Early Life and Education of Morgan Freeman: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Morgan Freeman, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Morgan Freeman is a highly acclaimed American actor, producer, and narrator with a career spanning six decades. He has earned numerous prestigious awards, including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and nominations for a Grammy and a Tony Award. Freeman's contributions to the film industry have been recognized with honors such as the Kennedy Center Honor, the AFI Life Achievement Award, the Cecil B. DeMille Award, and the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award. A 2022 Empire poll acknowledged him as one of the 50 greatest actors of all time.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

October 22, 1967: Marriage to Jeanette Adair Bradshaw

On October 22, 1967, Morgan Freeman married Jeanette Adair Bradshaw.

November 18, 1979: Divorce from Jeanette Adair Bradshaw

On November 18, 1979, Morgan Freeman and Jeanette Adair Bradshaw divorced.

June 16, 1984: Marriage to Myrna Colley-Lee

On June 16, 1984, Morgan Freeman married Myrna Colley-Lee.

1989: Co-starring in Lean on Me

In 1989, Beverly Todd co-starred with Morgan Freeman in Lean on Me.

1994: The Shawshank Redemption Release and Berlin International Film Festival Jury

In 1994, Morgan Freeman starred as Red in "The Shawshank Redemption", a film based on the Stephen King novella. At the 67th Academy Awards, the film received a Best Picture nomination and a nomination for Freeman for Best Actor. Also in 1994, Freeman served as a jury member at the 44th Berlin International Film Festival.

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1997: Automobile Crash

On the evening of August 3, 2008, Morgan Freeman was injured in an automobile crash near Ruleville, Mississippi, where his 1997 Nissan Maxima was involved in a rollover.

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 has since become PLANIT NOW.

2005: Criticism of Black History Month

In 2005, Morgan Freeman voiced his disapproval of Black History Month, asserting that black history is an integral part of American history and suggesting that discussing race perpetuates racism. He also pointed out the absence of a "white history month."

May 13, 2006: 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.

2006: The Contract, Lucky Number Slevin, and 10 Items or Less

In 2006, Morgan Freeman starred in "The Contract", appeared in "Lucky Number Slevin", and portrayed himself in "10 Items or Less". "10 Items or Less" was made available for download from ClickStar, a film distribution company that Freeman co-founded that year.

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December 2007: Separation from Myrna Colley-Lee

In December 2007, Morgan Freeman and Myrna Colley-Lee separated.

2007: Co-starring in The Bucket List

In 2007, Beverly Todd co-starred with Morgan Freeman in The Bucket List.

August 3, 2008: Automobile Crash

On the evening of August 3, 2008, Morgan Freeman was injured in an automobile crash near Ruleville, Mississippi. He was taken to The Regional Medical Center in Memphis and underwent surgery for his injuries.

2008: Endorsement of Barack Obama

During the 2008 presidential election, Morgan Freeman endorsed Barack Obama's presidential bid but declined to actively participate in his campaign.

September 15, 2010: Divorce from Myrna Colley-Lee

On September 15, 2010, Morgan Freeman and Myrna Colley-Lee divorced.

December 2010: Bid for 2022 FIFA World Cup Hosting Rights

In December 2010, Morgan Freeman joined former President Bill Clinton and others in Zurich for a presentation to bid for the U.S. hosting rights for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

2010: Colon Cancer Diagnosis and Surgery

In 2010, Morgan Freeman was diagnosed with stage 1 colon cancer and underwent successful surgery to remove the tumor.

2011: Endorsement of Bill Luckett

In 2011, Morgan Freeman endorsed his friend Bill Luckett, who unsuccessfully ran for Governor of Mississippi.

2013: Honorary Degree from Boston University

In 2013, Morgan Freeman was presented with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree by Boston University.

July 2014: Turned his ranch into a 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, beginning with 26 beehives.

2014: Narrated What's Possible and Donated to the Mississippi Horse Park

In 2014, Morgan Freeman narrated a clip titled What's Possible, which had its debut at the United Nations climate summit. Also in 2014, Freeman has donated to the Mississippi Horse Park in Starkville, Mississippi.

August 16, 2015: Murder of E'dena Hines

On August 16, 2015, E'dena Hines, Morgan Freeman's step-granddaughter, was murdered in New York City.

2015: Support for Baltimore Protesters

In 2015, Morgan Freeman voiced his support for the Baltimore protesters following the death of Freddie Gray, attributing the unrest to police terrorism and highlighting the role of smartphones in exposing police actions.

September 19, 2017: Accusation against Russia

On September 19, 2017, Morgan Freeman appeared in a video by the Committee to Investigate Russia group, accusing Russia of launching cyber attacks and spreading false information.

May 24, 2018: CNN Investigation and Accusations

On May 24, 2018, CNN published an investigation in which eight women accused Morgan Freeman of inappropriate behavior and harassment. Freeman apologized, and one of the accusers spoke out against her portrayal in CNN's report. The Screen Actors Guild decided not to take any action against Freeman.

June 2021: Donation to the University of Mississippi

In June 2021, Morgan Freeman and Linda Keena donated $1 million to the University of Mississippi, creating the Center for Evidence-Based Policing and Reform.