10 Actors Who Got Injured Doing Their Own Stunts

May 25, 2024, 3:40 p.m.

Movies

10 Actors Who Got Injured Doing Their Own Stunts

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Summary Actors performing stunts can lead to serious injuries, impacting both physical well-being and production schedules.

Despite risks, actors like Tom Cruise and Halle Berry push through injuries to deliver authentic performances.

Michelle Yeoh and Natalie Portman's dedication to their craft resulted in injuries during intense training for their roles.

An actor's dedication to their role sometimes involves performing their own stunts, but since they are not trained stunt performers, this increases the risk of on-set injuries. While it's undeniably impressive to witness actors pushing their limits and committing fully to their characters, the inherent dangers associated with stunt work can lead to serious accidents, even when extensive safety measures are in place. Stunt doubles are frequently employed to mitigate these risks, as they possess specialized training and experience. However, there are instances where actors choose to perform the stunts themselves for authenticity in their performance.

While many actors are known for performing their own stunts, like the cool stunts seen in Jackie Chan movies, when something goes wrong, the consequences can be severe. These incidents not only have a profound impact on the actors' physical and emotional well-being but also disrupt production schedules, leading to costly delays and reshoots. As the industry continues to push boundaries and audiences demand ever-more thrilling and authentic performances, it is crucial to prioritize the safety of all individuals involved in the creation of these cinematic spectacles.

10 Tom Cruise

Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018)

Tom Cruise has always been known for his dedication to performing his own stunts. However, he suffered a significant setback while filming Mission: Impossible – Fallout in 2018. During what was considered a routine leap from one rooftop to another, Cruise miscalculated the jump and landed awkwardly, resulting in a broken ankle. The injury forced production to halt for nine weeks, despite initial medical assessments suggesting a much longer recovery period of up to nine months (via The Hollywood Reporter).

Determined to complete the film and minimize further delays, Cruise underwent intensive rehabilitation to expedite his recovery. The actor pushed through the discomfort to film the remaining scenes, which included a substantial amount of running. Cruise's commitment to the project and his willingness to endure pain for the sake of authenticity is evident in the final cut of the movie.

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Mission Impossible 6 A group of terrorists plans to detonate three plutonium cores for a simultaneous nuclear attack on different cities. Ethan Hunt, along with his IMF team, sets out to stop the carnage. Director Christopher McQuarrie Release Date July 13, 2018 Writers Bruce Geller , Christopher McQuarrie Cast Rebecca Ferguson , Vanessa Kirby , Tom Cruise , Michelle Monaghan , Henry Cavill , Angela Bassett Runtime 147 minutes

9 Brad Pitt

Se7en (1995)

While shooting a high-intensity chase sequence for David Fincher's psychological thriller Se7en, Brad Pitt encountered an unexpected mishap that left him injured. The actor lost his footing on a car hood and inadvertently thrust his hand through the vehicle's windshield, resulting in lacerations that required multiple stitches and a cast on his forearm. Rather than halting production, Fincher adapted to Pitt's injury by incorporating it into the film's narrative for scenes that were shot after the accident.

In order to maintain continuity for scenes set before the chase but filmed later, Pitt cleverly concealed his injured hand by keeping it tucked in his pocket or strategically out of frame. This approach allowed the production to move forward without sacrificing the integrity of the story or drawing undue attention to the actor's real-life injury. Pitt's professionalism and adaptability in the face of this setback demonstrate his commitment to his craft and his ability to work through adversity in the pursuit of creating a compelling performance.

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Se7en Where to Watch *Availability in US stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available David Fincher's crime thriller Se7en follows the seasoned Detective William Somerset after he is assigned a new partner, the young and idealistic David Mills (Brad Pitt). The two find themselves investigating a deranged killer staging murders inspired by each of the seven deadly sins. On the hunt for the twisted John Doe (Kevin Spacey) before he can kill again, the two detectives soon discover that they're much deeper into the case than they realized. Director David Fincher Release Date September 22, 1995 Writers andrew kevin walker Cast Brad Pitt , gwyneth paltrow , John C. McGinley , Morgan Freeman , Kevin Spacey Runtime 127 minutes

8 Sylvester Stallone

Rocky IV (1985)

In his pursuit of creating the most authentic and hard-hitting fight scenes for Rocky IV, Sylvester Stallone instructed his co-star Dolph Lundgren to deliver unrestrained blows during their on-screen bouts. This dedication to realism took a serious toll on Stallone when a particularly forceful strike to his chest caused significant damage to his pericardium, the protective sac surrounding the heart. The severity of this injury, more commonly associated with the impact of a head-on car collision, left Stallone hospitalized for four days in intensive care at Saint John's hospital (via The Hollywood Reporter).

