot house on Beech Tree Drive in Thornville Ohio. Atwood purchased that five bedroom and four bathroom property for 349000 dollars in 2014. The former residence sat on a large plot of land situated about an hour from downtown Columbus.

Atwood heavily modified the Thornville property during his time there. He constructed a massive backyard entertainment space and installed a large water slide near the lakefront. The property included a boat house a dock and a wall mounted aquarium. Atwood also built an indoor rock climbing wall directly inside the living room to entertain his children.

The house featured an open concept kitchen with top of the line stainless steel appliances and a massive central island.

The Thornville estate also featured a large recreational area in the front yard surrounded by a white picket fence. Atwood used the expansive property to film the majority of his content. The open space allowed him to execute massive stunts and build custom play areas for his children.

Even with the extensive renovations and personal attachments to the property the severe security threats made living there untenable. The family prioritized their physical safety and mental well being by abandoning the heavily publicized house.

Atwood assured his audience that his future content would return to a lighthearted tone following the dark period. He expressed gratitude to his viewers for their patience during the unannounced hiatus. The family successfully transitioned back to their regular posting schedule after securing their new property. The ordeal fundamentally changed how the family handles public exposure and personal security.

Controversies

In October 2015 Roman Atwood uploaded a video titled "Blowing up my kid PRANK!!". The production involved tricking his partner Brittney Smith into believing their three year old son Kane died in an all terrain vehicle accident. Atwood swapped his son for a dummy before triggering a rigged explosion. The video accumulated 8.

6 million views within days of its release. Media outlets criticized the production for its severe emotional manipulation. Atwood recorded Smith crying and screaming before revealing the deception. He laughed at her reaction on camera. The Washington Post published an article condemning the video and questioning the ethics of monetizing family distress.

The publication noted that Atwood generated income from merchandise sales and brand collaborations while broadcasting his family in distress. Atwood gained a record number of subscribers the day after the upload. He told his audience that the channel set a new growth record following the controversial release.

Atwood faced legal challenges regarding his merchandise brand Smile More. In 2018 Disorderly Kids LLC filed a cancellation petition against Atwood to invalidate his trademark. The Trademark Trial and Appeal Board dismissed the petition in November 2018.

The board ruled that the phrase functioned as a valid secondary source indicator for Atwood and his merchandise. The board found that the phrase was not just an ornamental decoration.

In May 2019 Jerry Leigh of California Inc filed a lawsuit against Atwood and his company Smile More LLC in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. The dispute centered on the commercial rights to the specific text design. Atwood disclosed that he spent 150, 000 dollars on legal representation to defend his trademark rights.

He fought the case to protect his entire merchandising operation from external control. He won the legal disputes and retained full ownership of the brand.

Between 2020 and 2022 Atwood stopped uploading videos to YouTube due to a serious stalking problem. A coordinated group of stalkers focused on his family and developed an obsession with his wife Brittney. The perpetrators hacked the family vehicles through the OnStar system. They gained remote access to the house lights and security cameras.

The stalkers sent Atwood photographs of his own camera feeds to prove their access. They transmitted messages threatening to burn the house down and hang the family members on a cross. The stalkers also altered Brittney Atwood and her marital status to single in official databases.

The constant surveillance forced the family to pull their children out of traditional schools and begin homeschooling. The situation escalated beyond local law enforcement capabilities.

Atwood spent 1. 5 million dollars to upgrade his home security infrastructure. He hired off duty police officers to guard his property around the clock. The entire county police force and local fire departments remained on high alert for the family. The Federal Bureau of Investigation intervened and instructed Atwood to cease all online activity.

The agency required Atwood to remain silent while they conducted a sting operation. The FBI needed the stalkers to continue their activities to build a stronger legal case. Agents eventually identified and arrested the individuals responsible. Atwood detailed the entire ordeal during a September 2022 appearance on the Impaulsive podcast.

He warned other internet personalities that the FBI actively monitors high profile creators and their audiences.

Financial Expenditures Related to Controversies

20 Questions About Roman Atwood Awards and Nominations

2015 Streamy Awards Breakthrough

Roman Atwood secured his major industry recognition in 2015 at the 5th Streamy Awards. He won the Brand Campaign category for his video Crazy Plastic Ball Prank WithDad. The project involved a massive partnership with Nissan. Atwood filled his house with plastic balls measuring two and a half feet deep.

The stunt transformed the entire ground floor of his residence into a giant ball pit. Nissan noticed the viral success of the video and provided Atwood with a 2015 Nissan GTR. In exchange the automotive company acquired the rights to use the footage in their Super Bowl XLIX commercial. The original video generated 86 million views by July 2017.

Atwood also received a nomination in the Pranks category at the same ceremony. The 5th Streamy Awards took place on September 17 2015 at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles California. Grace Helbig and Tyler Oakley hosted the live broadcast.

