History of Morgan Freeman in Timeline
Morgan Freeman is a highly acclaimed American actor, producer, and narrator whose career spans six decades. He has received numerous awards, including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, a Kennedy Center Honor, an AFI Life Achievement Award, the Cecil B. DeMille Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award. He was also nominated for a Grammy Award and a Tony Award. In 2022, he was recognized as one of the 50 greatest actors of all time in a readers' poll by Empire.
4 hours ago : Morgan Freeman's post to Trump and appearance with Neve Campbell on The View.
Morgan Freeman posted a two-word message to Donald Trump. He also appeared on "The View" with Neve Campbell to discuss their careers and upcoming projects.
1964: Began Prolific Film Career
Since 1964, Morgan Freeman has had a prolific career in film, taking roles in diverse genres from dramas and historical epics to thrillers, action-adventure, science fiction, and comedies.
October 22, 1967: Married Jeanette Adair Bradshaw
On October 22, 1967, Morgan Freeman married Jeanette Adair Bradshaw.
November 18, 1979: Divorced Jeanette Adair Bradshaw
On November 18, 1979, Morgan Freeman divorced Jeanette Adair Bradshaw.
1979: Earned Obie Award for Coriolanus
In 1979, Morgan Freeman earned an Obie Award for his theater role in 'Coriolanus'.
1980: Earned Obie Award for Mother Courage and Her Children
In 1980, Morgan Freeman earned an Obie Award for his theater role in 'Mother Courage and Her Children'.
1981: Garde à vue Film
In 1981, the French film "Garde à vue" was released. In 2000, Morgan Freeman starred in the remake "Under Suspicion."
1982: Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption Novella
In 1982, Stephen King's novella "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption" was published, which later served as the basis for the film "The Shawshank Redemption" starring Morgan Freeman in 1994.
June 16, 1984: Married Myrna Colley-Lee
On June 16, 1984, Morgan Freeman married Myrna Colley-Lee.
1987: Earned Obie Award for Driving Miss Daisy
In 1987, Morgan Freeman earned an Obie Award for his theater role in 'Driving Miss Daisy'.
1989: Co-starred in Lean on Me
In 1989, Beverly Todd co-starred with Morgan Freeman in 'Lean on Me'.
1989: Won Golden Globe for Driving Miss Daisy
In 1989, Morgan Freeman won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in 'Driving Miss Daisy'.
1991: The Sum of All Fears Novel
In 1991, Tom Clancy's novel, "The Sum of All Fears" was released. In 2002, Morgan Freeman starred in the film adaptation.
1994: The Shawshank Redemption and Berlin Film Festival
In 1994, Morgan Freeman starred as Red in "The Shawshank Redemption", a drama based on the 1982 novella "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption". Despite challenges during filming due to multiple takes, Freeman's performance was well-received, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Also in 1994, Freeman served as a jury member at the 44th Berlin International Film Festival.
1995: Kiss the Girls Book
In 1995, James Patterson's novel "Kiss the Girls" was released. In 1997, Morgan Freeman starred in the film adaptation of this novel.
1995: Starring in Outbreak and Seven
In 1995, Morgan Freeman starred in "Outbreak," a medical thriller, playing General Billy Ford. The same year, he also starred in David Fincher's crime thriller "Seven" with Brad Pitt, where he played a detective. Both films received different levels of critical and commercial success, with Freeman's performance in "Seven" being particularly praised.
1996: Chain Reaction and Moll Flanders
In 1996, Morgan Freeman appeared in "Chain Reaction" as Paul Shannon, a science-fiction thriller. Also in 1996, he was cast opposite Robin Wright in "Moll Flanders", a period drama based on the novel of the same name. Both films received mixed to negative reviews.
1997: Founded Revelations Entertainment
In 1997, Morgan Freeman and Lori McCreary established Revelations Entertainment, a film production company.
1997: Drove 1997 Nissan Maxima
In 1997, Morgan Freeman drove a Nissan Maxima.
1997: Narration, Amistad and Kiss the Girls
In 1997, Morgan Freeman narrated the Academy Award-winning documentary "The Long Way Home" and appeared in Steven Spielberg's historical epic "Amistad". He was also cast as psychologist Alex Cross in "Kiss the Girls", a thriller based on James Patterson's 1995 novel.
1997: Kiss the Girls Movie
In 1997, Morgan Freeman starred in the movie, "Kiss the Girls". In 2001 he reprised his role in the sequel, "Along Came a Spider".
