Here’s why Morgan Freeman was wearing only one black glove at the Oscars. It wasn’t just some random fashion move.
The 87-year-old actor made everyone a little teary when he took the stage at the 97th Academy Awards on Sunday (March 3) to honor his close friend and co-star, Gene Hackman.
Freeman paid tribute to his dear friend Gene Hackman
Freeman led the tributes at this year’s Oscars, looking back on his time working with Hackman. The two starred together in Unforgiven back in 1992, and then worked together again in 2000 on Under Suspicion.
Freeman said the industry “lost a giant” and went on to praise Hackman’s lasting influence and incredible talent.
Hackman’s death left a huge void in Hollywood
Hackman, one of Hollywood’s legends, was found dead at his home in Santa Fe on Wednesday (February 26). Authorities are calling the circumstances surrounding his death “suspicious.”
Along with Hackman, his wife of over 30 years, the classic pianist Betsy Arakawa, and their dog were also found dead.
Freeman reflected on their time working together
Freeman shared heartfelt memories of working with Hackman in Unforgiven, and he couldn’t stop praising Hackman’s legacy.
He called Hackman a “giant” in the industry, clearly honoring their work together and the mark Hackman left on Hollywood.
What was up with Freeman’s black glove?
While Freeman was giving his speech, people started noticing that he was keeping his hands behind his back.
But then, a few sharp-eyed viewers saw that he was wearing just one black glove on his left hand.
It wasn’t the first time, though. Freeman’s been seen wearing a glove like this before.
Fans were curious about the glove
Naturally, fans on X had questions about the glove.
One person asked, “Why was Morgan Freeman wearing a black glove?”
Another joked, “Why he got one glove on?” Someone even said, “…Morgan Freeman winter soldier.” So yeah, the glove definitely sparked some curiosity.
The truth behind Freeman’s glove
But here’s the thing — Freeman wasn’t just wearing a glove as some sort of fashion statement. The reason behind it is actually pretty emotional.
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He suffered a serious injury in 2008
Back in 2008, Freeman suffered a terrible car accident. He swerved off the road near his home in Charleston, Mississippi, and flipped his car.
He had to be cut out of the wreckage and airlifted to a hospital about 100 miles away in Memphis.
Doctors discovered he had several broken bones and had to undergo over four hours of surgery to reset his arm.
Freeman has been battling fibromyalgia
Since that accident, Freeman has been dealing with constant, intense pain in his shoulder, along with a condition called fibromyalgia.
It’s an untreatable illness, and it’s been a huge part of his life ever since.
So, that black glove Freeman wears is a compression glove — he wears it to help manage some of the pain he’s been living with.
He still feels the pain daily
In a 2010 interview with People, Freeman opened up about how his injury never really healed.
He explained, “If you don’t move your hand, it will swell up. Do you know you move your hand about a million times a day?”
A few years later, in an interview with Esquire, he shared that he still suffers from paralysis and “excruciating” pain shooting through his arm.
Fibromyalgia affects millions of people
Fibromyalgia isn’t just something Freeman has to deal with. According to the CDC, around 4 million adults in the U.S. live with fibromyalgia, which is about 2% of the adult population.
It can cause all kinds of problems like sleep issues, fatigue, and emotional distress, along with increased sensitivity to pain.
