Even though he enjoys global recognition and has played numerous iconic roles, Morgan Freeman continues to be an enigmatic figure. Hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, he is celebrated not only for his unmatched acting skills and distinctive voice but also for his unique style. The 86-year-old actor recently shed light on the reason behind his consistent choice to wear gold earrings.
During his youth, Morgan Freeman started to adopt the fashion of his idols. Nevertheless, his journey to stardom was quite arduous, and it wasn’t until the age of 49 that he achieved recognition, primarily for his role as Fast Black in the 1987 film “Street Smart.”
Following his success in “Street Smart,” Morgan Freeman rapidly cemented his reputation as one of the most skilled actors in Hollywood. His exceptional talent eventually earned him an Academy Award in 2005.
As per Celebrity Net Worth, the wealth of this blockbuster star, known for movies like “Bruce Almighty,” “The Dark Knight,” and “Deep Impact,” is estimated at $250 million. Yet, Morgan has always retained his iconic gold earrings.
“I started sailing in 1967. I’ve been captivated by the sea ever since I read ‘Moby Dick’ as a child. That summer, I set a goal to learn how to sail a boat, and for the next 50 years, I honed my skills,” Freeman revealed.
In 2019, the actor posted on his social media page, “These earrings. I’m frequently asked about them. They’re valuable enough to cover the cost of a coffin if I die far from home. That’s why sailors wore them, and I wear them too.”
According to Freeman, sailing is an effective remedy against becoming arrogant or self-important due to fame. He often sails the waters near Long Island, Cape Cod, Block and Elizabeth Islands, as well as off the coast of Maine and the Canadian Yarmouth.
“I’m a devoted sailor,” Freeman affirmed. In 2010, he revealed that his style was initially influenced by a pirate movie starring Burt Lancaster, who sported an earring.
“I found it quite appealing. Then I discovered that sailors wore gold earrings to cover funeral expenses in case of death in foreign lands. Being a sailor, it all made sense.”
Freeman’s explanation caught the attention of fans, and they shared their thoughts.
“Freeman is concerned about being buried in a foreign land? He likely wears earrings because he thinks it looks cooler,” wrote one Reddit user.
Another reminded, “Even the ancient Greeks placed coins on the eyes of the deceased to pay Charon, the ferryman, and guide the soul across the River Styx to the realm of Hades.”
“I always knew he was a pirate at heart,” a third person believed.