Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Morgan Freeman
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Morgan Freeman made an impact.
Morgan Freeman is a highly acclaimed American actor, producer, and narrator with a career spanning five decades. He has won numerous awards, including an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award, and has been recognized with prestigious honors like the Kennedy Center Honor and the AFI Life Achievement Award. Freeman is considered one of the greatest actors of all time due to his remarkable talent and significant contributions to the film industry.
1964: Dancer at the World's Fair
In 1964, Morgan Freeman worked as a dancer at the World's Fair, marking an early point in his performance career.
1964: Start of Film Career
Since 1964, Morgan Freeman has been prolific in film.
1965: Extra in The Pawnbroker
In 1965, Morgan Freeman appeared as an extra in Sidney Lumet's drama film 'The Pawnbroker'.
1967: Off-Broadway Debut
In 1967, Morgan Freeman made his Off-Broadway debut opposite Viveca Lindfors in 'The Niggerlovers'.
1968: Broadway Debut in Hello, Dolly!
In 1968, Morgan Freeman made his Broadway debut in an all-black version of 'Hello, Dolly!'.
1969: Performance in The Dozens
In 1969, Morgan Freeman performed on stage in 'The Dozens'.
1971: Electric Company Debut
In 1971, Morgan Freeman began starring in the PBS children's television show, 'The Electric Company'.
1971: The Electric Company and Film Debut
In 1971, Morgan Freeman started in 'The Electric Company' and had his first credited film appearance in 'Who Says I Can't Ride a Rainbow!'
1975: Departure from The Electric Company
In 1975, Morgan Freeman left 'The Electric Company'.
1978: Return to Stage Productions
In 1978, Morgan Freeman returned to acting with roles in 'The Mighty Gents' and 'White Pelicans'.
1978: Tony Award Nomination
In 1978, Morgan Freeman was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his role as Zeke in The Mighty Gents.
1980: Roles in Brubaker and Attica
In 1980, Morgan Freeman played Walter in 'Brubaker' and appeared in the television film 'Attica'.
1980: Obie Award for Coriolanus
In 1980, Morgan Freeman received the Obie Award for his role in 'Coriolanus'.
1982: Another World Cast Member (Begins)
In 1982, Morgan Freeman became a cast member of the soap opera 'Another World'.
1984: Another World Cast Member (Ends)
In 1984, Morgan Freeman was no longer a cast member of the soap opera 'Another World'.
1985: Starring Role in Marie
In 1985, Morgan Freeman starred in 'Marie', a film adaptation of Marie: A True Story by Peter Maas.
1987: Oscar Nomination for Street Smart
In 1987, Morgan Freeman received an Oscar nomination for his role in 'Street Smart'.
1987: Street Smart and Academy Award Nomination
In 1987, Morgan Freeman starred in 'Street Smart', earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role as a violent street hustler.
1989: Driving Miss Daisy and Glory Release
In 1989, Morgan Freeman appeared in both 'Driving Miss Daisy' and 'Glory', marking a significant year in his acting career.
1989: Co-Starred in 'Lean on Me'
In 1989, Morgan Freeman co-starred in the film 'Lean on Me'.
1989: Film Releases and Lean on Me
In 1989, Morgan Freeman had four film releases, including 'Glory', 'Driving Miss Daisy', 'Lean on Me' and 'Johnny Handsome'.
1989: Glory and Driving Miss Daisy Release
In 1989, Morgan Freeman starred in 'Glory' and 'Driving Miss Daisy', the latter earning him a Best Actor nomination.
1991: Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves Release
In 1991, Morgan Freeman appeared in 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves'.
1992: Unforgiven and The Power of One Release
In 1992, Morgan Freeman starred in 'Unforgiven' and 'The Power of One'.
1992: Unforgiven Release
In 1992, Morgan Freeman starred in 'Unforgiven'.
1993: Directorial Debut with Bopha!
In 1993, Morgan Freeman made his directorial debut with the drama 'Bopha!', a story set during South Africa's apartheid era.
