Jeremy Renner recently opened up about the lessons he learned following a near-fatal snowplow accident in January 2023.
Appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on May 22, Renner recounted how the accident tested him both physically and spiritually. While he was clearing snow and towing a truck, he tried to jump on the snowplow to prevent it from hitting his nephew, leading to severe injuries.
He emphasized his struggle to stay alive during the 45 minutes he was on the ice, focusing on breathing despite a popped lung and multiple injuries.
He revealed that he broke 38 bones and has numerous metal implants.
“This is metal...Half my face is metal. All the right side of my back is metal."
Renner shared vivid memories from the accident, and how he had to focus on staying alive.
"“It's like, you see your eye with your other eye because my eyeball was out....And I look at my legs. They were all twisted up, and I’ll worry about that later because I’ve got to worry about breathing first, right?”
He highlighted the lesson about facing life's challenges step by step, emphasizing the importance of focusing on what truly matters.
Renner's recovery journey has been shared on social media, and he expressed gratitude for being alive and able to walk.
Jeremy Renner on How His Near-Death Experience Changed His Outlook on Life (Extended)www.youtube.com
Folks were inspired by his story and this interview.
Inspiring interview! Prayers have been answered! 🙏🏽♥️ #FallonTonight
— Ryan Bartholomee (@RyanBartholomee) May 23, 2024
Inspiring interview,things I love to see.
— Faith Evans (@FaithEvans050) May 24, 2024
@JeremyRenner true inspiration! Glad to see he's on the mend🙏❤️ https://t.co/4AwiVNBQYY
— Ryan (@Ryan_22_11) May 23, 2024
He really does seem like a good guy.
renner is genuinely one of the nicest guys in the industry. so happy he made it out alive.
— Kanishq Not So-lucky (@kanishqsolanki_) May 23, 2024
Another person chimed in to thank the folks who helped Renner get to safety and back on his feet.
@k.mccandies1505/X
Some elements of his story were familiar.
@wishingonthemoon1/X
Fans said he's the strongest Avenger, a nod to his Hawkeye role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Jeremy you're now officially the strongest Avenger. I'm so glad that you're healthy.
— STERNI (@STERNI_NMB) May 23, 2024
@trumpeter19/X
Some even called him a real-life superhero.
Jeremy Renner can probably be considered a real life superhero! #FallonTonight
— EternalSunriser (@EternalSunriser) May 23, 2024
Viewers found his reflections helpful.
@anthonysmz3/X
“There’s wonderful lessons in that. I could go on and on. … But the real learning lessons from it, there’s so many great gifts that being tested to your limits. … it is like I won’t have a bad day for the rest of my life. It is impossible, right? There’s that gift.”
😭 https://t.co/oo8DHNTI61
— Ben (@MinnesotaBen) May 23, 2024
People appreciated his positivity after such a terrible experience.
@fettfan91/X
@jeflightfoot6890/X
Renner spent 45 minutes on the ice after his injury, waiting for help. We're so glad he's alive and recovering.