Morgan Freeman Biography
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Morgan Porterfield Freeman Jr. |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 1, 1937 |
| Age | 89 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor, narrator |
| Years Active | 1964-present |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Spouse | Previously married to Jeanette Adair Bradshaw and Myrna Colley-Lee |
| Children | 4 |
| Net Worth | ~$280 million |
| Known For | Velvety baritone narration, authoritative onscreen presence |
Early Life & Background
Freeman grew up in Mississippi and Chicago, discovering acting in junior high. After serving in the U.S. Air Force as a radar technician, he moved to Los Angeles and later New York, appearing in theater productions like Hello, Dolly! and the PBS children's show The Electric Company in the 1970s.
Career Journey
Stage & Early Film Work
Freeman earned Obie Awards for Coriolanus and Mother Courage. He broke into film with Street Smart (1987), receiving his first Oscar nomination as a volatile pimp named Fast Black.
Breakthrough Roles
Freeman's dignified portrayals in Driving Miss Daisy (1989) and Glory (1989) made him a household name. He delivered iconic performances as Red in The Shawshank Redemption (1994), Detective Somerset in Se7en (1995), and God in Bruce Almighty (2003).
Oscar Win & Narration
Freeman won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Million Dollar Baby (2004). His resonant voice made him a sought-after narrator for documentaries such as March of the Penguins, Through the Wormhole, and CBS's The Story of God.
Recent Work
Freeman continues acting in films (Angel Has Fallen, Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard), television (Special Ops: Lioness), and video games (Esports Boxing Club voiceover). In 2026 he is narrating PBS's American Cities at Night and starring in a Netflix legal drama titled The Settlement.
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Street Smart | Fast Black | Oscar nomination |
| 1989 | Driving Miss Daisy | Hoke Colburn | Oscar nomination |
| 1994 | The Shawshank Redemption | Ellis "Red" Redding | Cult classic |
| 1995 | Se7en | Detective Somerset | Fincher thriller |
| 2003 | Bruce Almighty | God | Comedy hit |
| 2004 | Million Dollar Baby | Eddie Dupris | Won Oscar |
| 2009 | Invictus | Nelson Mandela | Golden Globe nomination |
| 2013 | Now You See Me | Thaddeus Bradley | Magic caper |
| 2026 | The Settlement | Federal Judge | Netflix series |
Awards & Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Academy Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Street Smart | Nominated |
| 1990 | Academy Awards | Best Actor | Driving Miss Daisy | Nominated |
| 1995 | Academy Awards | Best Actor | The Shawshank Redemption | Nominated |
| 2005 | Academy Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Million Dollar Baby | Won |
| 2009 | Golden Globe Awards | Cecil B. DeMille Award | Career | Honored |
Net Worth & Income Sources
Estimated Net Worth: ~$280 million (2026)
Freeman earns from acting, narration, producing through Revelations Entertainment, and ownership stakes in restaurants, Blues clubs, and the Caribbean island of Long Cay. His voiceover work commands premium fees for commercials and documentaries.
Personal Life
Freeman resides in Charleston, Mississippi, where he operates the Ground Zero Blues Club. He is a licensed pilot, avid beekeeper, and supports sustainable farming on his ranch. Freeman mentors young actors and remains close to longtime friend Clint Eastwood.
Philanthropy & Advocacy
He co-founded Plan!t Now for hurricane preparedness, donated to Mississippi Delta schools, and funds global literacy programs. Freeman supports LGBTQ+ rights, environmental conservation, and historically Black colleges. He converted his 124-acre ranch into a bee sanctuary to combat colony collapse.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram/Twitter: @morganfreeman shares narration projects, philanthropic updates, and behind-the-scenes photos from sets.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Freeman turned down acting school scholarships to join the Air Force because he wanted to fly.
- He voiced GPS systems so fans can navigate with his iconic voice.
- Freeman owns a blues club in Clarksdale, Mississippi, preserving Delta music heritage.
- He survived a 2008 car accident and advocates for seatbelt safety.
Latest News & Updates (2026)
Freeman narrates PBS's American Cities at Night, stars in Netflix limited series The Settlement, and produces a Revelations Entertainment docuseries on American jazz. He continues to appear on The Story of God tour lectures and expands his bee sanctuary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Morgan Freeman?
Morgan Freeman is an American actor and narrator known for authoritative roles, Oscar-winning performances, and philanthropic work.
What is Morgan Freeman most famous for?
He is most famous for Driving Miss Daisy, The Shawshank Redemption, Million Dollar Baby, and his distinctive narration voice.
Is Morgan Freeman active on social media?
Yes, Freeman maintains verified Instagram and Twitter accounts focusing on projects and charity efforts.