1993: Bopha! Directorial Debut
In 1993, Morgan Freeman made his directorial debut with the drama 'Bopha!'.
1994: The Shawshank Redemption Release
In 1994, Morgan Freeman portrayed Red in 'The Shawshank Redemption', earning critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination.
1995: Starred in 'Outbreak' and 'Seven'
In 1995, Morgan Freeman starred as General Billy Ford in 'Outbreak', a medical thriller about a fictional virus outbreak. Also in 1995, he starred alongside Brad Pitt in David Fincher's crime thriller 'Seven', playing a detective on the hunt for a serial killer.
1996: Appeared in '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.
1996: Revelations Entertainment Founded
In 1996, Morgan Freeman co-founded Revelations Entertainment with Lori McCreary.
1997: Founded Revelations Entertainment
In 1997, Morgan Freeman and Lori McCreary founded Revelations Entertainment, a film production company.
1997: The Long Way Home Narration
In 1997, Morgan Freeman narrated 'The Long Way Home', showcasing his distinctive voice in documentary narration.
1997: Narrated 'The Long Way Home' and starred in 'Amistad' and 'Kiss the Girls'
In 1997, Morgan Freeman narrated the Academy Award-winning documentary 'The Long Way Home'. Also in 1997, he appeared in Steven Spielberg's historical epic 'Amistad'. In that same year, he was cast as psychologist Alex Cross in 'Kiss the Girls'.
1998: Deep Impact Release
In 1998, Morgan Freeman appeared in 'Deep Impact'.
1998: Starred in 'Deep Impact' and 'Hard Rain'
In 1998, Morgan Freeman starred in 'Deep Impact', a science-fiction disaster film, playing President Tim Beck. Continuing in the disaster genre, he also starred opposite Christian Slater in 1998's 'Hard Rain'.
2000: Starred in 'Nurse Betty' and 'Under Suspicion'
In 2000, Morgan Freeman starred as Charlie in the comedy 'Nurse Betty'. Next in 2000, he appeared in 'Under Suspicion', a thriller remake of the 1981 French film Garde à vue, which he produced.
2001: Reprised role in 'Along Came a Spider'
In 2001, Morgan Freeman reprised his role as Alex Cross in 'Along Came a Spider', a sequel to 1997's 'Kiss the Girls'.
2002: Starred in 'The Sum of All Fears' and 'High Crimes'
In 2002, Morgan Freeman was cast opposite Ben Affleck in the spy thriller 'The Sum of All Fears'. Next, in 2002, Freeman starred alongside Ashley Judd and Jim Caviezel in 'High Crimes', a legal thriller.
2003: Appeared as God in 'Bruce Almighty'
In 2003, Morgan Freeman appeared as God in the hit comedy 'Bruce Almighty' with Jim Carrey and Jennifer Aniston.
2003: Starred in 'Dreamcatcher', 'Levity', and 'Guilty by Association'
In 2003, Morgan Freeman starred in the science fiction horror 'Dreamcatcher'. Also in 2003, Freeman starred in two other dramas that were not widely seen, 'Levity' and 'Guilty by Association'.
2003: Bruce Almighty Release
Morgan Freeman starred as God in Bruce Almighty in 2003 which preceded the 2007 sequel Evan Almighty.
2004: Helped form the Grenada Relief Fund
In 2004, Morgan Freeman helped form the Grenada Relief Fund to aid people affected by Hurricane Ivan on the island of Grenada. The fund later became PLANIT NOW.
2004: Academy Award for Million Dollar Baby
In 2004, Morgan Freeman won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in 'Million Dollar Baby'.
2004: Starred in 'The Big Bounce' and 'Million Dollar Baby'
Morgan Freeman's 2004 releases were the comedy 'The Big Bounce' and the sports drama 'Million Dollar Baby', in which he won his first Academy Award.
2005: The Dark Knight Trilogy (Begins)
In 2005, Morgan Freeman began his role as Lucius Fox in Christopher Nolan's 'The Dark Knight Trilogy'.
