Actresses Who Returned After Major Injuries or Surgeries

Comebacks after serious injuries or surgeries take grit, planning, and a lot of medical support—and Hollywood has more of these stories than you might think. Below are actresses who faced major health hurdles, then got back to sets, stages, and red carpets. Each entry covers what happened, the treatment, and the concrete projects they returned to afterward. If you’re rebuilding after a setback yourself, these timelines and details show what “back to work” can look like in real life.

Emilia Clarke

In 2011, Emilia Clarke suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage from a ruptured brain aneurysm and underwent emergency surgery, followed by another operation for a second aneurysm in 2013. She completed rehabilitation for aphasia and fatigue while under long-term neurological monitoring. Clarke returned to complete multiple seasons of ‘Game of Thrones’ and later headlined films and stage work. She has since launched a brain injury charity and continues routine health follow-ups as advised by her care team.

Charlize Theron

While filming ‘Æon Flux’ (2005), Charlize Theron injured her neck performing a back handspring, leading to a production shutdown and later cervical surgery. After a medically supervised recovery, she resumed strength training and stunt work with stricter safety protocols. Theron went on to star in physically demanding projects such as ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ and ‘Atomic Blonde’. Insurance and scheduling on subsequent productions accommodated residual neck limitations.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry fractured her ulna during an on-set accident on ‘Gothika’ in 2003 and required hospital treatment and immobilization. Production paused to allow initial healing, then adjusted choreography and blocking when filming resumed. Berry completed the movie and continued action roles including ‘Catwoman’ and later ‘John Wick: Chapter 3’. She has described ongoing conditioning to protect the previously injured arm.

Uma Thurman

Uma Thurman sustained neck and knee injuries in a car crash during ‘Kill Bill: Vol. 2’ filming. She underwent extended physical therapy and imaging to assess ligament and soft-tissue damage. Thurman returned to screen and stage work after rehab, balancing roles with physician-guided activity limits. The incident prompted more rigorous vehicle safety coordination on later sets.

Angelina Jolie

In 2013, Angelina Jolie elected a preventive double mastectomy after genetic risk findings, followed by reconstructive surgery. Her physicians cleared her to resume light work within days and full activity after staged recovery milestones. Jolie subsequently directed ‘Unbroken’ and returned to major releases like ‘Maleficent’. She continues regular oncology surveillance as part of her long-term care plan.

Mariska Hargitay

Mariska Hargitay experienced a partially collapsed lung after a fall and underwent procedures in early 2009. ‘Law & Order: SVU’ adjusted its schedule to allow a brief medical leave and a phased return. Stunt loads and physical scenes were moderated under doctor guidance for the remainder of the season. Hargitay completed the run and remains active on the franchise.

Christina Applegate

Christina Applegate had a double mastectomy in 2008 after a breast cancer diagnosis and returned to ‘Samantha Who?’ roughly two months later with modified call times. Years later, she continued acting while managing multiple sclerosis, completing ‘Dead to Me’ Season 3 with accommodations for mobility and fatigue. Production provided transport support, on-set rest options, and choreographed blocking. Applegate remains publicly engaged in patient-advocacy efforts.

Michelle Yeoh

Michelle Yeoh suffered a severe back injury, including a vertebral fracture, during a stunt for ‘The Stunt Woman’ (1996). She spent weeks in traction and months in rehabilitation before resuming training. Yeoh returned to action cinema with carefully engineered wire work and stunt doubles where appropriate. Her later projects incorporated enhanced harness systems and pre-vis planning to reduce risk.

Mila Kunis

Mila Kunis lived with chronic iritis that impaired vision in one eye before undergoing lens surgery to restore sight. Post-operative monitoring and steroid tapering followed standard ophthalmic protocols. She returned to steady film and television production afterward. Preventive eye care and regular checkups remain part of her routine.

Kaley Cuoco

Kaley Cuoco sustained a compound fracture of the tibia and fibula in a 2010 horseback accident and underwent emergency surgery. ‘The Big Bang Theory’ shot around her recovery with altered framing and scheduling, and she missed only two episodes. Physical therapy progressed from immobilization to load-bearing under orthopedic supervision. She later returned to full action work in projects like ‘The Flight Attendant’.

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga had arthroscopic hip surgery for a labral tear in early 2013 after canceling tour dates due to pain and limited mobility. Surgeons repaired the tear and addressed inflammation, followed by staged physical therapy. She returned to live performance later that year and expanded into acting roles including ‘American Horror Story’ and feature films. Subsequent tours built in rest windows to reduce reinjury risk.

