Kevin Hart has explained how trying to ‘do some young stuff’ has ended up with him in a wheelchair for a while so fans don’t get alarmed when they see him in one. The actor and comedian took to Instagram to explain how he’d sustained injuries which would keep him off his feet for a while.
“Ladies and gentlemen the age 40 is real, to all my men and women out there who are 40 years old and above it’s not a game,” Hart said on social media.
“Respect that age, respect that age or that age will make you respect it. I was just forced to respect it.”
“This is a public service announcement because I know people may see me out and I don’t want you to be alarmed but I’m in a wheelchair.”
Hart went on to explain that he ended up in the chair because he ‘tried to go out there do some young man’s stuff and was told to sit my ass down’.
The Jumanji star explained that he had been hanging out with former NFL star Stevan Ridley when they decided to have a race to see who was faster. The 44-year-old said he was ‘pretty fast’ and decided to take that bet against the former athlete in a 40 yard dash. It turns out that the short burst of running led to quite a serious injury as Hart spoke from his wheelchair to explain exactly what damage had been done.
He said: “Guys I blew all of my s**t’. Tore my lower abdomen, my adductors, I tore them.
“I don’t even know what that is but I tore them. Tore those two. I can’t walk, sit my ass down. This is 44.”
Ouch.
It was evident that Hart was frustrated with his new situation, and appeared to be most annoyed with his own part in everything that had happened.
“What are we competing for at this age, what am I doing? Why did I even race?
“Stupidest s**t and now I can’t walk ’cause I’m somewhere trying to get the title of the fastest at the barbecue.”
“What was I thinking son? God, got to be the stupidest man alive. It is what it is man, this is life.”
Fortunately for Hart his friends were quickly in the comments offering consoling words of comfort, with Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson saying he tore his adductor muscle while wrestling and reassured Hart that he’d be ‘fine’, though he said his Jumanji co-star would ‘grow a 3rd ball’ in the process.
Will Smith wished him well on his recovery and commiserated that ‘getting older is REAL’, while Judd Apatow joked about Hart’s outfit by saying ‘maybe the Gucci Adidas collab slowed you down’.
The Rise from Humble Beginnings
Born on July 6, 1979, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Kevin Darnell Hart’s early life wasn’t devoid of challenges. Raised by a single mother, he found solace in humor, often using it as a coping mechanism. These formative years laid the foundation for his future career, as he discovered his knack for making people laugh. Starting with small stand-up performances at local clubs, Hart’s ability to connect with audiences became evident early on. His sharp wit, relatable anecdotes, and animated delivery set him apart, creating the framework for what would become his signature style.
Grit and Breakthrough
Hart’s rise to prominence was far from instantaneous. Despite numerous setbacks, including rejection and financial struggles, he remained determined to achieve his dreams. His breakout moment came in 2001 when he landed a recurring role on the television series “Undeclared.” This marked his entry into mainstream entertainment, opening doors for further opportunities. However, it was his relentless commitment to stand-up comedy that truly catapulted him to stardom.
Stand-Up Success
Kevin Hart’s stand-up specials are a masterclass in comedic storytelling. With his 2009 special “I’m a Grown Little Man,” he showcased his ability to weave personal experiences into universally relatable narratives. The special’s success marked a turning point, leading to subsequent hit shows like “Laugh at My Pain” (2011) and “Let Me Explain” (2013). These specials not only solidified his position in the comedy world but also helped him connect with diverse audiences worldwide.
Transition to Hollywood
Hart’s transition from stand-up comedy to the big screen was seamless, thanks to his magnetic charisma and natural comedic timing. He began with supporting roles in films like “Think Like a Man” (2012) and “Grudge Match” (2013), gradually evolving into a leading man. It was his role in the “Ride Along” franchise and “Central Intelligence” (2016) alongside Dwayne Johnson that firmly established him as a box office draw. Hart’s energetic performances and on-screen chemistry made him a sought-after actor, and his success in films like “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” (2017) further solidified his Hollywood status.
Beyond the Laughter
Kevin Hart’s journey isn’t solely defined by his comedic achievements. He’s also an entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist. He launched the Laugh Out Loud Network, a digital comedy platform, showcasing both established and emerging comedic talents. Additionally, his memoir, “I Can’t Make This Up: Life Lessons,” offered readers a glimpse into his life’s trials and triumphs, becoming a New York Times bestseller.
Get well soon, Kevin.