1998: Gone Baby Gone Novel
In 1998, Dennis Lehane's novel, "Gone Baby Gone" was released. In 2007, Morgan Freeman starred in the film adaptation.
1998: High Crimes Novel
In 1998, Joseph Finder's novel, "High Crimes" was released. In 2002, Morgan Freeman starred in the film adaptation.
1998: Starring in Deep Impact and Hard Rain
In 1998, Morgan Freeman starred in "Deep Impact", playing President Tim Beck. Also in 1998, he starred in "Hard Rain" opposite Christian Slater, centering on a heist amidst a natural disaster. The films received mixed responses, with "Deep Impact" being a box-office hit and "Hard Rain" being unpopular with critics.
2000: Feast of Love Novel
In 2000, Charles Baxter's novel, "The Feast of Love" was released. In 2007, Morgan Freeman starred in the film adaptation.
2000: Starring in Nurse Betty and Under Suspicion
In 2000, Morgan Freeman played the lead role of Charlie in the comedy "Nurse Betty", and appeared in "Under Suspicion", a thriller remake of the 1981 French film. "Nurse Betty" premiered at the Cannes Film Festival to mainly positive reviews, while "Under Suspicion" was met with a lukewarm reception.
2001: Starring in Along Came a Spider
In 2001, Morgan Freeman reprised his role of Alex Cross in "Along Came a Spider", a sequel to 1997's Kiss the Girls. The film received mixed-to-negative reviews.
2001: Dreamcatcher Novel
In 2001, Stephen King's novel "Dreamcatcher" was released. In 2003, Morgan Freeman starred in the film adaptation of the novel.
2002: Starring in The Sum of All Fears and High Crimes
In 2002, Morgan Freeman starred opposite Ben Affleck in "The Sum of All Fears", based on Tom Clancy's 1991 novel. The same year, he starred alongside Ashley Judd and Jim Caviezel in "High Crimes". Both films received moderate reviews, though "The Sum of All Fears" was a commercial success.
2003: Bruce Almighty Movie
In 2003, Morgan Freeman played the role of God in "Bruce Almighty". In 2007 he reprised the role in "Evan Almighty".
2003: Starring as God in Bruce Almighty
In 2003, Morgan Freeman played the role of God in the hit comedy "Bruce Almighty" alongside Jim Carrey and Jennifer Aniston.
2003: Starring in Dreamcatcher, Levity and Guilty by Association
In 2003, Morgan Freeman starred in "Dreamcatcher", a science fiction horror film adapted from Stephen King's 2001 novel. Also in 2003, he starred in two other dramas, "Levity" and "Guilty by Association".
2004: Formation of Grenada Relief Fund
In 2004, Morgan Freeman helped form the Grenada Relief Fund to aid people affected by Hurricane Ivan. The fund later became PLANIT NOW.
2004: The Big Bounce and Million Dollar Baby
In 2004, Morgan Freeman starred in the comedy "The Big Bounce" and the sports drama "Million Dollar Baby". His role in "Million Dollar Baby" earned him his first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
2004: Won Screen Actors Guild Award for Million Dollar Baby
In 2004, Morgan Freeman won a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role in 'Million Dollar Baby'.
2005: Multiple Film Appearances in 2005
In 2005, Morgan Freeman appeared in six films, including "An Unfinished Life", where he played Mitch. He also narrated "War of the Worlds" and "March of the Penguins". Additionally, he appeared in "Batman Begins" as Lucius Fox, co-starred in "Unleashed" with Jet Li, and appeared in "Edison". Finally, he voiced Neil Armstrong in "Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon 3D".
2005: Criticized Black History Month
In 2005, Morgan Freeman voiced his criticism of Black History Month, stating that Black history is an integral part of American history and should not be segregated. He also expressed his belief that ending discussions about race is the only way to eliminate racism.
May 13, 2006: Received Honorary Degree from Delta State University
On May 13, 2006, Morgan Freeman received an honorary Doctor of Arts and Letters degree from Delta State University.
October 28, 2006: Honored at Mississippi's Best Awards
On October 28, 2006, Morgan Freeman received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the first Mississippi's Best Awards in Jackson, Mississippi.
2006: Founded ClickStar
In 2006, Morgan Freeman and business partners founded ClickStar, a film download company, with investment from Intel Corporation.
2006: Releases in 2006: The Contract, Lucky Number Slevin, 10 Items or Less
In 2006, Morgan Freeman starred in "The Contract" as Frank Carden, appeared in "Lucky Number Slevin", and portrayed himself in "10 Items or Less". He also co-founded ClickStar, a film distribution company that year.
