At 86, Morgan Freeman Is Said To Have Lost 25 Lbs & Is ‘Wasting Away’ Due To Chronic Disorder

Aug 21, 2023

A public appearance in July 2023 of Hollywood legend Morgan Freeman reportedly raised concerns among his friends and fans due to his noticeable weight loss. The 86-year-old actor, renowned for his iconic roles and deep voice, was said to have shed nearly 25 pounds in the last few months, leaving many worried about his health.

In July 2023, Freeman was recognized and honored as an actor and advocate for ocean conservation at the Oceana's SeaChange 2023 event in California. Despite his visibly gaunt appearance, Freeman put on a brave face, expressing his support for the Oceana organization's efforts to protect marine life and oceans. 

In the same month, Freeman was forced to cancel a press trip to the United Kingdom for his new TV series "Special Ops: Lioness." However, his friends expressed that the actor might be "wasting away" and reaching a "crisis point" allegedly due to the current state of his health, according to an exclusive via Radar Online. 

But the actor's health challenges began in 2008 when a car accident left him with crippling shoulder pain and circulation issues. A few years later, Freeman was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a chronic disorder characterized by musculoskeletal pain and associated symptoms.

Even after undergoing surgical intervention to fix nerve damage due to the accident, Freeman’s left hand remained nonfunctional. Thus, he frequently wears a compression glove on the hand, which is persistently held in a rigid grip to prevent blood from accumulating. 

In March 2023, Freeman went on stage as an Oscars presenter with Margot Robbie, and the public noticed his compression glove. Although he tries to conceal the pain and discomfort, there are instances when he involuntarily succumbs to a visage of extreme agony, resembling a grimace of world-ending proportions.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, fibromyalgia has no cure, but the symptoms are manageable with treatments, physical exercises and occupational therapy if needed. Freeman’s friend said that he experiences discomfort while performing simple tasks like walking or moving his arms. However, the actor primarily suffers in silence, maintaining his professional commitments despite the pain he endures.

"Morgan is still one of the hardest-working men in Hollywood," the friend said in an exclusive report, published on Aug. 15, 2023. “But the poor guy is in incredible pain. It hurts him to walk, get out of a chair, and even just move his arms. He mostly suffers in silence, but he's in agony much of the time.” 

Amid the speculations, Freeman's representative denied the claims of his deteriorating health and weight loss, calling the allegations "bogus." His absence during the United Kingdom press tour in July was blamed on a contagious infection. 

"Morgan had an infection which was contagious so he was not able to travel," his representative said, per Mirror. "He's fine now. Infection has gone and he's no longer contagious." 

Despite his health challenges, Freeman continues to work and can even play one-handed golf. His latest project is the documentary "761st Tank Battalion: The Original Black Panthers," airing August 2023 on the History Channel. The project aims to illuminate the courage, determination and resilience displayed by the 761st Tank Battalion amidst a racially segregated military. Working on this documentary has inspired him to aspire to another project. 

"I want to do a 'Band of Brothers,'" Freeman told CBS News. "I want it to be before the public in all of its depth and wonder, bravery and guts."

Morgan Freeman’s commitment to his craft, even with his health issues, is inspiring! Know someone who is a fan of the actor? Then pass this story along to them!