Recounting the experience in an interview with Jimmy Fallon, Stallone described the surreal moment following the injury, stating, "He hit me so hard in the chest that the next thing I knew I was on a low-altitude flight to intensive care, surrounded by four nuns. I thought, 'Here I go.'" This anecdote not only highlights the physical risks actors may face when striving for authenticity in their performances, but also showcases Stallone's resilience and humor in the face of a potentially life-threatening situation.

Rocky IV Where to Watch *Availability in US stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available Rocky IV sees the return of Sylvester Stallone's iconic heavyweight champion after his victory over Clubber Lang. When an exhibition match between Carl Weathers' Apollo Creed and Dolph Lundgren's USSR boxing star Ivan Drago goes wrong, Rocky Balboa puts all his efforts into defeating the Soviet athlete in order to honor his friend's legacy and exalt America's patriotic spirit. Director Sylvester Stallone Release Date November 27, 1985 Writers Sylvester Stallone Cast Brigitte Nielsen , Sylvester Stallone , Burt Young , Talia Shire , Dolph Lundgren , Carl Weathers Runtime 91 minutes

7 Michelle Yeoh

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

Michelle Yeoh is renowned for her incredible martial arts skills. However, she encountered a significant setback while filming Ang Lee's acclaimed wuxia epic, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. During a scene that required her character to run across a rooftop, Yeoh suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), a severe knee injury that required surgical intervention. The recovery process was lengthy, forcing Yeoh to take a three-month hiatus from filming to rehabilitate her injured leg (via Indie Wire).

Despite the pain and challenges posed by her injury, Yeoh's dedication to her craft and the project never wavered. She returned to the set to film the final fight sequence, wearing a concealed leg brace beneath her costume in several scenes. Her perseverance and commitment to delivering a stellar performance stand as a testament to her professionalism and passion for her work.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Master Li Mu Bai, a warrior, is about to retire and gives his sword to his lover Yu Shu Lien to keep it safe. However, the sword is stolen and now an embittered Li embarks on a mission to find it. Director Ang Lee Release Date December 8, 2000 Writers Wang Hui-ling , James Schamus , Tsai Kuo-jung Cast Chow Yun-Fat , Michelle Yeoh , Zhang Ziyi , Chang Chen , Lang Sihung , Cheng Pei-pei Runtime 120 Minutes

6 Halle Berry

Bruised (2020)

Halle Berry took on the challenging task of portraying an MMA fighter in the Netflix original film Bruised. The actress's commitment to authenticity led her to step into the cage with professional UFC champion Valentina Shevchenko, a decision that resulted in a painful injury early in the production. During a fight scene, Shevchenko delivered a powerful kick that fractured two of Berry's ribs, a blow that would have sidelined most performers (via Independent).

Undeterred by the severity of her injury, Berry continued to film despite the intense pain and discomfort. Her resolve to push through the physically demanding scenes solidified her reputation as one of the toughest and most dedicated actors in Hollywood. By persevering through the broken ribs and completing the film, Berry not only brought her character to life with raw, unfiltered emotion but also demonstrated the strength and fortitude required to excel in the world of acting.

