Morgan Freeman, the iconic 86-year-old actor known for his exceptional talent and captivating voice, has always been a man of mystery. Besides his remarkable acting career, Freeman has also drawn attention for his distinctive style, particularly his love for gold earrings. But why does he always wear them?
Growing up in Memphis, Tennessee, Freeman was inspired by his idols and sought to emulate their style. However, it wasn’t until the age of 49 that he achieved success with his role as Fast Black in the 1987 film “Street Smart.” This breakthrough catapulted him to one of the most talented actors in Hollywood, eventually winning an Oscar in 2005.
Despite his worldwide fame and estimated fortune of $250 million, Morgan Freeman has never parted ways with his legendary gold earrings. The reason behind this goes back to his passion for sailing, which began in 1967.
“I have been fascinated by the sea ever since I read ‘Moby Dick’ as a child,” Freeman shared. “In 1967, I made it my goal to learn how to sail, and for the past 50 years, I have honed my skills as a sailor.”
Sailing has become his remedy against the tribulations of stardom. Freeman frequently sets sail near Long Island, Cape Cod, Block and Elizabeth Islands, as well as along the coasts of Maine and the Canadian Yarmouth. He truly is a dedicated sailor at heart.
It was during one of his sailing adventures that Freeman discovered the significance of gold earrings among sailors. He admitted that his initial inspiration came from a pirate movie featuring Burt Lancaster, who sported an earring.
“I found it incredibly attractive,” Freeman revealed. “But then I learned that sailors wore gold earrings as a means to pay for their funerals in case of death in foreign countries. Being a sailor myself, it all just clicked.”
In 2019, Freeman took to his social media page to address the constant inquiries about his earrings. He humorously wrote, “These earrings. I am constantly asked about them. They are worth enough to pay for a coffin if I die far from home. That’s why sailors wore them, and I wear them too.”
Freeman’s story has sparked speculation among his fans, leading to intriguing discussions. Some believe that he wears earrings because he finds them cool, while others drew connections to ancient Greek traditions, where coins were placed on the eyes of the deceased to pay Charon, the ferryman, for safe passage to the realm of Hades.
As an 86-year-old actor, Morgan Freeman continues to captivate audiences both on and off the screen. His legendary gold earrings have become a symbol of his dedication to sailing and his unique approach to life. So, the next time you see him wearing those earrings, remember the fascinating tale of the sea that they hold.