2016 Shorty and Streamy Recognition

Atwood expanded his award portfolio in 2016. He won the YouTube Comedian category at the 8th Shorty Awards. The ceremony took place on April 11 2016 at The Times Center in New York City. Mamrie Hart hosted the event while Flula Borg served as the ceremony disc jockey.

Atwood accepted the award on stage and delivered a speech thanking his family and his dedicated fans. During the same year Atwood participated in a branded campaign for Scott Tube Free toilet paper. The campaign earned recognition at the Shorty Awards for Strategy and Execution.

The promotional video Impact FULL Crash featured Atwood driving a car through 66000 cardboard toilet paper tubes to visualize consumer waste.

The 6th Streamy Awards nominated Atwood in two categories in 2016. He received a nomination for Entertainer of the Year which was determined entirely by an audience vote. He also secured a nomination in the Collaboration category. This nomination recognized his work with Yousef Erakat on the video Caught Naked In Shower Prank. The 6th Streamy Awards ceremony occurred on October 4 2016 at The Beverly Hilton.

2018 Daytime Emmy and Streamy Nominations

Atwood transitioned to premium streaming content in 2018. He starred in the series Roman Atwood Day Dreams on the YouTube Red platform. The show featured Atwood and his production team fulfilling the dreams of his fans through elaborate stunts and unique experiences.

The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences nominated the series for a Daytime Emmy Award. Atwood received the nomination in the Outstanding Special Class Series category at the 45th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards. The ceremony occurred on April 29 2018 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Mario Lopez and Sheryl Underwood hosted the television event.

The series earned further recognition later that year. The 8th Streamy Awards nominated Roman Atwood Day Dreams in the Non Fiction Series category. The event took place on October 22 2018 in Beverly Hills California. The Try Guys hosted the ceremony which was broadcast live on YouTube.

Awards and Nominations Data

Filmography and Digital Media Career

Roman Atwood expanded his digital footprint into feature films, mobile gaming, and podcasting between 2015 and 2025. He transitioned from short form prank videos to longer formats and digital series. His work includes acting, directing, producing, and hosting.

Feature Films

Atwood made his directorial debut with the comedy film Natural Born Pranksters. Lionsgate acquired the worldwide distribution rights for the movie. The film released on April 1, 2016. Atwood co directed the project with Ben Pluimer. The cast included fellow digital creators Vitaly Zdorovetskiy and Dennis Roady.

The Natural Born Pranksters movie featured cameos from Jenna Marbles, Furious Pete, Jukka Hilden, Dave England, and Tom Mabe. The production budget was an estimated $1, 000, 000. The movie generated $315, 672 at the box office. The plot features a series of stunts and pranks pulled on unsuspecting victims.

The creators spent two years writing and developing the pranks. They developed 400 pranks only used 32 in the final cut. The legal department and insurance providers required approval for all stunts. The filming process took 30 days.

Atwood secured an acting role in the surreal action comedy film Airplane Mode. The movie released on August 2, 2019. David Dinetz and Dylan Trussell directed the feature. Atwood played the character of an Airport Security Guard. The film starred Logan Paul and featured Lele Pons, Andrew Bachelor, and Casey Neistat.

Digital Series and Podcasting

Atwood partnered with YouTube Red for a scripted series called Roman Atwoods Day Dreams. The show premiered on November 22, 2017. Studio71 produced the series. The program followed Atwood and his family as they staged extreme projects to fulfill the dreams of fans. Executive producers included Atwood, John Fitzpatrick, Dan Weinstein, and Rabih Gholam.

On May 28, 2022, Atwood launched his third YouTube channel. He named it RomanAtwoodPodcast. The channel focuses entirely on his podcast. He interviews friends and special guests. Atwood interviewed guests like Steve O, Vitaly, and FouseyTube on his podcast. The podcast channel reached 524, 000 subscribers and accumulated 59. 5 million views by early 2026.

Mobile Gaming and Viral Campaigns

Atwood released a mobile game titled Smile Inc in 2016. The endless runner game requires players to dodge traps and equipment in a corporate office setting. The game includes playable characters from the Smile More brand. The Smile Inc game reached two million downloads in its 48 hours. The application includes daily missions, mystery boxes, and special holiday events.

On January 18, 2015, Atwood uploaded the Plastic Ball Prank video. He filled his house with plastic balls measuring 2. 5 feet high. Nissan noticed the video and provided him with a 2015 Nissan GTR to use the footage in their WithDad Super Bowl XLIX campaign. The campaign won a Streamy Award.

Audience Metrics

Atwood operates multiple YouTube channels. His vlogging channel RomanAtwoodVlogs holds 15. 1 million subscribers and 5. 57 billion views. His prank channel RomanAtwood holds 10 million subscribers and 1. 564 billion views. He received two Diamond Play Buttons for reaching 10 million subscribers on two separate channels.