My Next Breath: A Memoir

Jeremy Renner was born in Modesto, California on January 7th, 1971. He attended Modesto Junior College, where he initially studied computer science, criminology, and psychology. He discovered acting through theater classes and moved to San Francisco to train at the American Conservatory Theater. This formal theatrical training provided him with body awareness and breathing techniques that became essential during his 2023 accident.

Renner began his film career in 1995 with National Lampoon’s Senior Trip and spent years in supporting roles and television appearances. He gained critical attention in 2002 with his portrayal of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, which demonstrated his willingness to explore psychologically challenging roles and his ability to find humanity in disturbing characters. This performance earned him an Independent Spirit Award nomination and caught director Kathryn Bigelow’s attention.

His breakthrough came with his role as Sergeant First Class William James in The Hurt Locker (2008), playing a bomb disposal expert whose intensity and focus under extreme pressure mirrored qualities Renner would later need for survival. This performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor and established his reputation for portraying characters who thrive in high-stakes situations.

His second Oscar nomination came for his supporting role as the volatile bank robber Jem Coughlin in Ben Affleck’s The Town (2010).