Morgan Freeman

By anesalcidovalverde

  • The Birth of Morgan Freeman

    Born in Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. to Mayme Edna Curtis (a teacher) and Morgan Porterfield Freeman, Sr., a barber who died in 1961 from liver cirrhosis. Youngest of five older siblings. Freeman lived with his maternal grandmother in Mississippi up until he was six. While his parents relocated to Chicago to find work due to the Jim Crow South pressures affecting African Americans.

  • Death of Morgan Freeman's Grandmother & Relocation

    When Morgan Freeman was six his grandmother passed away. Due to this Freeman moved back with his mother who recently was separated with her alcoholic husband. Afterward they move to Tennessee and Mississippi where Mayme Edna (Morgan Freeman's mother) settled her family in Greenwood.

  • Morgan Freeman Finds his Passion

    Morgan Freeman had been exposed to acting accidentally when he pulled a girl's chair and his punishment was to participate in the school's drama competition. In his junior high school's competition to everyone's surprise is where he learned this is where his talent laid and what a natural he was at it. Considering he was a top honor in the program.
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    Time in U.S. Air Force

    Joined U.S. Air Force in 1955 despite being offered a scholarship for drama from Jackson State University. From 1955 to 1959 Freeman had learned the reality of the job and decided to leave to pursue acting. He received an honorable discharge and rising to a Airman 1st Class after 4 years in the United States Air Force.

  • Relocation to Hollywood than New York City

    After his service in the U.S. Air Force he realized that this was not his path. Soon he would go out West moving to Hollywood to try to make it as an actor. There he would take acting classes yet struggled to find work for some time. He took acting classes at Pasadena Playhouse and studied theater arts at Los Angeles City College. In the 1960s he would move to New York City hoping to have a better acting career but was unsuccessful.

  • Big Break in Broadway

    Morgan Freeman was able to land a part on the Broadway production of Hello, Dolly! with an all African American cast. That same year he married his first wife Jeanette Adair Bradshaw. Freeman also preformed an off-Broadway production that year.

  • The Electric Company

    In the 70s although Morgan Freeman had appeared in small roles in theatre and television (The Electric Company) he had struggled to proclaim himself as a serious actor. Freeman played characters such as Easy Reader and Count Dracula in the educational show The Electric Company that helped children develop grammar. This led to Freeman gaining some recognition and financial stability among American audiences. Which would lead to him accepting prominent supporting roles in feature films.

  • The Mighty Gents

    Morgan Freeman won a Drama Desk Award in 1978 for his role as Zeke, and nominated for a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play. His stage work continued to earn him accolades and awards, including Obie Awards in 1980, 1984, and 1987 and a Second Drama Desk Nomination in 1987 for "Driving Miss Daisy." The play focuses on a group of men in a New York City neighborhood and explores themes of brotherhood, struggle, and identity.

  • Failed Marriage with First Wife

    Morgan Freeman's first marriage was with Jeanette Adair Bradshaw. However, after more than a decade in their relationship they divorced, their marriage was from October 22, 1967 to November 18, 1979. During their relationship they had Morgana Freeman and adopted Bradshaw's daughter from a previous relationship, Deena.
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    Freeman's Career During 1980s

    Morgan Freeman gained momentum in his career taking on roles in films such as Brubaker (1980) and Street Smart (1987) where he earned his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor as Fast Black. This role brought attention from a wider audience that recognized his powerful performances and began commanding screen presence. Yet, his role in Driving Miss Daisy (1989) as Hoke Colburn had obtained Freeman a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor and an Academy Award nomination.

  • The Gospel at Colonus

    "The Gospel at Colonus" (1985) was a pivotal moment in Morgan Freeman's career, showcasing his exceptional talent as both an actor and a singer. His role in this innovative musical adaptation of "Oedipus" earned him critical acclaim and helped establish him as a versatile performer in theater. The production highlighted his ability to convey deep emotion, and it contributed to his growing reputation, paving the way for future film roles and further opportunities in both stage and screen acting.
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    Freeman's Career During 1990s

    His career took off with critically acclaimed performances in films like "Driving Miss Daisy" (1989), which set the stage for the decade, and "The Shawshank Redemption" (1994), earning an Academy Award nomination. Freeman also starred in "Se7en" (1995) showcasing his range in the thriller genre. In 1999, he appeared in "The Green Mile," another iconic role as a death row inmate with a supernatural gift. These diverse roles increased his opportunities and established him as a cultural icon.

  • Tallahatchie River Foundation

    In 1991, Morgan Freeman launched the foundation with his daughter, Morgana, to promote early childhood education for disadvantaged youth in Mississippi. The foundation's belief is that children who thrive by third grade are more likely to succeed throughout their lives and contribute to a promising future for society. Freeman has said that he doesn't think of his philanthropic work as charity, but rather as something he has to do.

  • The Shawshank Redemption

    Morgan Freeman played Ellis Boyd Redding in The Shawshank Redemption (1994), although was a failure at first, people grew to love the film. The film as narrated by Morgan Freeman talks about a prison drama fighting with the idea over hope. Freeman recounts about a banker, Andy Dufresne, who was falsely accused of murdering his wife and her lover. Freeman was nominated for Best Actor at the Academy Awards for his role in The Shawshank Redemption.

  • Million Dollar Baby

    Freeman's performance in the film was critically acclaimed. Although Freeman was originally offered the role of Frankie Dunn, he requested to play Eddie "Scrap-Iron" Dupris instead. Morgan Freeman won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the 2004 film Million Dollar Baby. "Million Dollar Baby" tells the story of aspiring boxer Maggie Fitzgerald and her mentor, Frankie Dunn, as they navigate triumph and tragedy in the ring.

  • Grenada Relief Fund

    Freeman formed this fund in 2004 to help people affected by Hurricane Ivan in Grenada. The fund is now known as PLANIT NOW and provides resources for people who live in areas that are prone to natural disasters.

  • Earth Biofuels

    In his spare time, Freeman loves the freedom of both sea and sky; he is a long-time sailor and has earned a private pilot’s license. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Earth Biofuels, a company whose mission is to promote the use of clean-burning fuels.
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    The Dark Knight Trilogy

    Morgan Freeman portrayed Lucius Fox in Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins (2005), The Dark Knight (2008) and The Dark Knight Rises (2012). He is one of only five actors to appear in all three films. Freeman's work in the series helped solidify his status as a versatile and respected actor. While he did not win any awards his performance was praised and contributed to the films' overall success.

  • The Bucket List

    Morgan Freeman's acclaimed performance alongside Jack Nicholson highlighted his ability to portray depth and warmth as Carter Chambers. The film, The Bucket List, emphasized themes of friendship, mortality, and seizing life's moments, reinforcing Freeman's status as a leading actor. It also earned him a Golden Globe nomination, further showcasing his talent and versatility in both dramatic and comedic roles.

  • Health Concerns: 2008 Car Crash

    Freeman battles fibromyalgia, a chronic disorder that causes pain, stiffness, and depression. Believed to have arise from an almost fatal car crash in 2008. The accident had resulted in paralysis in his left hand, which he now wears a compression glove to maintain blood flow.

  • Invictus

    In Invictus, Morgan Freeman's portrayal of Nelson Mandela earned him critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. The role displayed his ability to embody a significant historical figure, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and powerful actor. The film also highlighted themes of reconciliation and unity, resonating deeply with audiences and enhancing Freeman's legacy in cinema.

  • Failed Marriage with Second Wife

    Morgan went on to marry Myrna Colley-Lee on June 16, 1984. The couple later separated in December 2007 and officially divorced on September 15, 2010.