Sofía Vergara

At 28, Sofía Vergara underwent thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine therapy for thyroid cancer, then began lifelong hormone replacement to manage hypothyroidism. She resumed work and later led ‘Modern Family’ for 11 seasons. Post-treatment care included regular scans and dose adjustments. She continues acting and hosting while maintaining endocrine follow-ups.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Aishwarya Rai was injured during a location mishap on ‘Khakee’ (2004), suffering a fractured foot and multiple lacerations. Production paused while she received hospital care and wound management. She returned to complete subsequent projects after mobility and strength were restored. The incident prompted stricter stunt-site perimeter controls on later shoots.

Samantha Morton

Samantha Morton suffered a stroke in 2006 and spent weeks in hospital, followed by rehabilitation for speech and motor recovery. She took an extended break from screen work during therapy. Morton eventually returned to film and television and later received a BAFTA Fellowship recognizing her career. Ongoing care includes regular neurological assessments.

Kate Winslet

Kate Winslet fell and was briefly hospitalized while filming ‘Lee’ in Croatia in 2022. After medical evaluation, she returned to set the same week with pacing adjustments. Training-related bruising and back strain were managed with physiotherapy and rest between setups. The production continued on schedule with added on-site medical presence.

Blake Lively

Blake Lively injured her hand while filming ‘The Rhythm Section’, which required surgery and forced an extended production hiatus. After recovery, principal photography resumed with revised stunt plans. The film completed post-production and release as planned. Lively subsequently returned to action-heavy roles with additional stunt-double integration.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza experienced a stroke at age 20, followed by rehabilitation addressing temporary paralysis and speech loss. She resumed acting after completing therapy and medical clearance. Plaza built a steady career on television and film, scheduling regular checkups based on neurologist recommendations. She has publicly discussed recognizing stroke symptoms and seeking immediate care.

Selma Blair

Selma Blair underwent hematopoietic stem-cell transplant and chemotherapy after a multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2018. She documented phases of remission and continued symptom management. Blair returned to public appearances, a documentary project, and later competition on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ before stepping back for safety. Her regimen includes ongoing neurology follow-ups and adaptive fitness.

Sarah Hyland

Sarah Hyland received a kidney transplant in 2012 and a second in 2017 due to kidney dysplasia. She continued filming ‘Modern Family’ with scheduling built around recovery and immunosuppressive therapy. The production team coordinated infection-control measures and rest periods. Hyland has since taken on new acting and hosting work with routine nephrology monitoring.

Jane Fonda

Jane Fonda has undergone multiple joint replacements, including hips and knees, and incorporated structured rehab into her work calendar. She returned to sustained filming on ‘Grace and Frankie’ and feature projects. Fonda’s teams coordinated shooting blocks with physical therapy appointments and movement limitations. She remains active on set while managing osteoarthritis care.

Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman cracked ribs during ‘Moulin Rouge!’ after an on-set fall and later aggravated the injury on horseback while preparing for another role. She wore a corset and rib protection as she finished musical numbers once cleared. Production rescheduled choreography and reduced high-impact movements until healing benchmarks were met. Kidman went on to complete awards-season campaigns and subsequent films without lasting impairment noted by her medical team.

Ashley Judd

Ashley Judd shattered her leg in a 2021 accident in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, requiring multiple surgeries including extensive rod and screw placement. After initial treatment abroad, she was transferred for further orthopedic operations and months of rehabilitation. Judd documented progress from wheelchair to assisted walking and eventually unassisted mobility. She has since returned to public appearances, advocacy travel, and acting commitments.

Sharon Stone

Sharon Stone suffered a life-threatening brain hemorrhage and stroke in 2001, resulting in a long hospital stay and years of recovery work. She faced memory and speech challenges and underwent additional procedures to address complications. Stone gradually returned to acting, hosting, and advocacy as cognitive function improved. Follow-up care continues through regular neurological evaluations.

Shannen Doherty

Shannen Doherty underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation for breast cancer beginning in 2015, later addressing recurrence. She returned to acting projects, including ‘BH90210’, during and after treatment phases. Production timelines were planned around infusion cycles and fatigue management. Doherty has kept detailed public updates outlining imaging, surgery dates, and functional recovery.

Olivia Munn

Olivia Munn received a breast cancer diagnosis in 2023 and underwent a double mastectomy, followed by reconstructive procedures. She disclosed additional treatments and surveillance imaging as part of her ongoing plan. Munn returned to press events, producing work, and acting development after recovery windows. She continues oncology follow-ups and medication as advised.

Kathy Bates

Kathy Bates had a double mastectomy in 2012 and later developed lymphedema, requiring compression and therapy. She returned to major roles, including multiple seasons of ‘American Horror Story’ and feature films. Bates has served as a spokesperson for lymphedema awareness, describing her daily management routine. Work schedules account for compression-garment use and rest periods.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon underwent a lumpectomy and radiation following a breast cancer diagnosis in 2002. She returned to stage work and later appeared in ‘Sex and the City’ projects and additional television series. Nixon has emphasized regular screening and adherence to radiation follow-up protocols. Her production calendars incorporated post-treatment fatigue considerations.

