“They don’t even know how dangerous it was.” Robert de Niro almost died on the set of masterpiece over 45 years ago

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Many times, stunts can be perilous, making them suitable for trained professionals willing to tackle high-risk situations. However, there are instances where we observe actors, not stuntmen, on screen, bravely handling dangerous tasks. A well-known instance is Tom Cruise, who consistently engages in daring feats throughout the Mission: Impossible film series.

45 years ago, I was a fan watching Robert De Niro take part in an exhilarating yet perilous scene from “The Deer Hunter.” This nail-biting moment involved a helicopter stunt where he and John Savage leaped from a 30-foot height into the River Kwai. Over the course of two days, we performed this daring act a total of 15 times, but one shot came close to disaster. During ascent, the helicopter’s skids snagged on a rope bridge, putting us at risk of severe injury. Thankfully, it all worked out in the end!

In the movie “The Deer Hunter,” a scene showing the actors calling out to the helicopter crew about an accident was showcased.

In 1989, during an interview with Playboy as reported by Far Out Magazine, Robert De Niro spoke about a risky predicament that occurred on the set of “The Deer Hunter”.

The helicopter pilot avoided getting too close to the ground due to the presence of rocks on both sides, as well as a tight waterway where the current flowed swiftly. Runners beneath the helicopter became entangled in the bridge’s cable, causing the pilot unknowingly to lift and twist the entire structure while John Savage and I dangled precariously from it. The situation was perilous. As I peered down, I yelled “Drop!”, and we plunged into the water. Upon resurfacing, we saw one of the stunt performers on the bridge, detaching the cable from the helicopter’s runner. At that moment, I believed it was all over.

I survived that harrowing film scene alongside John Savage, but let me tell you, it was a close call. When you see these intense scenes on screen, viewers usually don’t grasp just how perilous they are to shoot. The camera angles can’t capture the raw chaos and danger that we actors face in those moments.

I assumed the helicopter would swoop low towards us, as often depicted in films; however, such situations require utmost caution. Incidents aren’t intentionally orchestrated, and it’s worth noting that sometimes stunts appear less risky on screen than they actually are. In fact, a stunt could potentially be fatal, yet viewers might not realize the extent of the danger involved.

The Deer Hunter stands as an unquestionable masterwork, garnering countless accolades, among them five prestigious Academy Awards across the categories for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor, Best Director, Best Sound, and Best Editing.

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2025-05-23 12:32