Veteran actor Morgan Freeman has reportedly been forced to skip a UK press tour for his upcoming series Special Ops: Lioness after falling ill with a “contagious infection”.
The 86-year-old actor – who is adored by many for his calming and immediately recognizable voice – has chosen to stay in the US after contracting a “fever”, with doctors believing he hired a “contagious infection”, according to the Daily Mail.
Freeman had been set to appear at a press event for his spy show, which also stars (and was executive produced by) fellow Hollywood actors Zoe Saldaña and Nicole Kidman.
The two actresses carried on without the Shawshank Redemption actor at a string of events in London, including appearing on The One Show – with host Alex Jones telling the pair that she was “gutted” Freeman wasn’t there.
The Seven actor’s agent revealed to the Daily Mail: “Morgan has a fever and his doctor felt he had a contagious infection, so he canceled his trip. He is fine now.”
Freeman has also been battling fibromyalgia since being involved in an almost-fatal car accident in 2008 – meaning he is often struggling with chronic pain and tenderness throughout the body, as well as fatigue and trouble sleeping, per the National Institute of Health.
Due to the permanent nerve damage, Freeman sustained from the accident, he often sports a compression glove that helps alleviate his symptoms. He wore a smart black one at the Oscars this year when he appeared as a presenter at the prestigious awards ceremony alongside Aussie actress Margot Robbie.
Inspired by an actual CIA program, Freeman’s spy thriller follows the story of a marine (Saldaña) as she tries to balance her professional and personal life while spearheading the intelligence agency’s war on terror.
Set for release on July 23, Freeman plays the United States Secretary of State.
Saldaña takes the lead role of the marine, also the station chief of The Lionness Program. Her main role is to train female undercover operatives and prepare them to fight terrorism.
Kidman portrays the CIA’s senior supervisor, who is responsible for helping thwart another 9/11 situation.
As for the infection, Freeman’s agent told TMZ that the actor is doing slightly better and is no longer contagious.
Our thoughts are with Morgan Freeman and hope that the legendary actor can make a full recovery.