2005: Appeared in Six Films Including Batman Begins
In 2005, Morgan Freeman made six appearances in various films, including 'An Unfinished Life', Steven Spielberg's 'War of the Worlds' (narration), 'March of the Penguins' (narration), Christopher Nolan's 'Batman Begins', 'Unleashed', 'Edison', and 'Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon 3D' (voice of Neil Armstrong).
2005: March of the Penguins Narration
In 2005, Morgan Freeman narrated 'March of the Penguins', showcasing his distinctive voice in documentary narration.
2006: Founded ClickStar
In 2006, Morgan Freeman co-founded ClickStar, a film download company, with investment from Intel Corporation.
2006: Starred in 'The Contract', 'Lucky Number Slevin', and '10 Items or Less'
In 2006, Morgan Freeman starred in 'The Contract', and 'Lucky Number Slevin'. Freeman also portrayed himself in the low-budget comedy '10 Items or Less' in 2006.
2007: Co-Starred in 'The Bucket List'
In 2007, Morgan Freeman co-starred in the film 'The Bucket List'.
2007: Starred in 'Evan Almighty', 'Feast of Love', 'Gone Baby Gone', and 'The Bucket List'
In 2007, Morgan Freeman reprised his role as God in 'Evan Almighty', a sequel to 2003's 'Bruce Almighty'. Also in 2007, Freeman starred in 'Feast of Love', 'Gone Baby Gone', and 'The Bucket List'.
2007: Gone Baby Gone and The Bucket List Release
In 2007, Morgan Freeman starred in both 'Gone Baby Gone' and 'The Bucket List'.
2008: ClickStar ceased operations
In 2008, ClickStar, the film download company co-founded by Morgan Freeman, ceased operations.
2008: Starred in 'Wanted' and 'The Dark Knight', narrated 'The Love Guru' and returned to Broadway
In 2008, Morgan Freeman was cast in the action-thriller 'Wanted'. Freeman also narrated 'The Love Guru' in 2008, before appearing in 'The Dark Knight', in which he reprised his role as Lucius Fox. Freeman returned to Broadway in 2008 after an eighteen-year absence.
July 4, 2009: Provided voice for Obama's addition to The Hall of Presidents
On July 4, 2009, Morgan Freeman provided the voice of the narrator for Disney World's The Hall of Presidents when Barack Obama was added to the exhibit.
2009: Starred in 'Thick as Thieves' and 'The Maiden Heist', and 'Invictus'
In 2009, Morgan Freeman starred in 'Thick as Thieves' and 'The Maiden Heist'. Also in 2009, he starred as Nelson Mandela in 'Invictus', directed by Clint Eastwood.
2009: Oscar Nomination for Invictus
In 2009, Morgan Freeman was nominated for an Oscar for his role in 'Invictus'.
2010: Through the Wormhole Narration Begins
In 2010, Morgan Freeman began narrating 'Through the Wormhole', showcasing his distinctive voice in documentary narration.
2011: Narrated Conan the Barbarian and appeared in Dolphin Tale
In 2011, Morgan Freeman narrated the film Conan the Barbarian and appeared in Dolphin Tale as Dr. McCarthy. He also returned to theater, starring in the Broadway debut of Dustin Lance Black's play, 8, a reenactment of Perry v. Brown.
2011: AFI Life Achievement Award
In 2011, Morgan Freeman received the AFI Life Achievement Award in recognition of his contribution to the film industry.
2012: The Dark Knight Trilogy (Ends)
In 2012, Morgan Freeman concluded his role as Lucius Fox in Christopher Nolan's 'The Dark Knight Trilogy'.
2012: Starred in 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, marking his third time in the role.
2012: Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award
In 2012, Morgan Freeman was awarded the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award for lifetime achievement in the film industry.
2013: Oblivion and Now You See Me Release
In 2013, Morgan Freeman appeared in 'Oblivion' and 'Now You See Me'.
2013: Appeared in Olympus Has Fallen, Oblivion, Now You See Me, and Last Vegas
In 2013, Morgan Freeman appeared in several films, including Olympus Has Fallen as Speaker of the House Allan Trumbull, Oblivion with Tom Cruise, Now You See Me as an ex-magician, and Last Vegas as a retiree.
