Black Actors Who Survived Serious Car Crashes

Car crashes have sidelined many performers, yet some Black actors have fought through serious injuries and long recoveries to return to sets, stages and press tours. Below are notable cases with key details on what happened, the medical aftermath, and how each person got back to work.

Tracy Morgan

In June 2014, Tracy Morgan was critically injured when a tractor-trailer struck his limo van on the New Jersey Turnpike, an impact that killed his friend James McNair and left Morgan with a broken leg, broken ribs and a traumatic brain injury. He underwent multiple surgeries and months of rehabilitation before returning to public appearances and work. Morgan later reached a civil settlement with Walmart, the company that operated the truck involved in the crash. He went back to acting and comedy, including a comeback hosting stint and later roles on projects like ‘The Last O.G.’.

Kevin Hart

On September 1, 2019, Kevin Hart was a passenger in a 1970 Plymouth Barracuda that crashed on Mulholland Highway in Calabasas, California, leaving him with major back injuries. He had spinal surgery and extensive physical therapy following the collision. The California Highway Patrol’s report cited reckless driving as a factor, and no alcohol was involved. Hart resumed work after rehab, continuing stand-up and film commitments such as ‘Jumanji: The Next Level’.

Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman survived a serious one-car accident near Charleston, Mississippi, on August 3, 2008, when his vehicle left the road and rolled. First responders extricated him from the car, and he was airlifted to a hospital where he underwent surgery for arm and hand injuries. Nerve damage led to a brace and limited function in his left hand in the years following. Freeman returned to film sets soon after, appearing in projects including ‘Invictus’ and ‘Red’.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry suffered a severe crash in West Hollywood in 1997 that left her with a head wound requiring stitches and temporary memory loss. She entered a no-contest plea to a misdemeanor hit-and-run charge related to the incident and completed community service and paid fines. The injury did not end her career; she continued working steadily and accepted demanding roles across action and drama. Berry went on to headline major releases like ‘X-Men’ entries and later won acclaim for ‘Monster’s Ball’.

Brandy Norwood

Brandy Norwood was involved in a multi-vehicle collision on the 405 freeway in Los Angeles on December 30, 2006, which resulted in a fatality in another car; she was not charged criminally. She cooperated with investigators and later resolved several civil lawsuits stemming from the crash. Though physically unhurt, she paused public appearances before resuming work in television and music. She returned to acting projects, including appearances connected to her earlier TV success on ‘Moesha’.

Eddie Griffin

Eddie Griffin crashed a Ferrari Enzo at high speed during a charity-related practice session at the Irwindale Speedway in March 2007 while promoting the car-themed film ‘Redline’. The vehicle was heavily damaged after striking a concrete barrier, but he avoided serious injury. Event organizers reviewed safety protocols following the incident. Griffin continued his career in stand-up and acting, including roles and appearances tied to ‘Undercover Brother’ and other projects.

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