What happened to Morgan Freeman's hand, and why did he wear a glove at the Oscars? Actor's 'excruciating' nerve damage and life with fibromyalgia explained
The 87-year-old actor prompted curiosity from fans after he appeared on stage at the 2025 Oscars wearing a glove on only one hand.
Morgan Freeman appeared during the 2025 Oscars to pay tribute to actor Gene Hackman. On Sunday, Freeman gave an emotional eulogy about the 95-year-old two-time Oscar winner, who was found deceased in his New Mexico home on Feb. 26 along with his wife, 65-year-old pianist Betsy Arakawa.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle.
"Our community lost a giant and I lost a dear friend," Freeman said prior to the annual In Memoriam montage that honours actors and industry professionals who recently died.
Freeman worked with the late actor on two films, Unforgiven (1992), which earned Hackman his second Academy Award, and Under Suspicion (2000).
“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...," Freeman said. "Gene always said: 'I don't think about legacy. I just hope people remember me as someone who tried to do good work.' So I think I speak for us all when I say: Gene, you'll be remembered for that — and for so much more."
During the Oscars, viewers noticed Freeman wearing a black glove on his left hand, prompting questions on social media about the 87-year-old actor’s accessory.
What happened to Morgan Freeman's hand, and why does he wear a glove?
Freeman has worn a glove on his left hand for several years following nerve damage sustained in a car accident. In 2008, the then 71-year-old actor was seriously injured after the car he was driving flipped "several times" near his home in Charleston, Miss.. Freeman and his female passenger had to be cut from the vehicle by first responders. The Oscar-winning actor was hospitalized for four days and also suffered a broken arm and broken elbow.
In a 2012 Esquire profile, Freeman revealed that he sustained severe nerve damage to his left hand, which despite surgery was described as "useless." The actor requires a compression glove to help with the "icy shot" of near constant pain.
"It's the fibromyalgia," Freeman said. "Up and down the arm. That's where it gets so bad. Excruciating."
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic health condition that causes pain throughout the body, which tends to be musculoskeletal, meaning it impacts the joints, ligaments, nerves and muscles.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, people can experience fibromyalgia flare-ups where pain and fatigue are particularly bad, followed by a period of relief.
What causes fibromyalgia?
The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, however experts believe there are several factors that contribute to development of the painful disorder.
Some research suggests that genetics play a factor, however the condition is often triggered by a physical or emotional event that puts stress on the body, like a car accident, virus, a major operation or severe emotional trauma.
For some, fibromyalgia can accompany other chronic conditions like arthritis (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid), and ankylosing spondylitis (caused by swelling in parts of the spine).
What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?
Aside from chronic pain, symptoms of fibromyalgia can include:
Fatigue
Anxiety
Headaches
Restless leg
Sleep issues
Brain fog
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
For people who menstruate, periods may be particularly painful
How do you diagnose fibromyalgia?
There are no tests to diagnose fibromyalgia. A healthcare provider can provide a diagnosis based on your symptoms.
How do you treat fibromyalgia?
People living with fibromyalgia can work with their healthcare provider to find treatment options that can help relieve symptoms. For some, this may include over the counter pain medications, therapy (cognitive behavioural or other methodologies), exercise or sleep therapy.
In some instances, people with with fibromyalgia may be prescribed antidepressants, anti-inflammatory or anti-seizure medications like gabapentin, or opioids.
What can cause a fibromyalgia flare-up?
Fibromyalgia causes severe physical pain that can impact sufferer's mentally, emotionally, their ability to work or maintain relationships.
Taking care of yourself and prioritizing your well-being is crucial for people living with fibromyalgia. Flare-ups can occur if people are not getting enough sleep or experience additional emotional stress. Any form of sickness, like a cold, virus or infection, can put added stress on the body that can trigger a fibromyalgia flare-up.
Other possible triggers of fibromyalgia flare-ups can include:
Hormonal changes
Changing weather, particularly when it's very hot or very cold
Over-exertion or a busy schedule
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