July 2014: Turned ranch into a bee sanctuary
In July 2014, Morgan Freeman decided to turn his 124-acre ranch into a bee sanctuary, starting with 26 beehives, after learning about the decline of honeybees.
2014: Narrated What's Possible at United Nations climate summit
In 2014, Morgan Freeman narrated a clip titled What's Possible which debuted at the United Nations climate summit.
2014: Voiced Vitruvius in The Lego Movie and starred in Transcendence and Lucy
In 2014, Morgan Freeman voiced the character Vitruvius in The Lego Movie. He also starred in Transcendence as scientist Joseph Tagger, and co-starred in Lucy as Professor Samuel Norman. He appeared in Dolphin Tale 2, the sequel to 2011's Dolphin Tale, and 5 Flights Up. He also appeared as himself in the documentary Lennon or McCartney.
2014: Madam Secretary Production Begins
In 2014, Revelations Entertainment began producing the CBS political drama 'Madam Secretary'.
2015: Starred in Last Knights, Ted 2, and appeared in Madam Secretary
In 2015, Morgan Freeman starred in Last Knights alongside Clive Owen. He also joined the cast of Ted 2, playing attorney Patrick Meighan, and had a recurring role in the television series Madam Secretary as Chief Justice Frawley. At the end of the year, Freeman played a U.S. senator in the thriller Momentum.
2016: Hosted The Story of God with Morgan Freeman
In 2016, Morgan Freeman hosted The Story of God with Morgan Freeman on National Geographic, marking a venture into documentary hosting.
2016: Appeared in London Has Fallen, Now You See Me 2, and Ben-Hur
In 2016, Morgan Freeman reprised his role as Allan Trumbull in London Has Fallen. He also starred in Now You See Me 2 and played Sheik Ilderim in Ben-Hur.
2016: The Story of God with Morgan Freeman Begins
In 2016, Morgan Freeman started hosting 'The Story of God with Morgan Freeman'.
August 2017: Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award
In August 2017, Morgan Freeman was named the 54th recipient of the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award for career achievement and humanitarian accomplishment.
2017: Appeared 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, and Just Getting Started. Freeman also hosted the National Geographic shows The Story of God with Morgan Freeman and The Story of Us with Morgan Freeman, continuing from 2016.
2017: Through the Wormhole Narration Ends
In 2017, Morgan Freeman's narration of 'Through the Wormhole' came to an end.
2018: Narrated Alpha and starred in The Nutcracker and the Four Realms
In 2018, Morgan Freeman narrated the historical drama Alpha and starred in Disney's The Nutcracker and the Four Realms. He also had an uncredited role in the biographical drama Brian Banks.
2019: The Story of God with Morgan Freeman Ends
In 2019, Morgan Freeman finished hosting 'The Story of God with Morgan Freeman'.
2019: Starred in The Poison Rose and Angel Has Fallen
In 2019, Morgan Freeman starred opposite John Travolta in The Poison Rose and reprised his role as Allan Trumbull in Angel Has Fallen, the third installment in the Has Fallen film series.
2020: Appeared in The Comeback Trail
In 2020, Morgan Freeman appeared in George Gallo's crime comedy, The Comeback Trail, alongside an ensemble cast.
June 2021: Donated to University of Mississippi for policing reform
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: Appeared in Coming 2 America and guest-starred in The Kominsky Method
In 2021, Morgan Freeman appeared in Coming 2 America, a sequel to the 1988 film. He also guest-starred in the Netflix comedy The Kominsky Method, earning an Emmy nomination.
2022: Our Universe Narration
In 2022, Morgan Freeman narrated 'Our Universe', showcasing his distinctive voice in documentary narration.
2023: Life on Our Planet Narration
In 2023, Morgan Freeman narrated 'Life on Our Planet', showcasing his distinctive voice in documentary narration.
2023: Portrayed Secretary of State in Lioness
Since 2023, Morgan Freeman has portrayed a United States Secretary of State in the Paramount+ spy thriller series Lioness.
