Morgan Freeman celebrates 87 today
The acting living legend is one of Hollywood’s most recognizable voices
Morgan Freeman celebrates 87 today
Morgan Freeman was born on June 1, 1937, in Memphis, Tennessee. Raised in a working-class family, Freeman moved frequently during his childhood, living in various cities, including Greenwood, Mississippi, and Chicago, Illinois. His interest in acting began at a young age, and he participated in school plays and drama competitions.
Freeman’s career started on the stage in the 1960s. He made his off-Broadway debut in 1967 with “The Nigger Lovers” and appeared on Broadway in the all-African-American version of “Hello, Dolly!” in 1968. His television debut came with a role on the children’s show “The Electric Company,” where he worked from 1971 to 1977. Despite these early roles, major film opportunities eluded him for several years.
Freeman’s film breakthrough came with “Street Smart” (1987), where his portrayal of a menacing pimp earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. This role set the stage for a series of critically acclaimed performances. In 1989, he starred in “Driving Miss Daisy,” a role that garnered him another Oscar nomination and widespread acclaim.
Freeman’s career continued to soar in the 1990s with iconic roles in films like “Glory” (1989), “The Shawshank Redemption” (1994), “Seven” (1995), and “Amistad” (1997). His performance in “Million Dollar Baby” (2004) earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Freeman’s later career has been marked by diverse roles in various genres. He portrayed God in “Bruce Almighty” (2003) and its sequel, “Evan Almighty” (2007), and starred as Lucius Fox in Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” trilogy (2005-2012). His narration work, characterized by his distinctive, authoritative voice, includes the critically acclaimed documentary “March of the Penguins” (2005).
More recent projects include roles in “Angel Has Fallen” (2019) and “The Comeback Trail” (2020). He continues to lend his voice to numerous documentaries and commercials, further cementing his status as one of Hollywood’s most recognizable voices.
Morgan Freeman’s personal life has seen its share of triumphs and challenges. He has been married twice, first to Jeanette Adair Bradshaw (1967-1979) and then to Myrna Colley-Lee (1984-2010). He has four children: Alfonso, Saifoulaye, Deena, and Morgana.
Freeman is also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in the areas of education and the arts. He co-founded the Grenada Relief Fund, now known as Plan!t Now, to provide aid to hurricane victims. Additionally, he has been involved in various environmental and social causes.
Watch a video featuring a compilation of some of the most memorable Morgan Freeman movie roles
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