In Hollywood, few actors command the screen with the same quiet, blue-collar intensity as Jeremy Renner. Born on January 7, 1971, Renner spent years as a character actor before a breakout role in 2008 catapulted him into the A-list stratosphere. Today, as he turns 55, his birthday carries even more weight; it is not just a celebration of his birth, but a celebration of his survival.
Jeremy Renner attends Paramount+’s “Mayor Of Kingstown” Season 4 New York Premiere at Crosby Street Hotel on October 21, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)
Having recently shared a defiant “Not Today” message on the anniversary of his accident (three years ago he had a near-fatal snowplow accident that saw him break over 35 bones), Renner is busier than ever. From leading the Marvel Cinematic Universe to heading up Taylor Sheridan’s gritty dramas, Renner has built a legacy of characters who are as tough, complicated, and resilient as the man himself.
Staff Sergeant William James in The Hurt Locker (2008)
IMDb
This was the role that changed everything. As the adrenaline-addicted bomb disposal expert William James, Renner delivered a performance of vibrating tension and suppressed emotion. His ability to portray a man who felt more at home in a war zone than a grocery store aisle earned him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor and transformed him from a working actor into a global star.
Clint Barton / Hawkeye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (2011–Present)
IMDb
While other Avengers have god-like powers or high-tech suits, Renner’s Clint Barton brought the “human” to the team. From his introduction in Thor to his heartbreaking arc as Ronin in Avengers: Endgame and his own Disney+ series, Renner made Hawkeye the soul of the franchise. His portrayal of a weary father just trying to get home for Christmas made him one of the most relatable and beloved heroes of the MCU.
James “Jem” Coughlin in The Town (2010)
IMDb
If The Hurt Locker proved he could be a lead, The Town proved he could be a terrifyingly effective supporting player. As the volatile, “shoot-first” Boston bank robber Jem, Renner was a live wire of unpredictable energy. The role earned him his second Oscar nomination (Best Supporting Actor) and showcased his ability to play a character who was simultaneously loyal, dangerous, and tragic.
Mike McLusky in Mayor of Kingstown (2021–Present)
IMDb
In what has become his most significant television role, Renner plays Mike McLusky, a man attempting to maintain order in a town where the business is incarceration. It is a role that requires a specific kind of world-weariness and tactical intelligence. Following his real-life accident, Renner’s return to this grueling production was hailed by fans as a testament to his incredible recovery and dedication to the craft. Season 5 has been confirmed and it will be the last.
Cory Lambert in Wind River (2017)
IMDb
Working again with Taylor Sheridan, Renner gave what many consider his most soulful performance as a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service tracker. Playing a man grappling with the grief of his own daughter’s death while helping an FBI agent solve a murder on a Native American reservation, Renner utilized a stoic, quiet power that remains haunting years after the film’s release.
Ian Donnelly in Arrival (2016)
IMDb
In Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi masterpiece, Renner stepped away from his “tough guy” persona to play a brilliant physicist. Starring opposite Amy Adams, he provided the film’s warmth and intellectual curiosity. It was a reminder that Renner is just as effective in a cerebral, somber drama as he is in a high-octane action sequence.
William Brandt in the Mission: Impossible Franchise (2011/2015)
IMDb
Joining the IMF team in Ghost Protocol and Rogue Nation, Renner played William Brandt, a field-agent-turned-analyst with a secret. He held his own alongside Tom Cruise, providing both physical action and much-needed comedic relief. His chemistry with the “Ghost Protocol” team remains a fan-favorite era of the long-running franchise.
Gary Webb in Kill the Messenger (2014)
IMDb
In this gripping true-life thriller, Renner portrayed journalist Gary Webb, who uncovered the CIA’s involvement in the crack cocaine epidemic. It is one of his most underappreciated roles, showing his talent for playing “everyman” characters caught in the middle of massive, paranoid conspiracies. Renner also served as a producer, proving his commitment to telling complex, political stories.
Aaron Cross in The Bourne Legacy (2012)
IMDb
Taking over the Bourne mantle was no easy task, but Renner brought a different, more vulnerable energy to the genetically enhanced Aaron Cross. Unlike Jason Bourne, Cross was a man who knew exactly what he was and was fighting desperately to keep his mental and physical edge. It was a gritty, high-stakes performance that showcased Renner as a capable action lead.
Carmine Polito in American Hustle (2013)
IMDb
As the pompadoured Mayor of Camden, New Jersey, Renner played a rare “good” politician caught in an FBI sting. Amidst a cast of con artists and schemers, his Carmine Polito was the emotional anchor of the film—a man who genuinely loved his community but made a fatal mistake. It showed Renner’s range in a stylized, comedic crime drama.
