Here's what happened to Morgan Freeman's left hand and why he wears a glove
What happened to Morgan Freeman's left hand? His hand was severely injured in a 2008 car accident, leaving him with lasting nerve damage. As a result, Freeman wears a compression glove on his left hand to improve circulation and reduce swelling. The glove also helps manage pain and prevents his hand from worsening. Speaking about the condition, Freeman stated:
I suffered nerve damage, and it hasn't gotten better. I can't move it.

Source: Getty Images
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- Morgan Freeman was involved in a serious car accident in Mississippi in 2008, which caused major damage to his left hand and arm.
- After the crash, Freeman underwent surgery, but the nerves in his left hand never fully recovered, leaving him with permanent issues.
- The injury led to partial paralysis in his left hand, making it difficult for him to move or use it normally.
- Freeman wears a compression glove to improve blood circulation in the damaged hand and reduce chronic swelling.
- The glove helps control the pain he experiences due to the nerve damage and supports his daily comfort.
- He is often seen wearing the glove during public appearances, press interviews, and red-carpet events.
- Despite the limitations of the injury, Freeman continues to work actively in film and television without letting the condition hold him back.
Morgan Freeman's profile summary
Full name | Morgan Porterfield Freeman Jr. |
Nickname | Morgan Freeman |
Gender | Male |
Date of birth | June 1, 1937 |
Zodiac sign | Gemini |
Place of birth | Memphis, Tennessee, USA |
Current residence | Charleston, Mississippi, USA |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | African-American |
Religion | Christianity |
Sexual orientation | Straight |
Height in feet | 6'2'' |
Height in centimetres | 188 |
Weight in pounds | 180 |
Weight in kilograms | 82 |
Shoe size | 12 (US) |
Hair colour | Grey |
Eye colour | Dark brown |
Mother | Mayme Edna Revere |
Father | Morgan Porterfield Freeman Sr. |
Siblings | Three |
Relationship status | Divorced |
Ex-wives | Jeanette Adair Bradshaw and Myrna Colley-Lee |
Children | Four (Alfonso, Deena, Morgana, and Saifoulaye) |
School | Broad Street High School |
University | Pasadena Playhouse and Los Angeles City College |
Profession | American actor, narrator, producer, and director |
Net worth | $250 million |
What happened to Morgan Freeman's left hand?
Morgan Freeman injured his left hand in a car accident in 2008. 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.
The car crash that changed everything

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.
What medical condition does Morgan Freeman have?
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.
Why does Morgan Freeman keep his hand covered?
He wears a compression glove on his left hand primarily to aid blood circulation. The flow of blood to his left hand is poor due to its inactivity, leading to painful swelling and stiffness. The glove helps by applying pressure that stimulates blood flow 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.
Morgan Freeman’s life after the injury
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
- Who is Morgan Freeman? Morgan Freeman is an award-winning American actor, narrator, producer, and director.
- What is Morgan Freeman? Known for? Morgan Freeman is known for his roles in The Shawshank Redemption, Million Dollar Baby, and Bruce Almighty, as well as for narrating numerous documentaries and commercials.
- Who was Morgan Freeman married to? Morgan Freeman was married to Jeanette Adair Bradshaw from 1967 to 1979 and Myrna Colley-Lee from 1984 to 2010.
- What happened with Morgan Freeman's hand? Morgan Freeman injured his left hand in a 2008 car accident, which caused permanent nerve damage and partial paralysis.
- How many children does Morgan Freeman have? Morgan Freeman has four children: Alfonso, Deena, Morgana, and Saifoulaye.
- What is Morgan Freeman's net worth? Morgan Freeman's estimated net worth is approximately $250 million, accumulated over his long career in acting, directing, and narration.
- Why does Morgan Freeman wear a glove? Morgan Freeman wears a compression glove on his left hand to manage swelling and blood circulation from nerve damage caused by the car accident.
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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