20 Times Actors Hid Injuries On Screen

Filming a movie or TV show can be grueling, with long hours, intense stunts, and unexpected accidents. Sometimes, actors get hurt but choose to keep going, hiding their injuries to keep production on track or to nail a scene.

These 20 performers showed incredible grit, concealing everything from broken bones to life-threatening conditions while delivering memorable performances. Here’s how they powered through pain, often with their injuries barely noticeable on screen.

James McAvoy in ‘Split’ (2016)

James McAvoy broke his knuckles while filming the psychological thriller ‘Split,’ where he played a man with multiple personalities. The injury happened during an intense scene, but he kept quiet to avoid delaying production.

His swollen hand was cleverly hidden with camera angles and editing. McAvoy later revealed on social media that he worked through the pain, ensuring his chilling performance stayed intact.

Brad Pitt in ‘Se7en’ (1995)

Brad Pitt severed a tendon in his arm during a chase scene in ‘Se7en,’ slipping on a wet car hood and crashing through a windshield. Instead of halting production, the filmmakers wrote the injury into the script.

Pitt hid his cast for earlier scenes, and his character’s arm break became part of the story. His commitment kept the gritty thriller’s momentum going strong.

Leonardo DiCaprio in ‘Django Unchained’ (2012)

In ‘Django Unchained,’ Leonardo DiCaprio smashed his hand on a glass during a heated table scene, cutting it badly. He stayed in character, smearing real blood on co-star Kerry Washington’s face.

The take was so powerful that Quentin Tarantino kept it in the final cut. DiCaprio’s dedication turned a painful accident into an iconic moment.

Viggo Mortensen in ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers’ (2002)

Viggo Mortensen broke two toes kicking a helmet in a rage-filled scene as Aragorn in ‘The Two Towers.’ His raw scream of pain was real, but he kept filming.

Director Peter Jackson didn’t realize the injury until later, thinking Mortensen was just acting. The authentic take made the scene unforgettable.

Channing Tatum in ‘Foxcatcher’ (2014)

Channing Tatum smashed his head into a mirror during a breakdown scene in ‘Foxcatcher,’ cutting his forehead and nearly hitting a wall stud. He didn’t stop, finishing the take while bleeding.

The intensity was real, and director Bennett Miller kept the shot. Tatum’s commitment to his role as a troubled wrestler shone through despite the pain.

Halle Berry in ‘Bruised’ (2020)

Halle Berry broke two ribs filming an MMA fight scene in ‘Bruised,’ where she played a UFC fighter. She pushed through, taking painkillers to finish the scene.

Berry’s fighter mindset kept production moving, and her injury wasn’t noticeable in the final cut. Her resilience matched her character’s grit.

Tom Cruise in ‘Mission: Impossible – Fallout’ (2018)

Tom Cruise broke his ankle jumping between buildings in ‘Mission: Impossible – Fallout.’ He pulled himself up and hobbled away, staying in character to avoid redoing the stunt.

The take, including his real limp, made it into the film, adding authenticity. Production paused for weeks, but Cruise’s professionalism kept the scene intact.

Jackie Chan in ‘The Armour of God’ (1986)

Jackie Chan nearly died after falling 40 feet from a tree in ‘The Armour of God,’ puncturing his skull on a rock. He continued filming after surgery, hiding his condition.

Creative camera work concealed his recovery, and the stunt stayed in the movie. Chan’s legendary toughness made the scene a career highlight.

Harrison Ford in ‘The Fugitive’ (1993)

Harrison Ford tore his ACL filming a chase scene in ‘The Fugitive.’ He refused surgery until production wrapped, limping through the rest of the shoot.

His character’s limp was worked into the story, masking the injury. Ford’s determination kept the thriller’s pace relentless.

Michelle Yeoh in ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ (2000)

Michelle Yeoh tore her ACL during a fight scene in ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.’ She filmed some scenes in a brace, hidden under baggy pants, before undergoing surgery.

Production adjusted to shoot around her recovery, and Yeoh’s grace kept her injury invisible. Her dedication preserved the film’s stunning action.

Dylan O’Brien in ‘Maze Runner: The Death Cure’ (2018)

Dylan O’Brien suffered a concussion and facial fractures after being hit by a vehicle during a stunt in ‘Maze Runner: The Death Cure.’ He hid the pain to continue early takes.

Production stopped for a year due to his injuries, but O’Brien’s commitment kept his scenes authentic. His return showed his resilience.

Charlize Theron in ‘Æon Flux’ (2005)

Charlize Theron nearly paralyzed herself after landing on her neck during a backflip in ‘Æon Flux.’ She hid the injury to keep filming, despite severe pain.

Camera angles concealed her limited movement, and Theron powered through. Her toughness ensured the action film stayed on track.

Blake Lively in ‘The Rhythm Section’ (2020)

Blake Lively broke her hand during a fight scene with Jude Law in ‘The Rhythm Section,’ dislocating bones and severing a ligament. She continued filming with a bandage.

The injury was written into the script as a cut, hiding her real condition. Lively’s grit kept production moving despite a six-month recovery.

Jeremy Renner in ‘Tag’ (2018)

Jeremy Renner broke both arms falling from a 20-foot stack of chairs in ‘Tag.’ He went back to work after a hospital visit, wearing splints hidden by costume choices.

His commitment kept the comedy’s light tone intact, and audiences barely noticed. Renner’s positive attitude shone through the pain.

Isla Fisher in ‘Now You See Me’ (2013)

Isla Fisher nearly drowned when her chains tangled during an underwater stunt in ‘Now You See Me.’ She kept acting, convincing the crew she was fine.

The take was used, showing her real panic. Fisher’s quick thinking and professionalism turned a scary moment into a gripping scene.

Natalie Portman in ‘Black Swan’ (2010)

Natalie Portman dislocated a rib during a dance scene in ‘Black Swan.’ She continued filming, hiding the pain to maintain her intense performance as a ballerina.

Camera work and editing concealed her discomfort, and Portman’s dedication earned her an Oscar. Her injury never overshadowed her artistry.

George Clooney in ‘Syriana’ (2005)

George Clooney tore his dura, the spine’s protective layer, during a scene in ‘Syriana’ where he was beaten while taped to a chair. He hid the pain to keep filming.

The injury caused severe headaches, but Clooney’s performance stayed flawless, earning him an Oscar. His resilience was remarkable.

KJ Apa in ‘Riverdale’ (2017-2023)

KJ Apa broke his hand punching a foam-covered ice block in ‘Riverdale’s’ season one finale. Caught up in the moment, he didn’t realize until later.

The injury was hidden with camera angles, and his character’s intensity stayed convincing. Apa’s youthful energy kept the scene authentic.

Matt LeBlanc in ‘Friends’ (1994-2004)

Matt LeBlanc dislocated his shoulder falling into a chair during a scene in ‘Friends.’ He continued filming, and the injury was written into the show as Joey’s mishap.

A sling was used in later episodes, blending seamlessly with the comedy. LeBlanc’s professionalism kept the laughs coming.

Emilia Clarke in ‘Game of Thrones’ (2011-2019)

Emilia Clarke suffered a brain aneurysm after season one of ‘Game of Thrones,’ requiring emergency surgery. She hid her recovery struggles to keep playing Daenerys.

Only a few crew members knew, and her performance never faltered. Clarke’s strength made her role iconic despite her health battle.

Which actor’s hidden injury surprised you the most, or is there another tough performance I missed? Share your thoughts in the comments!