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 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.

Sections (4)

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kiss the Girls (Alex Cross)

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1997: Founded Revelations Entertainment

In 1997, Morgan Freeman and Lori McCreary established Revelations Entertainment, a film production company.

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".

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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.

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.

2001: Dreamcatcher Novel

In 2001, Stephen King's novel "Dreamcatcher" was released. In 2003, Morgan Freeman starred in the film adaptation of the novel.

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".

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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.

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.

2006: Founded ClickStar

In 2006, Morgan Freeman and business partners founded ClickStar, a film download company, with investment from Intel Corporation.

December 2007: Separated from Myrna Colley-Lee

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

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.

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.

2011: Endorsed Bill Luckett

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

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.

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.

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: 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.

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.

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.