Top 10 Actors Who Hid Injuries to Keep Their Jobs
#10: Harrison Ford
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“The Fugitive” (1993) We could easily compile a list of the various injuries this actor has sustained throughout his career. However, there’s one in particular that we’re not entirely sure production, even if they knew he was hurt, was necessarily aware of the extent of the injury. He’s such a pro that he had many audiences fooled into thinking his limp in “The Fugitive” was just a character quirk. Yet Mr. Ford, known for tackling his own stunts, had, in fact, suffered a leg injury during that famous train scene. Still, the limp worked for the character, given everything he’d been through, so they ran with it, and for ages, many of us were none the wiser.
#9: Cary Elwes
“The Princess Bride” (1987) You may have heard about Christopher Guest and Cary Elwes’s sword scene mishap, but that’s not the injury we’re discussing today. According to Elwes, his toe got trapped and broken while driving a quad vehicle around the set that belonged to co-star André the Giant. Still in the early days of filming, Elwes feared he might be recast due to his injury and the demanding nature of his character’s scenes. So, despite the pain, he pushed through. Director Rob Reiner later uncovered the truth, reassured Elwes his job was safe, and allowed time for healing. If you watch the film closely, you’ll notice moments where Elwes isn’t so steady on his feet.
#8: Helen Mirren
“Shazam! Fury of the Gods” (2023) This global icon eagerly embraced the chance to join the “Shazamily” in its 2023 sequel. She was ready to dive into some serious action, doing some of her own stunts, including an epic battle showdown. Unfortunately, a nearby wall also got in on the action when Mirren accidentally slammed her hand into it, breaking her little finger in the process. However, she chose to stay mum and carry on for the most adorable reason. Figuring real stunt folks face these hazards regularly, she wanted to fit in and show she was “brave,” so she powered through. Now, her “Shazam finger“ is a constant memento from her time on set.
#7: KJ Apa
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“Riverdale” (2017-23) In the intense season one finale, the gang rushes to Cheryl’s rescue at the frozen Sweetwater River. As she disappears beneath the surface, Archie smashes at the ice desperately. In the scene, we watch Archie overlook his injury to save his friend. It turns out that KJ Apa was also oblivious to his wound, just like his character. Although Apa was actually punching a softer, foam-like material, he got so caught up in the moment, attacking the surface with more gusto than needed, that he ended up with a broken hand. However, he says that due to the colder climate, he didn’t even notice until later and thought it better to keep it to himself.
#6: Ben Barnes
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“Westworld” (2016–22) Eion Bailey was originally cast as Logan Delos but had to drop out due to another commitment. Barnes, located in the U.K. at the time, took over the gig, swiftly arranging a same-day flight as production was just days away. Unfortunately, he barely left his place when he broke his foot, rushing down the stairs to catch a cab heading to the airport. Worried it might jeopardize the job, he slyly incorporated it into his character's walk instead of coming clean. Of course, that choice stuck, even after he'd healed. Barnes also shared that during his physical for the show, he cleverly avoided standing to keep his injury out of sight.
#5: Josh Brolin
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“No Country for Old Men” (2007) Even the big shots don’t want to risk blowing a major role, especially when it’s with the legendary Coen brothers. So when Josh Brolin broke his collarbone shortly before playing Llewelyn Moss, he enlisted his doctor to help him downplay his injuries. He told the directors that it was just a stress fracture that would heal in a matter of weeks. In truth, he’d practically shattered his clavicle and was facing months of recovery. Still, Brolin creatively maneuvered through certain scenes to accommodate the injury. It was only after the colleagues became better acquainted, and it would’ve been too late to replace him anyway, that Brolin finally told them the whole truth.
#4: Halle Berry
“Bruised” (2020) The irony of the movie title isn’t lost on us, but bruises wouldn’t be out of place in a story depicting a UFC fighter staging an epic comeback. However, a couple of broken ribs complicates matters in a film with plenty of high-action fight scenes. Unfortunately, on Berry’s second day of shooting, an ill-placed kick left her with two broken ribs. Perhaps wearing her director’s hat at this point, she considered a production timeout for recovery. Yet, fearing the impact on the project and uncertainty over timing and funding realigning, she chose to push through the pain. It’s a tough call she’s not entirely sure she’d repeat, although it definitely demonstrates the resilience of a UFC fighter.
#3: Jackson Rathbone
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“The Twilight Saga” (2008-12) In the world of “The Twilight Saga,” vampires may have speedy healing powers, but unfortunately that magic doesn’t extend to their human actor counterparts. During a pre-recorded segment on the short-lived British TV show “OMG! with Peaches Geldof,” the actor who portrayed Jasper Hale spilled some of his own behind-the-scenes secrets. He revealed that he would typically do his own stunts, so when he broke his rib, he decided not to mention it to avoid being made to sit out. Instead, he strapped on a splint and, as he so humorously put it, “bit through the pain.”
#2: Keanu Reeves
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“The Matrix” (1999) When Reeves signed up for this sci-fi action flick, the directors laid out the need for some hardcore martial arts training and asked if he was game. Not wanting to miss his shot, he said yes, conveniently leaving out the part about ongoing neck issues that required spinal disc surgery. Lucky for him, the recovery routine involved staying active and fit right into the training regimen—though he had to take it easy and avoid too much kicking action. He wasn’t the only one on set concealing an injury, either! Carrie-Anne Moss, aka Trinity, had a bum ankle but kept quiet about it, worrying it might cost her the job if she fessed up.
#1: Emilia Clarke
“Game of Thrones” (2011-19) “Game of Thrones” always kept us on the edge of our seats, putting characters through the wringer. Little did anyone know that one of its stars was also facing a personal battle off-camera. As the series wrapped up, the Daenerys actress revealed that shortly after season one, she suffered a life-threatening brain aneurysm, leading to emergency surgery and a grueling recovery where she temporarily forgot her name. A month in the hospital revealed a second growth—a ticking time bomb—requiring more surgery. Her condition was kept on a need-to-know basis on set, with a select few looking out for her wellbeing. Throughout this ordeal, her fears extended beyond health challenges to the daunting prospect of losing her hard-earned career.
