Challenging Moments: Actors and Their Troubles with Vehicles and Props

Many actors have had memorable experiences on set when it comes to handling vehicles and props. Some of these moments are so dramatic that they leave a lasting impression on viewers. In this article, we will dive into some of the most notable instances where actors have encountered difficulties or accidents involving vehicles and props on set.

Unscripted Mishaps and Accidents in Filming

While some instances are widely known, the authenticity of others is often debated. For instance, during the filming of Midnight Cowboy, it is said that a real taxi veered too close to Dustin Hoffman, but he reacted naturally without breaking character. Another instance involves the "Parking Garage" episode of Seinfeld, where the finale included the gag that the car wouldn’t start. This is rumored to have happened spontaneously during filming, despite the official story claim.

The Fast and Furious: Cars in Peril

Vin Diesel, best known for his role as Dominic Toretto in the "Fast and Furious" franchise, is no stranger to vehicle mishaps. With a total of 61 cars wrecked during his films, Diesel has consistently demonstrated a knack for accidental destruction. In 2011's "Fast Five," he managed to destroy 30 cars while towing a heavy safe from his Dodge Charger. Sung Kang, who played Han in "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift," also experienced an accident. He recalls slamming a 350Z or 370Z into a wall during filming. Initially worried about potential consequences, he was reassured that he wouldn't be held responsible for the damage.

Real-World Accidents

Actors often face real-world mishaps as well. Tracy Morgan, a prominent figure in "The Last O.G.," had a significant accident in 2019. According to reports from the New York Daily News, he was involved in a collision while driving a 2 million dollar Bugatti supercar. Morgan, who was 53 at the time, was reportedly sideswiped by a Honda CR-V in New York's Hell's Kitchen. He was just half a mile away from the dealership where he had purchased the vehicle. The accident served as a stark reminder of the dangers of high-performance vehicles in real-life scenarios.

In another incident, Kevin Hart was a passenger in a 1970 Plymouth Barracuda and experienced a wild ride. The car being driven by the passenger lost control, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and roll into an embankment. These incidents not only highlight the risks faced by actors in their daily lives but also underscore the importance of safety in the film industry.

These events, both scripted and real, exemplify the challenges that actors face on set. They serve as a testament to the dedication and commitment required to bring stories to life, even when unexpected obstacles arise. Whether it's a moment of peril or a spontaneous accident, these instances often become part of the rich tapestry of cinematic history.