Lena Dunham

Lena Dunham underwent multiple surgeries for endometriosis, culminating in a hysterectomy in 2018. After recovery, she returned to acting, directing, and writing projects. Dunham has outlined the pain-management strategies and activity limits recommended by her care team. Subsequent work included film roles and series development with flexible schedules.

Daisy Ridley

Daisy Ridley had endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome treated with surgeries as a teenager, followed by ongoing dermatological and hormonal care. She later led the ‘Star Wars’ sequel trilogy with fitness and schedule plans tailored to energy levels. Medical follow-ups continued during production to monitor symptoms. Ridley remains active across film and voice roles.

Lucy Lawless

Lucy Lawless fractured her pelvis in 1996 during a stunt rehearsal for a television appearance, requiring significant rest and rehab. ‘Xena: Warrior Princess’ adjusted production to accommodate her mobility limits. Lawless resumed fight choreography gradually with stunt-team support. She completed the series and continued action-oriented work thereafter.

Ashley Tisdale

Ashley Tisdale underwent surgery for a deviated septum in 2007 and managed a standard post-operative recovery. She returned to ‘High School Musical’ promotion and subsequent film and TV projects shortly after clearance. Tisdale has discussed long-term nasal care and follow-up visits typical after septoplasty. Her work schedule resumed without respiratory limitations.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Early in her career, Priyanka Chopra Jonas experienced complications from a nasal polypectomy that required corrective surgeries. After medical resolution, she returned to leading roles in Indian cinema and later to international projects like ‘Quantico’. She has described the impact on breathing and on-camera appearance and how subsequent procedures restored function. Chopra Jonas maintains routine ENT checkups and fitness conditioning.

Isla Fisher

Isla Fisher nearly drowned during a submerged restraint sequence on ‘Now You See Me’ when a safety release failed, requiring crew intervention. She was evaluated on set and later by medical staff before returning to complete the film. Subsequent productions revised underwater safety checks and introduced additional spotters. Fisher continued stunt-assisted roles with enhanced protocols.

Bryce Dallas Howard

Bryce Dallas Howard aggravated a herniated disc during action sequences and undertook targeted physical therapy and rest. Productions scheduled shorter stunt days and increased double usage during her recovery. She returned to high-movement work on franchises like ‘Jurassic World’. Maintenance includes core-strength programs recommended by her therapists.

Kristin Chenoweth

Kristin Chenoweth suffered a skull fracture, concussion, and other injuries when a lighting rig fell on her while guest-starring on ‘The Good Wife’ in 2012. She withdrew from the arc while undergoing treatment and rest per neurologist advice. Chenoweth returned to stage and screen after clearance, including concerts and television appearances. Subsequent sets incorporated additional overhead-rigging precautions.

Rose McGowan

Rose McGowan required reconstructive surgery after a car accident in the mid-2000s caused facial injury near her eye. She completed recovery with follow-up procedures and scar care. McGowan returned to filming and promotional work shortly after clearance. She has described using protective makeup protocols during healing.

Linda Hamilton

Linda Hamilton experienced permanent hearing loss in one ear after an on-set explosion during ‘Terminator 2’ and later managed chronic tinnitus. She continued action roles with modified weapon-fire protocols and custom hearing protection. Hamilton returned to the franchise decades later with ‘Terminator: Dark Fate’. Audiology follow-ups remain part of her care.

Maggie Q

Maggie Q suffered a broken foot and multiple tendon injuries while filming ‘Nikita’, continuing some episodes in a boot before undergoing procedures and intensive rehab. Production wrote around mobility limits and adjusted fight choreography. She later led action projects including ‘Designated Survivor’ and feature films. Her training now emphasizes prehab and recovery windows.

Ronda Rousey

While filming a television role, Ronda Rousey nearly severed a finger and tore a tendon, requiring immediate surgery and pins. She returned to set after a brief recovery with splinting and controlled activity. Rousey completed the season while attending hand therapy sessions between shoots. Follow-up procedures removed hardware once healing was confirmed.

Rebel Wilson

Rebel Wilson sustained a concussion and fractured wrist during a night shoot when a stunt went wrong. After ER care and imaging, she took medical leave and completed occupational therapy. Wilson returned to finish the project and later resumed physically active roles. Productions have since tightened stunt-rehearsal sign-offs and on-site medical coverage during her shoots.

Tell us which comeback inspired you most—and share any others we should add in the comments.