Morgan Freeman is fighting fibromyalgia, an unseen disease that causes paralysing aches

Suffering severe pains from a near-fatal vehicle accident, Oscar winner Morgan Freeman demonstrates that his strength of character is as unforgettable as his distinctive baritone voice.

Freeman, the calming yet authoritative voice of God—he portrayed the divine entity in the films Bruce Almighty (2003) and Evan Almighty (2007)—has lifelong physical damage following a single-vehicle crash near his Mississippi home.

The accident occurred in 2008, the same year he starred as Lucius Fox in The Dark Knight, the second episode in The Dark Knight Trilogy.

According to reports, rescue personnel used the jaws of life to extract him and his passenger from his crushed-up Nissan Maxima, which had rolled numerous times. After being airlifted to the hospital and spending four hours in surgery to repair a broken left shoulder, arm, and elbow—a technique that was intended to allow a full recovery—the adored actor was left with long-term damage, which he revealed in a People interview in 2010.

“I had nerve damage that hasn’t improved.” “I can’t move it,” Freeman said of his left hand, explaining why he’s typically seen wearing a compression glove to keep the blood flowing. “If you don’t move your hand, it will swell up,” he continued. Did you know that you move your hand around a million times per day.

Freeman presented an award with Margot Robbie at the 2023 Oscars and walked on stage wearing a black tuxedo with a matching elbow-length, satin compression glove.

It’s a wardrobe staple for him to help manage the agony of Fibromyalgia, a disorder that causes widespread pain and exhaustion.

Fibromyalgia is defined by the National Institute of Health as “chronic, widespread pain across the body or at many places.” Arms, legs, head, chest, belly, back, and buttocks are frequently affected by pain. It is frequently described as aching, burning, or throbbing.” Additional common symptoms of fibromyalgia, which was long thought to be psychosomatic but is now recognised as a clinical diagnosis by the American Medical Association, include exhaustion, numbness, headaches, and difficulty sleeping.

Although there is no cure, it can be controlled by “a mix of exercise or other movement therapies, psychiatric and behavioural therapy, and pharmaceuticals.”

Freeman discussed his struggles with the chronic condition in a 2012 interview with Esquire.

Tom Chiarella, the story’s author, writes, “Every so often he grips his left shoulder and winces.” It hurts when he walks, sits still, gets up from his couch, and trips in a puddled meadow. That hurts more than it helps. There appears to be agony, yet he never mentions it.” “It’s a clamp, his misery, an icy blast up a virtually worthless leg,” he continues. He doesn’t like to show it, but there are times when he can’t help but crack a world-ending scowl. It’s such a huge move, so out of character for the man, that it feels like he’s playing.”

Recognizing Chiarella’s awareness of his efforts to conceal his discomfort and pain, Freeman stated, “It’s the fibromyalgia.” The arm goes up and down. That’s where things go very bad. Excruciating.”

Several things Freeman was obliged to give up, such as flying his aircraft or sailing alone.

“There is a point to reforms like this,” Freeman remarked. I need to go on to other things, to different ideas about myself. I enjoy playing golf. I’m still working. And I’m quite content just going around the property.” “I play one-handed,” Freeman noted. “I use my right arm to swing.”

The actor has not let his illness prohibit him from performing. Following his accident, he’s appeared in films such as Red (2010), Oblivion (2013), Now You See Me (2013), and The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard (2021).

Freeman is an exceptionally versatile actor who is widely regarded as one of the most acclaimed actors of all time. He’s known for memorable performances that have earned him numerous Academy nominations, including Street Smart (1987), Driving Miss Daisy (1989), for which he won a Golden Globe, Shawshank Redemption (1994), Invictus (2009), and Million Dollar Baby (2004), for which he won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. He also appeared in the films Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991), Unforgiven (1992), Amistad (1997), and Gone Baby Gone (1998). (2007).

Freeman has contributed his voice to documentaries such as Long Way Home (1997), March of the Penguins (2005), The Story of God with Morgan Freeman (2016-2019), and Our Universe (2001). (2022).

Freeman is still doing strong; his next features include Gunner, A Good Guy, and The Ritual Killer, in which his co-star, Yellowstone’s Cole Hauser, praises Freeman. “He was incredible. He was amazing, guy. He’s an actor who also serves as a set coach. Throughout the scenes that we were in together, he was offering me so many pointers and reminders. It was amazing.”

The tough actor is not the only celebrity who suffers from the illness.

Lady GaGa, the multi-talented singer, said in 2017 that she, too, suffers from acute pains caused by the condition. “I get so upset with people who don’t believe fibromyalgia is genuine,” she stated in an interview with Vogue, alluding to fibromyalgia sceptics. “People should be more empathetic.” Persistent pain is no laughing matter. And you wake up every day not knowing how you’re going to feel.”

Also included are actress and comedian Janeane Garofalo (Reality Bites in 1994 and Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion in 1997), Irish songstress Sinead O’Connor (“Nothing Compares to You” in 1990), actor Susan Flannery (The Bold and the Beautiful), and singer-songwriter Rosie Hamlin (“Angel Baby” in 1961), who died in 2017 but openly discussed her battle with cancer.

It’s difficult to picture a world without Freeman and his soothing voice, which can make even the most boring subject seem engaging. Tell us what you think of Freeman and how he’s dealing with this unseen disease.