Morgan Freeman, born on June 1, 1937, is an American actor, director, and incredible narrator, distinctively known for his deep voice. As an ‘A-List’ celeb, Freeman has acted in numerous notable films and won several awards for his efforts. Today is his birthday and we are going to honor him by providing you with some fascinating facts and insights about the talented actor.
Fast Facts
Full Name:
Morgan Freeman
Birth date:
June 1, 1937
Age:
86
Zodiac Sign:
Gemini
Height:
6' 2"
Relationship Status:
Divorced
Net Worth:
$250 million
Background
Morgan Freeman is a household name the world over and it’s no secret as to why. Freeman was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and raised in Mississippi with his three older siblings, where he attended school. After graduating, he studied theater arts in Los Angeles and began his career in acting in the 1970s with a role in the television series “The Electric Company.” After a few uncredited and small roles in several films, Freeman got his breakthrough in Hollywood with the movie “Street Smart,” which earned him an Academy Award nomination.
During the 1980s, Freeman starred in a further 13 movies, one being the comedy-drama “Driving Miss Daisy,” which afforded him his first Academy Award nomination for ‘Best Actor.’ In 1993, he directed his first movie, “Bopha!,” and one year later, he was cast in one of his most famous films, “The Shawshank Redemption.” Freeman has also starred in numerous notable movies through the years, such as the crime-thriller “Se7en” alongside Brad Pitt, Clint Eastwood’s sports drama “Million Dollar Baby,” and “Invictus” in which he portrayed Nelson Mandela.
Throughout his career, which spans over five decades, he has received multiple awards, including an Academy Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a Golden Globe Award. He has also won three Obie Awards for his performance in theater productions. In his personal life, Freeman has been married twice to Myrna Colley-Lee and Jeanette Adair Bradshaw respectively, and has four children. As of 2022, Freeman has a further five movies in production — still continuing his very fruitful career.
Career timeline
Freeman gets his first acting role in the television series “The Electric Company.”
He is cast in “Street Smart,” which is his breakthrough role in Hollywood.
Freeman wins the Academy Award for ‘Best Supporting Actor’ for his role in "Million Dollar Baby."
Freeman is still acting and has several films in pre-production.
Why We Love Morgan Freeman
He loves bees, and the environment
After learning about the effect bees have on the environment and their rapid decline, Freeman converted his ranch into a bee haven with 26 beehives. We think that’s admirable.
He manifested his success
He and a friend built an awards cabinet long before Freeman won an award. His friend had faith that Freeman would someday win an award for acting — which eventually became a reality.
He spreads his wealth
Freeman is a very charitable guy and has supported and created many foundations over the years. Some include education and resource aid for underprivileged children as well as assisting financially with natural disasters.
5 Surprising Facts
“The Shawshank Redemption”
Freeman’s first narration was in the film “The Shawshank Redemption.”
He suffers from paralysis
After a car accident, Freeman now experiences paralysis in the fingers of his left hand and has to sometimes wear a compression glove.
He was in the Air Force
Before attending college, Freeman was in the Air Force.
His punishment in school
As punishment for pulling a chair out from under a girl he liked, Freeman had to participate in the school drama club and ended up falling for the art.
He wrote a cookbook
Along with some other famous friends, Freeman published a cookbook called "Morgan Freeman and Friends: Caribbean Cooking for a Cause," which benefitted hurricane relief.
Morgan Freeman FAQs
What disease does Morgan Freeman have?
He suffers from fibromyalgia.
How much is Morgan Freeman’s voice worth?
He can get anything from $1 million to $10 million to narrate a film or commercial. This number could be significantly more in 2022.
How long was Morgan Freeman imprisoned?
He was in jail for four days with a friend who did not show his pass for military leave, even though Freeman had a pass.
Morgan Freeman’s birthday dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2024 | June 1 | Saturday |
2025 | June 1 | Sunday |
2026 | June 1 | Monday |
2027 | June 1 | Tuesday |
2028 | June 1 | Thursday |