Morgan Freeman, the 86-year-old actor with unmatched talent and a distinct voice, has always been an enigma. Apart from his fame, he is known for his unique style – specifically, his gold earrings. But why does he always wear them?
As a young man, Freeman looked up to his idols and started emulating their style. However, his journey to success was not an easy one. It wasn’t until the age of 49 that he achieved recognition for his role as Fast Black in the 1987 film “Street Smart,” which catapulted him to stardom and earned him an Oscar in 2005.
Despite his blockbuster success, with movies like “Bruce Almighty,” “The Dark Knight,” and “Deep Impact,” Celebrity Net Worth estimates Freeman’s fortune at $250 million. Yet, he has never forsaken his signature gold earrings.
Freeman’s love for sailing began in 1967, when he read “Moby Dick” and became fascinated with the sea. He set a goal to learn how to sail, and for the next 50 years, he honed his skills. “I started sailing in 1967. I have been fascinated 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 shared.
In 2019, on his social media page, he 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.” Sailing became a remedy for Freeman against the trappings of stardom. He frequently sails the waves near Long Island, Cape Cod, Block and Elizabeth Islands, as well as off the coast of Maine and the Canadian Yarmouth. “I’m a dedicated sailor,” Freeman stated.
Freeman’s choice to wear gold earrings is rooted in history and tradition. He first found inspiration in a pirate movie featuring Burt Lancaster, who wore an earring. “I thought it was sexy. Then I learned that sailors wore gold earrings to pay for funerals in case of death in foreign countries. I’m a sailor, so it all clicked.”
His story sparked the interest of fans, who shared their thoughts and speculations. One Reddit user wrote, “Freeman is worried he’ll be buried in a foreign country? He probably wears earrings because he thinks it looks cooler.” Another shared a historical tidbit, “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.”
It seems that Freeman’s passion for sailing and his desire to pay homage to those who came before him have become intertwined, symbolized by his iconic gold earrings. And while his mysterious aura remains, his love for the sea and his dedication to his craft are captivating.