Bruised Where to Watch *Availability in US stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available After a successful screening at the Toronto International Film Festival in late 2020, Bruised was picked up by Netflix and added to the platform's extensive library the following year. The movie tells the story of a disgraced MMA fighter as she attempts to conquer her demons and marks the directorial debut of Academy Award winner Halle Berry, who also plays the lead. Director Halle Berry Release Date November 24, 2021 Writers Michelle Rosenfarb Cast Nikolai Nikolaef , Stephen McKinley Henderson , Valentina Shevchenko , Lela Loren , Shamier Anderson , Adan Canto , Sheila Atim , Halle Berry , Danny Boyd Jr. Runtime 129 minutes

5 Margaret Hamilton

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Margaret Hamilton, the iconic actress who portrayed the Wicked Witch of the West in the timeless classic The Wizard of Oz, faced a terrifying ordeal during the film's production. In a scene where her character was meant to vanish in a burst of smoke and fire after delivering the infamous line, "I'll get you, my pretty, and your little dog, too!" Hamilton stood on a platform equipped with a trap-door mechanism. The plan was for her to safely descend below the set before the flames were ignited, creating a dramatic exit.

Although the first take was successful, director Victor Fleming insisted on perfecting the shot, leading to four additional attempts. During one of these takes, Hamilton failed to completely clear the area before the flames were triggered, resulting in burns to her hand and face. Despite the painful injuries, Hamilton returned to the set six weeks later, still in the process of healing, to complete her unforgettable performance in the film that would become a beloved masterpiece.

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The Wizard of Oz Based on Frank L. Baum's book of the same name, The Wizard of Oz follows young Dorothy Gale (Judy Garland) as she's swept away to the magical land of Oz. Upon arriving, she falls afoul of a witch, then enlists the help of a scarecrow, a tin man, and a lion in order to find the Wizard and get home to her family. Director Victor Fleming Release Date August 25, 1939 Writers Florence Ryerson , Noel Langley , Edgar Allan Woolf Cast Margaret Hamilton , Jack Haley , Judy Garland , Bert Lahr , Ray Bolger Runtime 102 minutes

4 Daniel Day-Lewis

While there were no stunts required for the 1989 biographical drama My Left Foot, Daniel Day-Lewis took his commitment to method acting to new heights while portraying Christy Brown, an Irish artist with cerebral palsy. Throughout the filming process, Day-Lewis refused to break character, insisting on remaining in a wheelchair and only using his left foot, just as Brown himself did. This dedication meant that the crew had to accommodate the actor's needs, wheeling him around the set and even assisting him with tasks such as eating.

The physical toll of maintaining the hunched posture required for the role proved to be more than just a test of Day-Lewis's acting abilities. The prolonged strain of sitting in the wheelchair for extended periods resulted in a painful injury, with the actor breaking two ribs due to the constant pressure on his body. Despite the discomfort and limitations imposed by his method acting approach, Day-Lewis's unwavering commitment to embodying Brown's experiences translated into a powerfully moving performance that earned him the Best Actor award at the Academy Awards the following year.

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My Left Foot Where to Watch *Availability in US stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available Based on the life of Christy Brown, My Left Food is a biographical dramedy by director Jim Sheridan, with Daniel Day-Lewis starring as Brown himself. Born with cerebral palsy, Brown spends the beginning of his life contending with being largely paralyzed until, at age five, he discovers he suddenly has control of his left foot. The film follows Brown as he learns to express himself artistically through his foot via painting, writing, and beyond. Director Jim Sheridan Release Date February 24, 1989 Writers Shane Connaughton , Jim Sheridan Cast daniel day-lewis , Ray McAnally , Brenda Fricker , Fiona Shaw , Hugh O'Conor , Adrian Dunbar , Ruth McCabe , Alison Whelan Runtime 103 Minutes

3 Dylan O’Brien

Maze Runner: The Death Cure (2018)

Dylan O'Brien experienced a harrowing accident while filming a stunt for the third installment of the Maze Runner franchise, Maze Runner: The Death Cure, in 2018. The scene required O'Brien to ride atop a moving vehicle while secured by a harness. However, when the director called "action," something went terribly wrong, causing O'Brien to be yanked from the vehicle and thrown onto the ground, directly in the path of an out-of-control motorcycle. The impact of the accident left the right side of his face severely damaged and even caused some neurological trauma.

To recover from his injuries and return to the set, O'Brien underwent extensive facial reconstruction surgery. Remarkably, less than a year after the incident, he was back in action, not only resuming his role in Maze Runner but also taking on the physically demanding lead in the action thriller American Assassin. O'Brien later revealed that working on American Assassin played a crucial role in his recovery process, serving as a form of exposure therapy that helped him regain confidence in his abilities and reassured him that he had fully recovered from the traumatic experience (via CNN).

