Here's what happened to Morgan Freeman's left hand and why he wears a glove
Morgan Porterfield Freeman Jr. | |
Morgan Freeman | |
Male | |
June 1, 1937 | |
Gemini | |
Memphis, Tennessee, USA | |
Charleston, Mississippi, USA | |
American | |
African-American | |
Christianity | |
Straight | |
6'2'' | |
188 | |
180 | |
82 | |
12 (US) | |
Grey | |
Dark brown | |
Mayme Edna Revere | |
Morgan Porterfield Freeman Sr. | |
Three | |
Divorced | |
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw and Myrna Colley-Lee | |
Four (Alfonso, Deena, Morgana, and Saifoulaye) | |
Broad Street High School | |
Pasadena Playhouse and Los Angeles City College | |
American actor, narrator, producer, and director | |
$250 million |
The incident caused complications that still affect him today. What followed was a long and arduous road to recovery, marked by numerous challenges and adjustments. Below is a look at how the injury occurred, its impact on his life, and why he continues to wear a glove.

Source: Getty Images
On August 3, 2008, when Morgan was driving his 1997 Nissan Maxima, the car veered off the road, flipped multiple times, and came to rest in a ditch. Freeman and his passenger, Demaris Meyer, were trapped in the wreckage for a while before emergency crews used hydraulic tools to free them.
Freeman was then airlifted to the Regional Medical Center in Memphis for immediate treatment. Doctors later confirmed he had suffered several fractures in his left arm and elbow, along with soft tissue and nerve damage.
While the broken bones were set and treated, the nerves in his left hand had been crushed during the accident, which would lead to long-term effects. The initial prognosis was optimistic, but complications would soon reveal the severity of the injury.
The American actor developed fibromyalgia. Following the crash, Morgan underwent surgery to stabilise his arm, shoulder, and elbow. While the surgical procedures addressed the skeletal injuries, they could not reverse the extensive nerve damage in his left hand.
Over time, it became clear that Freeman had suffered permanent neuropathy, causing loss of function and sensation. Eventually, he admitted that his hand had become almost completely paralysed despite his efforts in rehabilitation.
He wears a compression glove on his left hand primarily The flow of blood to his left hand is poor due to its inactivity, leading to painful swelling and stiffness. The glove helps by and keeps the hand from becoming inflamed.

Source: Getty Images
The glove, usually black and sleek, has become a signature part of his look. He wears it during public events, interviews, and film appearances. Does Morgan Freeman have a prosthetic? Freeman retains his natural hand and does not use any prosthetic devices despite the paralysis.
Despite these challenges from the almost fatal accident, Freeman has remained active in his career. He has continued to act in major films, narrate documentaries, and make public appearances. Although he avoids physically demanding roles, he still works on projects where his powerful voice and screen presence shine.
Additionally, he has fully adopted the glove to aid with circulation and pain management in his paralysed hand. Outside of acting, the talented actor has embraced a slower yet fulfilling lifestyle. He spends time on his Mississippi ranch and occasionally surprises fans with public performances, such as his soulful New Year's Eve duet with Al Green.
FAQs about Morgan Freeman
Final word
So, what happened to Morgan Freeman's left hand? He suffered lasting nerve damage in a 2008 car accident. The incident left his hand partially paralysed and painful to use. Morgan wears a compression glove to reduce swelling and manage the pain. Although his hand will likely never fully recover, he continues to work and live a full life.
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