Jeremy Renner shared his most personal story yet. His new memoir, My Next Breath, gives fans a raw, emotional look at what happened after his terrifying accident on New Year’s Day 2023.
The 54-year-old actor was run over by a 14,000-pound snowplow. He broke more than 30 bones, lost six quarts of blood, and says he was “basically dead.”
But it wasn’t just the physical pain that nearly broke him.
What Happened After the Accident?
Jeremy went through a nightmare. His recovery involved heavy pain meds—a mix of opioids and benzos. These led to intense hallucinations.
He describes having conversations with his bedroom curtains. When they didn’t answer, an imaginary Jamie Foxx did.
“We talked about this and that,” Renner writes, “we went snowmobiling together.” Of course, none of that actually happened.
Was Jamie Foxx Really There?
No. Jeremy knew Foxx wasn’t actually in the room. But in his mind, the Django Unchained star was with him, offering company in the darkest hours.
Oddly enough, Jamie Foxx had also been going through his own health scare at the time. He later revealed he had a stroke in April 2023 due to a brain bleed.
Jeremy said he just wished he could be there for Foxx the way his own family was there for him.
What Did His Family Think?
His mom and sister noticed something was off. They’d hear him talking to someone who wasn’t there and just figured, “Jeremy’s tripping again.”
Sometimes, after one of those long, bizarre conversations with his curtains or Jamie Foxx, he’d just pass out.
And someone would always say, “Maybe we should dial back those meds — we don’t want to lose him.”
Did He Stay on the Meds?
No. Jeremy quit cold turkey, even though his doctors didn’t recommend it.
He couldn’t take it anymore. The meds made him feel like a stranger to himself.
For 36 hours, he cried, shivered, and battled withdrawal. It was one of the hardest parts of his journey.
He eventually took small doses now and then but said that once he pushed through, recovery got easier.
How Bad Was the Accident?
Jeremy’s body was shattered. Over 30 broken bones. Six quarts of blood lost. His heart rate dropped to 18 beats per minute.
“I know I died—in fact, I’m sure of it,” he writes.
He describes death not as pain, but as energy. A kind of light, peace, and total awareness.
“There was no time, no place, just this connected, beautiful energy,” he said.
He claims he saw his whole life all at once. But something—maybe love—pulled him back.
How Old Is Jeremy Renner and What’s His Net Worth?
Jeremy Renner is 54 years old in 2025. He was born on January 7, 1971.
His estimated net worth today is $80 million. Most of it comes from his acting career, especially in the Marvel Cinematic Universe where he played Hawkeye.
He also earned from films like The Hurt Locker, The Town, and various real estate investments.
What’s the Message of His Book?
Jeremy’s new book isn’t just about pain—it’s about survival, family, and healing.
It’s about the weird, painful, beautiful moments that happen when you’re close to the edge.
It’s about finding yourself again after everything changes.
My Next Breath is now out in bookstores everywhere.
Final Thoughts
Jeremy Renner’s story is one of resilience. He faced death, talked to imaginary friends, and clawed his way back to life.
And now, he’s telling that story not to be dramatic—but to remind us all that every breath matters.
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