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 over six decades. He has received an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and nominations for a Grammy and a Tony Award. His contributions have been recognized with prestigious 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. He was also voted one of the 50 greatest actors of all time in a 2022 Empire readers' poll.

Sections (4)

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

October 22, 1967: Freeman Married 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: Freeman Married Myrna Colley-Lee

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

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.

December 2007: Separation from Myrna Colley-Lee

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

August 3, 2008: Freeman 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. He was driving his 1997 Nissan Maxima.

2008: Freeman endorsed Barack Obama's presidential bid

In 2008, Morgan Freeman endorsed Barack Obama's presidential bid, stating he would not officially join the campaign.

September 15, 2010: Divorce from Myrna Colley-Lee

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

December 2010: Freeman joined bid presentation for U.S. hosting rights for the 2022 FIFA World Cup

In December 2010, Morgan Freeman joined Bill Clinton, Sunil Gulati, and Landon Donovan in Zurich for a presentation to bid for the U.S. hosting rights for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

2011: Freeman endorsed Bill Luckett for Governor of Mississippi

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

2013: Honorary Degree from Boston University

In 2013, Morgan Freeman received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Boston University.

July 2014: Turned his ranch into a bee sanctuary

After learning about the decline of honeybees, in July 2014, Morgan Freeman decided to turn his 124-acre ranch into a bee sanctuary, starting with 26 beehives.

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 at the age of 33.

2019: Reported Interest in Zoroastrianism

In 2019, it was reported that Morgan Freeman found religion in Zoroastrianism.

June 2021: Donation 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.