At 86, Morgan Freeman Suffers Medical Emergency & Misses Press Tour

Jul 12, 2023

Morgan Freeman is not only a legendary actor and producer who has made a lasting impact on the film industry with his outstanding performances but is also in possession of one of the world's most exceptional and recognizable voices.

Born on June 1, 1937, in Memphis, Tennessee, Morgan found solace in acting at an early age and performed in school plays and community theater productions throughout his youth. After high school, Morgan joined the US Air Force and served as a mechanic for four years. After leaving the military, he pursued acting, starting in off-Broadway productions before making his way to television and films.

His breakthrough came in 1987 when he starred as a vicious pimp in "Street Smart." His performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He continued to gain critical acclaim for his roles in films like "Glory," "Driving Miss Daisy" and "The Shawshank Redemption."

In 2005, Freeman won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in "Million Dollar Baby," directed by Clint Eastwood. He had worked with Eastwood previously in "Unforgiven" and "Invictus." Morgan's ability to bring complex characters to life on screen has earned him numerous accolades and made him one of the most respected actors in Hollywood.

At 86, Freeman is still booked and busy in his acting career, as he is still being tapped to star in blockbuster action and thriller films. 

On Jul. 12, 2023, Freeman was supposed to be in the United Kingdom for a planned press event for his upcoming series, "Special Ops: Lioness," but because of a medical emergency, he opted not to go. Keep on reading to know more about Freeman, his upcoming series, and his current medical condition.

Unbeknownst to many, Freeman has been suffering from an invisible medical condition that only a few eagle-eyed fans have spotted. 

On Mar. 12, 2023, Freeman got up on the world stage to introduce a tribute to Warner Bros. at the Academy Awards alongside Margot Robbie. Aside from people noticing that he is already balding, many thought that it was quite odd that Freeman was wearing a special glove. Turns out, the fashion piece bears a huge function for his medical condition. 

As it turned out, Freeman had worn the compression glove to keep circulation going in his arm after he sustained nerve damage from a devastating car crash in 2008. In the incident, Freeman's vehicle flipped over several times before landing in a ditch near Charleston, Mississippi. He and a passenger had to be cut free from the wreckage before they were airlifted to the hospital. 

The crash left Freeman with serious nerve damage to his lower left arm and hand, which he could no longer move. Wearing a compression glove helps improve circulation and relieve pain.

Fibromyalgia is described by the National Institute of Health as "chronic, widespread pain throughout the body or at multiple sites. Pain is often felt in the arms, legs, head, chest, abdomen, back, and buttocks. People often describe it as aching, burning, or throbbing."

However, the injury isn't getting Freeman down. He told Esquire, "There is a point to changes like these. I have to move on to other things, to other conceptions of myself. 

Freeman reiterated to Austin-American Statesman about his stance on working in his twilight years: "You don't decide if you're going to take some time off or rest. But for those of us who are able to work, you've got to make hay while the sun is shining." 

Four months after he was seen with a single glove at the Oscars, Freeman was reported to have a medical emergency that foiled his plans to attend the press event for his upcoming spy thriller film. 

According to The Daily Mail, the 86-year-old actor contracted what doctors believe to be a "contagious infection" brought by the fever that he caught. 

"Morgan has a fever and his doctor felt he had a contagious infection, so he cancelled his trip. He is fine now," Freeman's spokesperson assured the outlet of his condition. 

Freeman's co-stars Zoe Saldaña and Nicole Kidman were the only lead actors present on the planned press trip in the United Kingdom. When the three were supposed to be on "The One Show" with Alex Jones, the host confessed that she was "gutted" not to see Freeman attending. 

Morgan was noticeably absent from the press appearances in London, as only Saldana and Kidman were the only actors attending their screening recently on Jul. 11, 2023. 

"Special Ops: Lioness" is Morgan's most recent television show. The show was inspired by a real-life Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) program which follows the life of Joe, a marine, played by Saldana. Kidman also plates a CIA supervisor in the film, while Freeman plays the US Secretary of State in the show. 

He last appeared as himself on "The Kominsky Method" and "Solos" in 2021. As for his films, Freeman was also booked and busy as he had two films already released this year, "The Ritual Killer" and "A Good Person." He has two more films underway that are currently in development – "57 Seconds" and "Gunner." 

Praying for Morgan Freeman's speedy recovery! Are you a fan of Morgan Freeman? Do you know someone who had a similar experience as him? Let us know, and pass this on to your family, friends, and other Morgan Freeman fans!