Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman Bio

Morgan Freeman (born June 1, 1937) is an American actor, producer, and narrator, known for his distinctive voice and exceptional performance range. With a career spanning over six decades, Freeman has starred in a variety of critically acclaimed films, including “Driving Miss Daisy” and “Million Dollar Baby,” for which he won an Academy Award. He is celebrated not only for his acting prowess but also for his contributions to film and culture, receiving numerous awards and honors, including the Kennedy Center Honor and the AFI Life Achievement Award. His work often explores themes of race, resilience, and humanity, making him one of the most respected figures in Hollywood.

Early Life and Background

Morgan Freeman was born on June 1, 1937, in Memphis, Tennessee. He is the son of Mamie Edna Revere, a teacher, and Morgan Porterfield Freeman, a barber. Freeman’s father passed away when he was just a child, and he was raised in Mississippi, where he began acting in school plays. He attended Broad Street High School, where he discovered his passion for theater. At the age of 12, he won a statewide drama competition, which solidified his interest in acting. After graduating high school in 1955, Freeman turned down a partial drama scholarship from Jackson State University, opting instead to enlist in the United States Air Force, where he served until 1959. Following his military service, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting, taking classes at the Pasadena Playhouse and studying theater arts at Los Angeles City College.

Path to Hollywood

Freeman’s career began in the 1960s, where he worked as a dancer at the 1964 World’s Fair and became a member of the Opera Ring musical theater group in San Francisco. He made his Off-Broadway debut in 1967 and later appeared in the PBS children’s television show “The Electric Company,” which brought him financial stability and recognition. His early work included various stage productions, and he gained acclaim for his role in the play “The Mighty Gents,” which earned him several awards. By the late 1980s, Freeman had transitioned into film, earning critical praise for his performances in movies such as “Street Smart” and “Driving Miss Daisy,” which marked the beginning of his rise to prominence in Hollywood.

Morgan Freeman Career

Early Career (1964–1988)

Freeman’s early career was marked by a series of stage performances and television roles. He gained significant attention for his role in the 1987 film “Street Smart,” which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Following this breakthrough, he starred in several notable films, including “Driving Miss Daisy” (1989), which garnered him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor. His performance in “Glory” (1989) further solidified his status as a leading actor in Hollywood.

Breakthrough (1989–1996)

Freeman’s breakthrough came with his role in “Driving Miss Daisy,” where he played Hoke Colburn, a chauffeur for an elderly Jewish widow. The film was a commercial success and received multiple Academy Award nominations, winning four, including Best Picture. His performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. In 1994, Freeman starred in the critically acclaimed film “The Shawshank Redemption,” where he portrayed Ellis ‘Red’ Redding, a role that has since become iconic. The film was nominated for several Academy Awards and has since gained a cult following.

Notable Works and Milestones

Freeman’s signature works include “Million Dollar Baby” (2004), for which he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, and “Invictus” (2009), where he portrayed Nelson Mandela. His ability to convey deep emotion and gravitas has made him a sought-after actor in both dramatic and comedic roles.

Morgan Freeman Award Nominations

Throughout his illustrious career, Morgan Freeman has received numerous award nominations, including five Academy Award nominations, with one win for Best Supporting Actor for “Million Dollar Baby.” He has also been nominated for several Golden Globe Awards, winning one for his performance in “Driving Miss Daisy.”

Morgan Freeman Awards Won

Morgan Freeman has won several prestigious awards throughout his career, including the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for “Million Dollar Baby” in 2005, the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor for “Driving Miss Daisy” in 1990, and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role for “Million Dollar Baby.”

Morgan Freeman Family

Morgan Freeman has been married twice. He was first married to Jeanette Adair Bradshaw from 1967 until their divorce in 1979. He later married Myrna Colley-Lee in 1984, but the couple divorced in 2010. Freeman has four children: Alfonso, Deena, Morgana, and Saifoulaye.

Personal Life

Freeman resides in Charleston, Mississippi, and maintains a home in New York City. He is known for his philanthropic efforts, including founding the Grenada Relief Fund to aid hurricane victims. Freeman is also an advocate for environmental causes, having turned his ranch into a bee sanctuary. He has expressed his views on race and politics, advocating for a more inclusive society. Freeman’s distinctive voice has made him a popular choice for narration in documentaries and films. As of 2025, he is set to reprise his role in the heist franchise with “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t.”