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buy Not available Not available Not available Mazerunner: The Death Cure is the final film in the popular series based on James Dashner's young-adult novels. In the sequel, Thomas must save his friends by breaking into Last City, which is a labyrinth controlled by WCKD. The Death Cure features the Gladers' most dangerous mission yet, but those that escape will finally get answers to the maze. Director Wes Ball Release Date January 26, 2018 Writers T.S. Nowlin Cast Kaya Scodelario , Rosa Salazar , Walton Goggins , Dexter Darden , Dylan O'Brien , Ki Hong Lee , Barry Pepper , Thomas Brodie-Sangster , Nathalie Emmanuel , Giancarlo Esposito Runtime 142 Minutes

2 Daniel Craig

Casino Royale (2008)

The James Bond actor, Daniel Craig, experienced a painful setback while filming his debut 007 movie, Casino Royale. Unlike previous Bond actors who relied on charm and wit to navigate dangerous situations, Craig's iteration of the iconic character often found himself in brutal, hard-hitting altercations. This approach led to Craig himself sustaining various injuries during the filming of intense fight scenes.

One particularly severe incident occurred while shooting a combat sequence in the Czech Republic. During a scene with stand-ins, Craig was struck forcefully in the face, causing him to lose two of his front teeth (via the Sunday Mirror). With blood pouring from his mouth, the actor was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. To ensure he could resume filming without delay, Craig was then flown to London to see a dentist who fitted him with a new set of teeth. Upon returning to the set, Craig took the precautionary measure of wearing a mouth guard during all subsequent fight scenes to prevent further dental damage.

Casino Royale Where to Watch *Availability in US stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available The twenty-first film in Eon's James Bond franchise, Casino Royale, stars Daniel Craig as secret agent 007. Introducing Craig to the role with an origin story, Casino Royale shows Bond earning his MI6 codename before being tasked with infiltrating a casino in Montenegro in order to bankrupt a terrorist financier known as Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen). However, Bond's assignment is more complicated than it seems, as Le Chiffre seems to have inside knowledge of the MI6 agent's plan. Director Martin Campbell Release Date November 14, 2006 Writers Neal Purvis , Robert Wade , Paul Haggis , Ian Fleming Cast Daniel Craig , Eva Green , Mads Mikkelsen , judi dench , Jeffrey Wright , Giancarlo Giannini Runtime 144 minutes

1 Natalie Portman

Black Swan (2010)

Natalie Portman's dedication to her role in Darren Aronofsky's psychological thriller Black Swan led her to undertake intense ballet training to convincingly portray a professional dancer. Despite her rigorous preparation, the physically demanding nature of ballet left Portman vulnerable to injuries, a reality that professional dancers face on a regular basis. One particularly severe incident occurred during the filming of a scene in which Portman's character was to be lifted into the air by another dancer holding her torso.

During this sequence, Portman experienced a painful dislocation of one of her ribs, which shifted underneath another. Later in the movie, a scene featuring Portman's character visiting a physical therapist took on a layer of authenticity, as the licensed therapist worked to alleviate the actress's real-life pain. Aronofsky instructed Portman to remain in character throughout the treatment, capturing the genuine interaction on film. This incident highlights the lengths actors may go to in pursuit of their craft, as well as the potential blurring of lines between fiction and reality in the filmmaking process.

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buy Not available Not available Not available In Darren Aronofsky's 2010 psychological thriller Black Swan, talented ballet dancer Nina Sayers struggles with her mental health while preparing for her performance in a production of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake. Natalie Portman earned a Best Actress Oscar in the lead role, and the cast made up of Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel, Barbara Hershey, and Winona Ryder received high praise from critics and audiences. Director Darren Aronofsky Release Date December 3, 2010 Writers John J. McLaughlin , Andres Heinz , Mark Heyman Cast Natalie Portman , Mila Kunis , Vincent Cassel , Barbara Hershey , Winona Ryder , Benjamin Millepied Runtime 108 minutes

Source: The Hollywood Reporter, Indie Wire, Independent, CNN, Sunday Mirror