Why Morgan Freeman Has No Intention to Retire Despite Illness He Rarely Talks About

Morgan Freeman, the man whose voice can melt hearts and whose talent has lit up Hollywood, has been grappling with some tough health issues that have everyone deeply concerned. But here’s the remarkable thing: despite the pain and the setbacks, Morgan isn’t even considering stepping away from the stage. He’s resolute in carrying on his incredible acting legacy.

What happened to his hand?

In the past few years, during his outings, Morgan Freeman’s fans may have noticed him sporting a glove on his hand, but this isn’t a new addition to his attire. The iconic actor has been seen wearing a compression glove on multiple occasions, and there’s a poignant reason behind it.

Back in 2008, Freeman was involved in a harrowing accident that almost cost him his life. His car flipped over multiple times on a Mississippi highway, and the aftermath was devastating. Among the injuries he sustained, the accident left his left hand paralyzed. While it’s not something that’s usually evident in his movies or public appearances, the impact was profound.

During the accident, Freeman suffered a broken left shoulder, arm, and elbow, and the nerve damage was so severe that doctors had to work tirelessly for more than four hours to repair it. This incident left an indelible mark on the celebrated actor, and the compression glove serves as a reminder of his resilience in the face of adversity.

“I suffered nerve damage, and it hasn’t gotten better. I can’t move it,” he said in 2010. “If you don’t move your hand, it will swell up. Do you know you move your hand about a million times a day?”

Even though Freeman may remove the glove for promotional videos and photos, it’s a symbol of his unwavering determination to continue pursuing his passion for acting and storytelling despite the challenges life has thrown his way.

In an interview in July 2012, Freeman mentioned that he even had to adapt his golf game. “I play one-handed,” he said, talking about how he swings with his right arm. The pain was evident as he winced during the interview, revealing that it wasn’t just about a lack of mobility.

The source of his discomfort was fibromyalgia, a condition that causes widespread musculoskeletal pain, along with fatigue, sleep problems, memory issues, and mood swings. This condition often emerges after a traumatic event, such as physical injury, surgery, infection, or significant emotional stress.

His 2023 Oscar appearance shocked everyone, as he had never mentioned this condition before.

At the 2023 Oscars, Morgan Freeman walked onto the stage with Margot Robbie by his side, and something caught the audience’s eye—he was wearing a black glove on his left hand. The pair was there to pay tribute to Warner Bros.’ 100th anniversary. But it was Freeman’s glove that got people talking on Twitter. Viewers took to the platform, sharing messages of concern over the actor’s glove worn on his left hand.

Someone wrote, without knowing the reason behind that glove, “Hidden hand?” or “The man that never aged now is aging.”

Latest health update on Morgan

Morgan had recently battled a severe infection that led to the cancellation of his UK press trip for the Paramount+ series Special Ops: Lioness. The 86-year-old actor was forced to cancel it. While the exact diagnosis wasn’t disclosed, Freeman’s representatives assured that he’s now recovering and no longer contagious.

Of his absence, they said: “Morgan had an infection which was contagious, so he was not able to travel. He is fine now. Infection has gone, and he is no longer contagious.”

The actor has no plans to retire any time soon.

Morgan Freeman, at 86, has unequivocally expressed his commitment to acting. He recently spoke ahead of the release of the documentary film 761st Tank Battalion: The Original Black Panthers, shedding light on the story of heroic all-black US soldiers.

Freeman’s connection to the subject is profound. Following his military service, he made a remarkable shift to an acting career, leading to his iconic status as a Hollywood superstar, with roles in classics like The Dark Knight Trilogy, and an Oscar-winning performance in Million Dollar Baby.

However, despite his age, Freeman remains highly active, and retirement is not on his horizon. He remarked: “Well, if I can go pedal to the metal that’s what I’ll keep doing.”

Freeman added, “This business has a way of slowing you down on its own, you don’t have to.”

While some of his contemporaries have chosen to step away from the spotlight, Freeman’s passion for acting shows no sign of waning. He emphasized, “I don’t see myself doing that anytime in the near future.” Therefore, Morgan’s ardor for acting is not only about his love for the craft but also a commitment to using his influence and storytelling abilities to shed light on important historical narratives and contribute to a more inclusive and diverse representation in the world of entertainment.

His dedication to sharing untold stories and advocating for underrepresented voices continues to drive his unwavering presence in the industry, making him not just a legendary actor but a powerful advocate for change.

Aging isn’t slowing Morgan down from doing what he loves most in the world: acting. What’s more, the actor continues to make headlines not just for his remarkable skills but also for how young he looks.