December 2007: Separated from Myrna Colley-Lee
In December 2007, Morgan Freeman and Myrna Colley-Lee separated.
2007: Co-starred in The Bucket List
In 2007, Beverly Todd co-starred with Morgan Freeman in 'The Bucket List'.
2007: Evan Almighty, Feast of Love, Gone Baby Gone and The Bucket List Releases
In 2007, Morgan Freeman reprised his role as God in "Evan Almighty", a sequel to 2003's Bruce Almighty. He also appeared in "Feast of Love", had a supporting role in Ben Affleck's directorial debut, "Gone Baby Gone", and starred in "The Bucket List" opposite Jack Nicholson.
August 3, 2008: Injured in Automobile Crash
On August 3, 2008, Morgan Freeman was injured in an automobile crash near Ruleville, Mississippi, sustaining broken bones and requiring surgery to repair nerve damage. His passenger, Demaris Meyer, was also injured. He was driving a 1997 Nissan Maxima.
2008: ClickStar Ceased Operations
In 2008, ClickStar, the film download company co-founded by Morgan Freeman, ceased operations.
2008: Endorsed Barack Obama
In 2008, Morgan Freeman endorsed Barack Obama's presidential campaign but declined to formally join it.
2008: Wanted, The Love Guru, The Dark Knight and The Country Girl
In 2008, Morgan Freeman was cast in "Wanted", narrated "The Love Guru", reprised his role as Lucius Fox in "The Dark Knight", and returned to Broadway after an eighteen-year absence to co-star in "The Country Girl".
2008: Kennedy Center Honoree
In 2008, Morgan Freeman was chosen as a Kennedy Center Honoree at the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.
July 4, 2009: Narrated Disney's Hall of Presidents
On July 4, 2009, Morgan Freeman provided the narration for Disney World's The Hall of Presidents when Barack Obama was added to the exhibit, which re-opened at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.
2009: Starring in Thick as Thieves and Invictus
In 2009, Morgan Freeman starred in "Thick as Thieves" alongside Antonio Banderas and portrayed Nelson Mandela in the biographical drama "Invictus", directed by Clint Eastwood. His performance as Mandela earned him Best Actor nominations at the Academy Awards and Golden Globes. He also narrated Janet Langhart's play "Anne and Emmett" that year.
September 15, 2010: Divorced Myrna Colley-Lee
On September 15, 2010, Morgan Freeman and Myrna Colley-Lee officially divorced.
December 2010: Presentation for U.S. Hosting Rights for 2022 FIFA World Cup
In December 2010, Morgan Freeman joined figures like former President Bill Clinton and Landon Donovan in Zurich to support the U.S. bid for hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
2010: Release of Red
In 2010, Morgan Freeman's sole film release was "Red", co-starring Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren, and John Malkovich. He played CIA mentor Joe, assisting Frank (Willis) in uncovering assassins. The film, adapted from the comic-book series "Red", was both a critical and commercial success.
2011: Endorsed Bill Luckett
In 2011, Morgan Freeman endorsed his friend Bill Luckett, who unsuccessfully ran for Governor of Mississippi.
2011: Narration of Conan the Barbarian and Appearance in Dolphin Tale
In 2011, Morgan Freeman narrated the film "Conan the Barbarian" and appeared in "Dolphin Tale" as Dr. McCarthy. He also performed in the Broadway debut of Dustin Lance Black's play, 8, playing Attorney David Boies in a reenactment of Perry v. Brown.
2011: Received AFI Life Achievement Award
In 2011, Morgan Freeman received the AFI Life Achievement Award in recognition of his contributions to the film industry.
2012: The Magic of Belle Isle and The Dark Knight Rises
In 2012, Morgan Freeman starred in "The Magic of Belle Isle" as an alcoholic novelist. He also reprised his role as Lucius Fox in "The Dark Knight Rises".
2012: Awarded Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award
In 2012, Morgan Freeman was awarded the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award, recognizing lifetime achievement in the film industry.
2013: Box Office Hits: Olympus Has Fallen, Oblivion, Now You See Me, and Last Vegas
In 2013, Morgan Freeman appeared in several box office hits including "Olympus Has Fallen", "Oblivion", "Now You See Me", and "Last Vegas". He played Speaker of the House Allan Trumbull in "Olympus Has Fallen", veteran soldier Malcolm Beech in "Oblivion", an ex-magician in "Now You See Me", and a retiree in "Last Vegas".
