Kevin Hart thanks family for ‘stepping up to the plate’ in first public appearance since car crash

Kevin Hart was met with a standing ovation as he made his first public appearance since being left critically injured in a horror car crash.

The Hollywood actor, 40, was honoured at the People’s Choice Awards on Sunday night, accepting the best Comedy Act accolade for his Netflix special, Irresponsible.

Speaking on stage at the Santa Monica event, Hart said: “First and foremost, thank God, because I definitely don’t have to be here.

“Being that I am, it makes me appreciate life even more. It makes me appreciate the things that really matter – family.

“I want to think my wife and kids, who really stepped up to the plate for me," he continued.

Hart was a passenger in a vintage muscle car when the driver lost control, sped down an embankment and slammed into a tree near Malibu in September.

He suffered major back injuries in the crash and in an emotional video shared last month, he detailed his recovery process.

“After my accident I see things differently, I see life from a whole new perspective,” he said in the video. “My appreciation for life is through the roof. I’m thankful for my family, my friends.

“Don’t take today for granted because tomorrow’s not promised. More importantly I’m thankful for God, I’m thankful for life. I’m thankful for simply still being here.”

The footage showed Hart laying in a hospital bed, being assisted by nurses and using a walking frame to stand up.

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