History of Morgan Freeman in Timeline
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.
1912: Birth of Morgan Freeman's Mother
In 1912, Mamie Edna (née Revere), Morgan Freeman's mother, was born.
July 6, 1915: Birth of Morgan Freeman's Father
On July 6, 1915, Morgan Porterfield Freeman, Morgan Freeman's father, was born.
June 1, 1937: Morgan Freeman's Birth
On June 1, 1937, Morgan Freeman was born. This marks the beginning of the actor's life.
1955: High School Graduation and Air Force Enlistment
In 1955, Morgan Freeman graduated high school and chose to enlist in the United States Air Force instead of accepting a drama scholarship.
1959: End of Air Force Service
In 1959, Morgan Freeman completed his service in the United States Air Force, after which he moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting.
April 27, 1961: Death of Morgan Freeman's Father
On April 27, 1961, Morgan Porterfield Freeman, Morgan Freeman's father, passed away from cirrhosis.
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'.
October 22, 1967: Married Jeanette Adair Bradshaw
On October 22, 1967, Morgan Freeman married Jeanette Adair Bradshaw.
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.
November 18, 1979: Divorced Jeanette Adair Bradshaw
On November 18, 1979, Morgan Freeman divorced Jeanette Adair Bradshaw.
1979: Obie Award for Coriolanus
In 1979, Morgan Freeman earned an Obie Award for his theater role in Coriolanus.
1980: Obie Award for Mother Courage and Her Children
In 1980, Morgan Freeman earned an Obie Award for his theater role in Mother Courage and Her Children.
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'.
1981: Original Release of Garde à vue
In 1981, the original French film 'Garde à vue' was released, which Morgan Freeman later remade as 'Under Suspicion' in 2000.
1982: Another World Cast Member (Begins)
In 1982, Morgan Freeman became a cast member of the soap opera 'Another World'.
1982: Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption Publication
In 1982, Stephen King's novella 'Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption' was published, which served as the basis for the 1994 film starring Morgan Freeman.
June 16, 1984: Married Myrna Colley-Lee
On June 16, 1984, Morgan Freeman married Myrna Colley-Lee.
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: Obie Award for Driving Miss Daisy
In 1987, Morgan Freeman earned an Obie Award for his theater role in Driving Miss Daisy (1987–90).
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: Publication of The Power of One Novel
In 1989, Bryce Courtenay's novel 'The Power of One' was published, which later was adapted into the film featuring Morgan Freeman in 1992.
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.
1989: Golden Globe Win
In 1989, Morgan Freeman won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in Driving Miss Daisy.
1991: Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves Release
In 1991, Morgan Freeman appeared in 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves'.
1991: Publication of "The Sum of All Fears"
In 1991, Tom Clancy published the novel "The Sum of All Fears" which Morgan Freeman would later star in an adaptation of in 2002.
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: Publication of "Kiss the Girls"
In 1995, James Patterson published the novel "Kiss the Girls" which Morgan Freeman would later star in an adaptation of in 1997.
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'.
1997: Freeman's Car Model Involved in Crash
In 1997, Morgan Freeman owned a Nissan Maxima, which was the car model involved in his 2008 accident.
1998: Gone, Baby, Gone Novel Release
Dennis Lehane released the novel Gone, Baby, Gone in 1998, which the movie starring Morgan Freeman was based on in 2007.
1998: Publication of "High Crimes"
In 1998, Joseph Finder published the novel "High Crimes" which Morgan Freeman would later star in an adaptation of in 2002.
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: The Feast of Love novel release
Charles Baxter released The Feast of Love in 2000, which the movie starring Morgan Freeman was based on in 2007.
2000: Death of Morgan Freeman's Mother
In 2000, Mamie Edna (née Revere), Morgan Freeman's mother, passed away.
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'.
2001: Publication of "Dreamcatcher"
In 2001, Stephen King published the novel "Dreamcatcher" which Morgan Freeman would later star in an adaptation of in 2003.
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: Screen Actors Guild Award Win
In 2004, Morgan Freeman won a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role in Million Dollar Baby.
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: Criticized Black History Month celebrations
In 2005, Morgan Freeman criticized the celebration of Black History Month, stating that Black history is American history.
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.
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.
October 28, 2006: Lifetime Achievement Award
On October 28, 2006, Morgan Freeman was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at Mississippi's Best Awards.
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.
December 2007: Separated from Myrna Colley-Lee
In December 2007, Morgan Freeman and Myrna Colley-Lee separated.
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'.
August 3, 2008: Automobile Crash
On August 3, 2008, Morgan Freeman was injured in an automobile crash near Ruleville, Mississippi, resulting in surgery to repair nerve damage.
2008: ClickStar ceased operations
In 2008, ClickStar, the film download company co-founded by Morgan Freeman, ceased operations.
2008: Endorsed Barack Obama's presidential bid
In 2008, Morgan Freeman endorsed Barack Obama's presidential bid, although he did not join the campaign.
2008: Kennedy Center Honors
In 2008, Morgan Freeman received the Kennedy Center Honors, marking a significant recognition of his contributions to the arts.
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'.
September 15, 2010: Divorced Myrna Colley-Lee
On September 15, 2010, Morgan Freeman and Myrna Colley-Lee divorced.
December 2010: Joined U.S. bid for 2022 FIFA World Cup
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: 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: Cecil B. DeMille Award
In 2012, Morgan Freeman received the Cecil B. DeMille Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry.
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.
2013: Honorary Degree from Boston University
In 2013, Morgan Freeman received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Boston University.
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.
November 12, 2014: Freedom of the City Honor
On November 12, 2014, Morgan Freeman was given the honor of Freedom of the City by the City of London.
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'.
August 16, 2015: Step-granddaughter E'dena Hines murdered
On August 16, 2015, Morgan Freeman's step-granddaughter, E'dena Hines, was murdered in New York City.
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.
2015: Supported the Baltimore protesters
Regarding the 2015 Baltimore protests, Morgan Freeman expressed his support for the protesters, citing police brutality as the core issue.
2016: Voiceover for Hillary Clinton's video introduction
During the 2016 Democratic National Convention, Morgan Freeman provided the voiceover for the video introduction of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.
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.
September 19, 2017: Appeared in video by Committee to Investigate Russia
On September 19, 2017, Morgan Freeman appeared in a video by the Committee to Investigate Russia, accusing Russia of launching cyber attacks and spreading false information.
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.
May 24, 2018: CNN Investigation and Freeman's Response
On May 24, 2018, CNN published an investigation in which eight women accused Freeman of inappropriate behavior, leading to Freeman's apology and subsequent defense.
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.
2018: Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award
In 2018, Morgan Freeman received the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award, celebrating his lifetime achievements as an actor.
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.
2019: Report of Finding Religion in Zoroastrianism
In 2019, it was reported that Morgan Freeman found religion in Zoroastrianism.
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.
2022: Affirmed love for Moulin Rouge!
In 2022, Morgan Freeman reaffirmed his love for the movie Moulin Rouge! during his tribute speech at Nicole Kidman's AFI Life Achievement Award ceremony.
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.
