10 Actors Who Did All Their Own Stunts (Then Immediately Regretted It)

Action films thrive on heart-pounding moments, where daring stunts make audiences gasp. Many actors hand these risky scenes to professionals, but some insist on doing them themselves, driven by a desire for authenticity or a thrill-seeking streak.

While this commitment can elevate a performance, it often comes with a steep price. From broken bones to near-death experiences, here are ten actors who took on their own stunts in films and quickly regretted the decision, learning firsthand that bravery can lead to pain.

Burt Reynolds

Burt Reynolds was a trailblazer for action stars, known for performing his own stunts in a time when it was rare for leading men. In ‘Deliverance’ (1972), he played Lewis, a rugged outdoorsman, and insisted on tackling a dangerous scene where his character goes over a waterfall.

The stunt went wrong when Reynolds hit a rock, cracking his tailbone. He was swept away by the current, losing his clothes and nearly drowning. The painful injury left him shaken, and he later admitted it was the one stunt he wished he’d left to the pros.

Michael J. Fox

Michael J. Fox wasn’t known for action roles, but in ‘Back to the Future Part III’ (1990), he took on a risky stunt for a hanging scene. To get a realistic close-up, he stepped into a noose, initially standing on a small box for safety.

Wanting a more authentic shot, Fox ditched the box, but the stunt misfired. The noose tightened, cutting off his airway, and he briefly passed out. Crew members rushed to save him, and Fox later regretted pushing for that extra bit of realism.

Uma Thurman

Uma Thurman’s fierce performance as Beatrix Kiddo in ‘Kill Bill: Vol. 2’ (2004) included her doing many of her own stunts. One scene required her to drive a convertible down a winding road, but she was hesitant, sensing it wasn’t safe.

Despite her concerns, she was urged to do it. The car hit an unexpected curve, crashing into a tree. Thurman suffered neck and knee injuries that haunted her for years. She later spoke out about the incident, deeply regretting not trusting her instincts.

Jeremy Renner

Jeremy Renner is no stranger to action, starring in intense films like ‘The Bourne Legacy’ (2012) and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But it was the comedy ‘Tag’ (2018) that brought him unexpected pain when he attempted a stunt running across stacked chairs.

The chairs collapsed, and Renner fell hard, breaking both arms. Shockingly, he got up and did another take before realizing the extent of his injuries. The accident forced him to rethink his approach to stunts, making it a moment he wished he could undo.

Daniel Craig

As James Bond, Daniel Craig brought gritty realism to the role, often doing his own stunts in films like ‘Casino Royale’ (2006) and ‘Quantum of Solace’ (2008). His commitment came at a cost during a crane chase and a jump onto a moving bus.

Craig lost two front teeth and needed surgeries on his shoulder, ankle, and knees. The injuries piled up, and he later admitted that the physical toll made him question his decision to tackle so many dangerous scenes himself.

Jackie Chan

Jackie Chan is a legend for his jaw-dropping stunts, often blending martial arts with daring feats. In ‘Police Story’ (1985), he performed a terrifying slide down a pole covered in exploding lightbulbs, a stunt that left the set silent with fear.

He landed safely but shredded the skin on his hands and felt drained afterward. The sheer danger of the moment hit him later, and Chan admitted he thought he might not survive, making it a stunt he looked back on with unease.

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron embraced action roles in films like ‘Atomic Blonde’ (2017), training hard to perform her own fight scenes. Inspired by other action stars, she pushed her limits, but one stunt nearly ended in disaster when she attempted a back handspring.

Lacking the flexibility of a gymnast, Theron almost broke her neck. The close call forced her to rely more on her training team, and she later said she regretted thinking she could master such a risky move in just a few months.

Sylvester Stallone

Sylvester Stallone’s tough-guy roles in films like ‘The Expendables’ (2010) demanded physical intensity, and he often did his own stunts to sell the action. During one fight scene, he took a brutal hit that went beyond the plan.

The impact fractured his neck, requiring serious surgery. Stallone later admitted the injury was a wake-up call, making him wish he’d been more cautious and left the stunt to a professional.

Dylan O’Brien

Dylan O’Brien brought energy to his role in ‘Maze Runner: The Death Cure’ (2018), where he attempted a daring stunt leaping from a moving train to a car. The scene was meant to showcase his character’s bravery, but it went horribly wrong.

O’Brien slipped, and a stunt car ran over him, causing a concussion, brain trauma, and facial fractures. The severe injuries halted production, and he later reflected on how that moment of boldness nearly cost him everything.

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise is famous for his fearless stunt work in the ‘Mission: Impossible’ series, but even he has faced moments of regret. In ‘Mission: Impossible – Fallout’ (2018), he attempted a jump between buildings, a stunt he’d trained for extensively.

His ankle snapped on impact, halting production for weeks. Cruise later apologized to the crew, admitting that while he thrives on pushing limits, this injury made him question whether he’d gone too far.

Which actor’s stunt story surprised you most, or do you know another who regretted going all-in? Drop your thoughts in the comments!