What Happened to Morgan Freeman’s Hand? Details on His Devastating Accident That Led to Injury 

In rare public appearances in recent years, Morgan Freeman has worn a glove on his left hand. Fans have been curious as to the reason why. The Million Dollar Baby star has opened up in the past about his ongoing health battle that has permanently affected his mobility. Scroll below for more details on his injury. 

What Happened to Morgan Freeman’s Hand? 

At the 2023 Oscars, Morgan walked out onto the stage with Margot Robbie, who grabbed onto his left forearm. The Driving Miss Daisy actor sported a black glove on his left hand and a black tuxedo to deliver a tribute to Warner Bros.’ 100th anniversary. Twitter was full of questions about his choice to cover his hand during film’s biggest night. 

In August 2008, Morgan suffered serious injuries after he was involved in a car accident in Mississippi. He sustained a broken arm and broken shoulder after the fiery crash in which his car flipped several times. The Oscar winner was 71 years old at the time of the accident that has continued to affect his life more than a decade later. 

“I suffered nerve damage, and it hasn’t gotten better. I can’t move it,” he said during a 2010 interview with People about his hand. 

Though Morgan underwent surgery to repair nerve damage, his left hand still remains immobile. The injury forced the Glory actor to learn how to do everyday tasks with only his right hand. 

“I play one-handed,” he shared about how he has adjusted the way he plays golf in a July 2012 interview with Esquire. “I swing with my right arm.”

The star winced with pain throughout the interview, revealing more details about his condition. 

“It’s the fibromyalgia,” Morgan added. “Up and down the arm. That’s where it gets so bad. Excruciating.”

Fibromyalgia is a “disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues,” per Mayo Clinic. The symptoms of the condition “often begin after an event such as physical trauma, surgery, infection or significant psychological stress.” 

Why Does Morgan Freeman Wear a Glove on His Left Hand? 

To combat his disorder, Morgan often wears a compression glove during most of his red carpet appearances to help with blood flow and pain in his hand. He was first spotted with a glove on immediately following his car accident. In recent years, the film icon had a glove on his hand at the opening ceremony of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and during a 2018 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

In November 2023, onlookers captured a video of Morgan during a rare appearance in NYC. The actor had a glove on his left hand and waved to fans with his right hand as he got into a car. The clip has since gone viral on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Morgan Freeman Wore a Glove at the 2025 Oscars

Morgan continued to wear a glove on his left hand when he presented at the 97th Academy Awards in March 2025, where he paid tribute to his late friend Gene Hackman following his death the month earlier.

Despite wearing the glove to the awards show, Morgan appeared healthy as he gave his speech. “This week, our community lost a giant. And I lost a dear friend, Gene Hackman,” Morgan began in his speech. “I had the pleasure of working alongside gene on two films, Unforgiven and Under Suspicion. Like everyone who ever shared a scene with him, I learned he was a generous performer and a man whose gifts elevated everyone’s work.”

“Gene always said, ‘I don’t think about legacy. I just hope people remember me as someone who tried to do good work,’” he continued. “I think I speak for us all when I say, ‘Gene, you will be remembered for that, and so much more.’ Rest in peace, my friend.”