Jeremy Renner Is Back on His Feet With the Help of a Cane, and He Shares the Details of His Incredible Recovery

The 52-year-old actor has made his first talk show appearance after his nearly fatal accident in January. And fans were happy to see Renner’s seemingly fast recovery as he walked and danced with the help of a cane. In recent interviews, The Avengers star opened up about the painful memories caused by the accident and the challenges he overcame throughout his healing journey.

Jeremy Renner got into a snowplow accident while trying to rescue his nephew.

The incident happened on New Year’s Day. Renner was using his snowcat vehicle to help tow his nephew’s truck. But the snowplow began to slide, and Renner feared that it was heading toward his nephew. The actor jumped in and tried to stop the vehicle but got pulled under its tracks instead.

Renner was left in critical condition with more than 30 broken bones. The actor recalled that he was awake through every moment of it. “I’ve lost a lot in this experience, but I’ve been refueled and refilled with love and titanium,” he added.

Renner shared the details of his recovery, saying the support of his family and friends helped him heal.

He had to undergo surgery, where his rib cage was rebuilt using metal. His eye socket was fixed using metal plates, and rubber bands and screws were placed in his jaw. A titanium rod was added to his leg as well.

Renner said he owes his life to the people who came to his rescue during that crucial time. “It took an army to keep this old sucker alive. And I’m so grateful and forever in debt.”

His family also played an integral role in his recovery. “It’s beautiful to have — to wake up to all those sweet faces.” The actor’s close friend and colleague, executive producer Rory Millikin, said Renner’s loved ones rallied to support him since day one.

“His mom’s here constantly. I mean, his mom moved in to take care, just like moms do,” according to Millikin. “You should see this house — it’s just overflowing with nieces, nephews and cousins, and siblings all the time. It’s like a wonderful big family compound, and everyone has played a huge role.”

Renner appeared as a guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live, and the actor was beaming with positivity.

The Academy Award-nominated star was cheered on by fans who were waiting outside the studio as he made his way to the entrance with the help of a cane. Kimmel introduced him as “The indestructible Jeremy Renner,” and he was met with a standing ovation as he walked and danced on the set.

On the show, Renner shared how lucky he was that the snowplow “missed every vertebra, didn’t hit any organs, my brain didn’t swell, nothing like that.” He also joked about how the accident helped clear his schedule. “My first conscious thought was... My calendar is freed up for the rest of the year!”

Kimmel also made a reference to Renner’s Hawkeye character in The Avengers. “Now, if there was any question as to who the toughest Avenger was, that’s settled now,” the host quipped. “Forget [Chris] Hemsworth. Forget these guys. It’s you. You’re the guy.”

“Yeah, I guess so,” Renner answered. Kimmel relayed everyone’s well-wishes too — “I think I speak for all of us when I say, thank God, look at you, you look great. We’re glad to see you here.”

During that same week, the actor also attended the premiere of his series Rennervations, where he walked with a cane before hopping on a motorized scooter to help him through the press interviews.

He is now focused on making progress and achieving a full recovery.

He shared that he is now re-learning to speak again after his jaw injury. He is also hoping to regain sensitivity in some parts of his body, including his face. “I know I’m mentally strong — I get that from my mom,” Renner said, believing that his real recovery is more mental than physical.

As for his career, the actor said he is completely fine with a double taking over his stunts for his future projects. “I’m 52, it’s fine — I’ve done enough,” he said in jest. “I’m OK to do more, right? But, you know, I’m OK. I have no ego, like yeah, go for it. I don’t care. I’ll be in my trailer.”

But most of all, this experience taught Renner how important family is. He notes that it was his loved ones who mainly helped him through the physical and mental pain. “This is what I talk to my family about from all their perspectives, which are horrifying, that I put upon them. What we just endured — that’s real love. It’s suffering — but that feeds the seeds of what love is.”

If you want to read more inspiring stories about human resilience and healing journeys, check out the following articles:

• This Model’s Recovery Journey After Getting Mauled by a Dog Is a Spectacular Example of Human Strength
• A Woman Who Survived a Volcanic Eruption Shares Her Recovery Journey and Garners Support From Millions