Jeremy Renner, the Hollywood actor known for his roles in blockbuster films like The Avengers, recently opened up about his harrowing experience in a snowplow accident that left him with over 30 broken bones. This incident was a far cry from the superhero movies where the characters can fall from buildings, get shot and stabbed, and still manage to get back up.
In a recent interview with Diane Sawyer, Renner recounted his experience and how he felt during the accident. The interview was his first full one since the accident, and a clip of it was shared on Good Morning America before it aired on April 6th. Renner spoke about his injuries, including a collapsed lung and a “major laceration” that required staples in the back of his head. The perspective of the neighbors who called the police, Renner’s nephew, and ultimately Renner himself was shared during the interview.
Renner explained that he fell off the snowplow while trying to check on his nephew without setting the parking brake. In a bid to stop the vehicle from hitting his nephew, he attempted to jump back on the moving snowplow. However, he ended up going under it, and as he recalled, he screamed, “Not today, motherfucker!” He remembered wondering what his body looked like and whether he would become a spine in a brain like a science experiment. He also admitted that he did not want to live if he had to depend on tubes, drugs, and painkillers.
During the interview, Renner spoke about the metal implants that were used to rebuild his ribcage and eye socket, the titanium rod that was put in his leg, and the rubber bands and screws holding his jaw together. He even showed Sawyer that his Avengers neck tattoo was still intact. Despite his injuries, he has already returned to work, promoting his upcoming show on Disney+ titled Rennervations. In the show, Renner converts abandoned cars into community resources. The show will be released on April 12th.
Renner stated that he had no regrets about trying to stop the snowplow and would do it again. He refused to be haunted by the accident and shifted the narrative of the incident from being a victim or making a mistake. “That is a man I’m proud of, because I wouldn’t let that happen to my nephew,” he said. “I refuse to be fucking haunted by that memory that way.”
The accident and its aftermath have left a deep emotional and physical impact on Jeremy Renner. Despite this, his resilience and determination to shift the narrative of the incident are commendable. His story serves as a reminder that accidents can happen to anyone, regardless of their status, and that it’s important to have a positive outlook and mental strength in the face of adversity.