Jeremy Renner, the actor best known for his roles as Hawkeye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and William James in The Hurt Locker, was involved in a tragic accident on New Year’s Day 2023 that left him with more than 30 broken bones and a long road to recovery. The accident occurred when Renner was trying to stop his snowplow from running over his nephew, who was stuck in the snow near his house in Nevada. Renner was crushed by the vehicle and suffered blunt chest trauma and orthopedic injuries. He spent three weeks in the hospital and underwent multiple surgeries. He also wrote his last words to his family, fearing that he might not survive.
Early Life and Career of Jeremy Renner
Renner was born on January 7, 1971, in Modesto, California. He attended Modesto Junior College, where he studied computer science, criminology, and psychology, before taking a drama class and deciding to pursue acting. He moved to Los Angeles in 1993 and started his career by appearing in independent films such as Dahmer (2002) and Neo Ned (2005), where he played challenging roles of a serial killer and a neo-Nazi, respectively. He also worked as a makeup artist to make ends meet.
Renner gained recognition and acclaim for his supporting roles in bigger films, such as S.W.A.T. (2003) and 28 Weeks Later (2007). He also appeared in music videos for Pink’s “Trouble” and Brother Sal’s “Scenes on Sunset”.
Major Achievements and Recognitions
Renner’s breakthrough came with the war drama The Hurt Locker (2008), directed by Kathryn Bigelow. He played a U.S. Army bomb disposal expert who struggles with the thrill and danger of his job. His performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, as well as a BAFTA nomination and a Satellite Award. The film also won six Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director.
Renner continued to impress audiences and critics with his roles in films such as The Town (2010), where he played a hot-headed robber alongside Ben Affleck; Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011), where he joined Tom Cruise as an IMF agent; The Bourne Legacy (2012), where he took over the franchise from Matt Damon as a genetically enhanced spy; and American Hustle (2013), where he portrayed a corrupt politician involved in a sting operation. He received his second Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for The Town, as well as a Golden Globe nomination and a Screen Actors Guild Award. He also won a Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Ensemble Cast for American Hustle, along with Amy Adams, Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, and others.
Renner rose to global fame with his role as Clint Barton / Hawkeye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He first appeared in a cameo in Thor (2011), then joined the superhero team in The Avengers (2012), Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), Captain America: Civil War (2016), Avengers: Endgame (2019), and Black Widow (2021). He also starred in his own Disney+ series Hawkeye (2021), where he passed on the mantle to Kate Bishop, played by Hailee Steinfeld. Renner’s portrayal of Hawkeye made him one of the most popular and beloved characters in the MCU, with fans admiring his skills, humor, and loyalty.
Controversies and Personal Struggles
Renner’s personal life has not been without difficulties and controversies. He married Canadian model and actress Sonni Pacheco in January 2014, after welcoming their daughter Ava Berlin in March 2013. However, the marriage was short-lived, as Pacheco filed for divorce in December 2014, citing irreconcilable differences. The couple entered a bitter custody battle over their daughter, with Pacheco accusing Renner of drug abuse, verbal abuse, and threatening to kill her and himself. Renner denied the allegations and claimed that Pacheco was trying to extort him for money and fame. In April 2020, the court granted joint custody of Ava to both parents, with Renner paying $40,000 per month in child support.
Renner’s involvement in the fatal car accident on New Year’s Day 2023 was another major setback for him. He was trying to rescue his nephew who was stuck in the snow near his house when his snowplow ran over him. He suffered severe injuries that required multiple surgeries and a long recovery process. He also wrote his last words to his family, fearing that he might not make it. He later revealed that his daughter Ava was his strongest motivator to recover and that he felt guilty for putting his family through such a traumatic experience. He also said that he lost a lot of flesh and bone in the accident, but gained a lot of love and titanium.
Current Projects and Future Plans
Despite the challenges and hardships he faced, Renner has not given up on his career and passion. He has several upcoming projects in the pipeline, both in film and television. He is set to reprise his role as Hawkeye in the next installment of the Avengers film series, titled Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, which is slated to be released on May 1, 2026. He will also return as William Brandt in the seventh and eighth Mission: Impossible films, which are scheduled to be released in 2024 and 2025, respectively. He will also star in the crime thriller series Mayor of Kingstown, which premiered on Paramount+ in November 2021 and was recently renewed for a third season.
Renner is also pursuing a music career, as he has been singing and playing instruments since he was a child. He has released several singles and EPs, such as “Main Attraction”, “The Medicine”, and “Live for Now”. He has also performed songs for some of his films, such as “I Drink Alone” for North Country (2005), “American Pie” for Love Comes to the Executioner (2006), and “Good Ole Rebel” for The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007). He has also collaborated with other artists, such as Sam Feldt, Kygo, and Eric Zayne. Renner recently teased a new project inspired by his healing journey after the accident, saying that he is working up the courage to put it out someday.
Renner has also been involved in various philanthropic and humanitarian causes, such as supporting veterans, wildlife conservation, environmental protection, and children’s education. He has partnered with organizations such as The Mission Continues, WildAid, Conservation International, and Pencils of Promise. He has also participated in events such as Stand Up to Cancer, Comic Relief USA, and WE Day. Renner has said that he wants to use his platform and influence to make a positive difference in the world.
Conclusion
Jeremy Renner is an actor who has overcome many obstacles and challenges in his life and career. He has proven his versatility and talent by starring in various films and television shows across different genres. He has also achieved recognition and acclaim for his performances, earning two Academy Award nominations and several other awards. He has also shown his passion for music by releasing his own songs and collaborating with other artists. He has also demonstrated his resilience and strength by surviving a tragic accident that nearly killed him and recovering with the help of his family and friends. He has also expressed his gratitude and generosity by supporting various causes and charities that are close to his heart. Jeremy Renner is an actor who has not only entertained millions of fans around the world, but also inspired them with his courage and compassion.