2013: Received Honorary Degree from Boston University
In 2013, Morgan Freeman was presented with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Boston University.
July 2014: Turning Ranch into Bee Sanctuary
In July 2014, after learning about the decline of honeybees, Morgan Freeman decided to turn his 124-acre ranch into a bee sanctuary, starting with 26 beehives.
November 12, 2014: Honored with Freedom of the City
On November 12, 2014, Morgan Freeman was bestowed the honor of Freedom of the City by the City of London.
2014: Narration of What's Possible
In 2014, Morgan Freeman narrated a clip titled "What's Possible" which had its debut at the United Nations climate summit.
2014: The Lego Movie, Transcendence, Lucy, and Dolphin Tale 2
In 2014, Morgan Freeman voiced Vitruvius in "The Lego Movie", starred in "Transcendence" as scientist Joseph Tagger, co-starred in "Lucy" as Professor Samuel Norman, and appeared in "Dolphin Tale 2". He also appeared as himself in the documentary "Lennon or McCartney".
August 16, 2015: E'dena Hines Murdered
On August 16, 2015, E'dena Hines, Morgan Freeman's step-granddaughter, was murdered in New York City.
2015: Starring in Last Knights, Ted 2, Madam Secretary and Momentum
In 2015, Morgan Freeman starred in "Last Knights" opposite Clive Owen. He also joined the cast of "Ted 2" as Patrick Meighan. Additionally, he played Chief Justice Frawley in the TV series "Madam Secretary", directing one episode. He also played a U.S. senator in the thriller "Momentum".
2015: Supported Baltimore Protesters
In 2015, Morgan Freeman voiced his support for the Baltimore protesters, linking their unrest to police brutality, especially against Black individuals, highlighting the role of smartphone technology in exposing these issues following the death of Freddie Gray.
2016: Voiceover for Hillary Clinton's Video
In 2016, Morgan Freeman provided the voiceover for the video introduction of Hillary Clinton at the Democratic National Convention.
2016: Releases of London Has Fallen, Now You See Me 2, and Ben-Hur
In 2016, Morgan Freeman reprised his role in "London Has Fallen" and "Now You See Me 2". He also had a leading role in "Ben-Hur", playing Sheik Ilderim. Ben-Hur however, became one of the biggest box-office bombs of 2016.
August 2017: Named Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award Recipient
In August 2017, Morgan Freeman was named the 54th recipient of the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award for career achievement and humanitarian accomplishment.
September 19, 2017: Appeared in Committee to Investigate Russia video
On September 19, 2017, Morgan Freeman appeared in a video by the Committee to Investigate Russia, declaring the United States was at war with Russia due to cyber attacks and disinformation campaigns.
2017: Appearance in Going in Style and Just Getting Started
In 2017, Morgan Freeman appeared in two comedies: "Going in Style", a remake of the 1979 film of the same name, and "Just Getting Started". He also hosted "The Story of God with Morgan Freeman" and "The Story of Us with Morgan Freeman".
May 24, 2018: Accusations of Inappropriate Behavior
On May 24, 2018, CNN published an investigation where eight women accused Morgan Freeman of harassment and inappropriate behavior, which led to Freeman issuing an apology and his lawyer demanding a retraction from CNN.
2018: Narration of Alpha and Starring in The Nutcracker and the Four Realms
In 2018, Morgan Freeman narrated "Alpha" and starred in Disney's "The Nutcracker and the Four Realms". He also had an uncredited role in "Brian Banks".
2020: Appearance in The Comeback Trail
In 2020, Morgan Freeman appeared in "The Comeback Trail".
June 2021: Donated to the University of Mississippi
In June 2021, Morgan Freeman and Linda Keena donated $1 million to the University of Mississippi to establish the Center for Evidence-Based Policing and Reform.
2021: Appearance in Coming 2 America and The Kominsky Method
In 2021, Morgan Freeman appeared in "Coming 2 America", a sequel to the 1988 film, and guest-starred in the Netflix comedy "The Kominsky Method", earning a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.
2022: U.S. Hosting Rights for 2022 FIFA World Cup
In 2022, Morgan Freeman supported the U.S. bid for hosting rights for the FIFA World Cup.
2023: Lioness series
Since 2023, Morgan Freeman has portrayed a United States Secretary of State in the Taylor Sheridan created Paramount+ spy thriller series Lioness starring Nicole Kidman and Zoe Saldaña.
November 2025: Release of Now You See Me: Now You Don't
In November 2025, Morgan Freeman returned to the heist franchise acting in Now You See Me: Now You Don't.
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