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's received numerous awards, including an Academy Award and a Golden Globe, plus lifetime achievement awards from AFI, the Screen Actors Guild, and the Cecil B. DeMille Award. He was also a Kennedy Center Honoree in 2008. In 2022, he was voted one of the 50 greatest actors of all time by Empire magazine readers, highlighting his significant impact and enduring popularity in the film industry.

Sections (4)

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

1994: The Shawshank Redemption and Berlin Film Festival Jury

In 1994, Morgan Freeman played Red in "The Shawshank Redemption". Despite challenges during filming, his performance was well-received. The film received Academy Award nominations, including one for Freeman. Also, in 1994, Freeman served as a jury member at the 44th Berlin International Film Festival.

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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.

2005: Criticized the celebration of Black History Month

In 2005, Morgan Freeman criticized the celebration of Black History Month, stating that black history is American history and that the only way to end racism is to stop talking about it.

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.

2008: Endorsed Barack Obama

In 2008, during the presidential election, Morgan Freeman endorsed Barack Obama's presidential bid.

December 2010: Presentation for U.S. Hosting Rights for FIFA World Cup

In December 2010, Morgan Freeman joined Bill Clinton and others in Zurich for a presentation to bid for the U.S. hosting rights for 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: Honorary Degree from Boston University

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

July 2014: Turned his 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 and Donated to the Mississippi Horse Park

In 2014, Morgan Freeman narrated a clip titled "What's Possible" at the United Nations climate summit. Freeman also donated to the Mississippi Horse Park.

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 the Baltimore Protests

In 2015, Morgan Freeman expressed his support for the Baltimore protests, stating that the unrest was due to police terrorism and highlighting the role of technology in revealing police actions.