Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman at The Pentagon on 2 August 2023 - 230802-D-PM193-3363 (cropped)

Morgan Freeman (born June 1, 1937) is an American actor, film director, and film narrator. Known for his distinctive deep voice, Freeman is one of the most respected figures in modern American cinema. He has received numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.

Early Life

Morgan Freeman was born in Memphis, Tennessee. He is the son of Mayme Edna (née Revere), a teacher, and Morgan Porterfield Freeman, a barber. Freeman was raised in a low-income family and spent much of his early life moving around the country. He discovered his passion for acting at a young age and participated in school plays.

Career

Early Career

Freeman's acting career began in the theater. He made his Broadway debut in the 1968 production of Hello, Dolly!. He gained national recognition in the 1970s for his role on the children's television series The Electric Company.

Breakthrough and Success

Freeman's breakthrough role came in 1987 with the film Street Smart, for which he received an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor nomination. He continued to build his career with notable performances in films such as Driving Miss Daisy (1989), Glory (1989), and The Shawshank Redemption (1994).

Later Career

In the 2000s, Freeman's career continued to flourish. He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Million Dollar Baby (2004). He also starred in successful films such as Bruce Almighty (2003), The Dark Knight Trilogy (2005-2012), and Invictus (2009).

Personal Life

Freeman has been married twice and has four children. He is known for his charitable work and has been involved in various humanitarian causes. He is also a licensed pilot and owns several aircraft.

Awards and Honors

Freeman has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In addition to his Academy Award, he has won a Golden Globe Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award. He was also awarded the AFI Life Achievement Award in 2011.

Filmography

Freeman's extensive filmography includes notable films such as:

• Driving Miss Daisy (1989)
• The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
• Se7en (1995)
• Bruce Almighty (2003)
• Million Dollar Baby (2004)
• The Dark Knight (2008)
• Invictus (2009)

See Also

• List of awards and nominations received by Morgan Freeman
• List of actors with Academy Award nominations