Jeremy Renner, the 53-year-old actor, opened up about feeling ‘a little dicey strength-wise’ when he returned to work earlier this year after a horrific snowplow accident on January 1, 2023, which almost killed him. The accident resulted in blunt chest trauma and 30 broken bones, requiring significant time for recovery. Renner has since resumed filming season 3 of the Paramount+ series Mayor of Kingstown, in which he plays Mike McClusky. Despite initially feeling weak at the beginning of the season, he now feels strong and happy.
During an appearance on Good Morning America, Renner discussed his physical and emotional struggles during his recovery and return to work. He credited the support of the cast and crew for helping him through challenging days and adjusting their schedules to accommodate his needs. Renner emphasized the importance of setting intentions and goals when it comes to exercising again, revealing that he has started running. He also mentioned working on a book to share his experiences and lessons learned from the near-death accident.
Renner confessed that upon returning to the set of Mayor of Kingstown, he was treated in a manner similar to a child actor. He recalled an incident where he fell asleep during a take due to being overworked and exhausted. The actor expressed gratitude for the understanding and support he received from his colleagues, including co-creator Hugh Dillon, who sought permission from Renner’s mother for him to return to set. Despite feeling uncertain about returning to work initially, Renner acknowledged that the experience has given him a newfound positive outlook on life.
In the midst of his recovery from the snowplow accident, Renner shared that he had to contemplate whether he wanted to continue telling fictional stories through his work. He emphasized the importance of taking care of his physical and emotional well-being, especially while still in the process of learning to walk again. The actor recognized the collective support and love from those around him as crucial to his recovery and newfound perspective. Renner expressed gratitude for being alive and walking through life with a smile on his face, emphasizing that nothing can derail his positive outlook.
Despite the challenges he faced following the near-fatal accident, Renner remained determined to recover and return to work. He reflected on the ways in which the experience has shifted his priorities and brought a new level of appreciation for life. Renner’s resilience and commitment to healing are evident in his efforts to share his story through a memoir and continue pursuing his passion for storytelling through acting. He emphasized the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care, recognizing the significance of his journey in reshaping his perspective on life.
