History of Morgan Freeman in Timeline
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.
1964: Freeman began his prolific film career
Since 1964, Morgan Freeman has been prolific in film, known for his roles in various genres.
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.
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.
1981: Garde à vue film release
In 1981, the French film Garde à vue was released, which was later remade as Under Suspicion, starring Morgan Freeman in 2000.
1982: Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption Publication
In 1982, Stephen King's novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption was published, which later served as the basis for the movie "The Shawshank Redemption" starring Morgan Freeman.
June 16, 1984: Freeman Married Myrna Colley-Lee
On June 16, 1984, Morgan Freeman married Myrna Colley-Lee.
1987: Obie Award for Driving Miss Daisy
From 1987 to 1990, Morgan Freeman earned an Obie Award for his theater role in Driving Miss Daisy.
1989: Lean on Me co-starring with Beverly Todd
In 1989, Morgan Freeman co-starred with Beverly Todd in Lean on Me.
1989: Golden Globe Award for Driving Miss Daisy
In 1989, Morgan Freeman won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in Driving Miss Daisy.
1991: The Sum of All Fears Novel Release
In 1991, Tom Clancy's novel "The Sum of All Fears" was released. The book was later adapted into the movie with the same name starring Morgan Freeman in 2002.
1994: The Shawshank Redemption Release and Berlin Film Festival
In 1994, Morgan Freeman portrayed Red in "The Shawshank Redemption". The film received Academy Award nominations, including one for Freeman. He also served as a jury member at the 44th Berlin International Film Festival in 1994.
1995: Kiss the Girls Novel
In 1995, James Patterson released the novel "Kiss the Girls". The book was later adapted into the movie with the same name, starring Morgan Freeman in 1997.
1995: Starring in Outbreak and Seven
In 1995, Morgan Freeman starred in "Outbreak" as General Billy Ford and in "Seven" with Brad Pitt as a detective hunting a serial killer. Both films were released in 1995 with varying critical and commercial success.
1996: Starring in Chain Reaction and Moll Flanders
In 1996, Morgan Freeman appeared in "Chain Reaction" as Paul Shannon, and co-starred with Robin Wright in "Moll Flanders", a period drama. Both films received mixed to negative reviews.
1997: Freeman co-founded Revelations Entertainment
In 1997, Morgan Freeman and Lori McCreary founded Revelations Entertainment, a film production company.
1997: First Alex Cross Appearance in Kiss the Girls
In 1997, Morgan Freeman first starred as Alex Cross in "Kiss the Girls", a movie.
1997: Narrating The Long Way Home and Starring in Amistad and Kiss the Girls
In 1997, Morgan Freeman narrated "The Long Way Home", appeared in Steven Spielberg's "Amistad", and starred as Alex Cross in "Kiss the Girls", based on James Patterson's novel. The films garnered varying critical reception.
1997: Nissan Maxima model year
On August 3, 2008, Morgan Freeman was injured in an automobile crash near Ruleville, Mississippi, when his 1997 Nissan Maxima was involved in a rollover.
1998: Gone Baby Gone Novel Release
In 1998, Dennis Lehane's novel "Gone Baby Gone" was released, which was later adapted into the movie with the same name, starring Morgan Freeman in 2007.
1998: High Crimes Novel Release
In 1998, Joseph Finder's novel "High Crimes" was released. The book was later adapted into the movie with the same name starring Morgan Freeman in 2002.
1998: Starring in Deep Impact and Hard Rain
In 1998, Morgan Freeman starred in "Deep Impact" as President Tim Beck and in "Hard Rain" opposite Christian Slater. Deep Impact was a box-office hit while Hard Rain received negative reviews.
2000: Feast of Love novel
In 2000, Charles Baxter released the novel "The Feast of Love". In 2007, the film adaptation starring Morgan Freeman was released.
2000: Starring in Nurse Betty and Under Suspicion
In 2000, Morgan Freeman starred in "Nurse Betty" and "Under Suspicion", a remake of the 1981 film Garde à vue. The films received mixed reviews.
2001: Starring in Along Came a Spider
In 2001, Morgan Freeman reprised his role as Alex Cross in "Along Came a Spider", a sequel to Kiss the Girls. The film received mixed-to-negative reviews.
2001: Dreamcatcher Novel Release
In 2001, Stephen King's novel "Dreamcatcher" was released. In 2003, a film adaptation starring Morgan Freeman was released.
2002: Starring in The Sum of All Fears and High Crimes
In 2002, Morgan Freeman starred in "The Sum of All Fears" and "High Crimes", both thrillers. The Sum of All Fears was based on Tom Clancy's 1991 novel.
2003: Appearing as God in Bruce Almighty
In 2003, Morgan Freeman appeared as God in the comedy "Bruce Almighty" with Jim Carrey.
2003: First Almighty appearance
In 2003, Morgan Freeman first appeared as God in Bruce Almighty. In 2007, He reprised his role as God in Evan Almighty.
2003: Starring in Dreamcatcher, Levity, and Guilty by Association
In 2003, Morgan Freeman starred in "Dreamcatcher", adapted from Stephen King's novel, as well as the dramas "Levity" and "Guilty by Association".
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: Releases of The Big Bounce and Million Dollar Baby
In 2004, Morgan Freeman starred in the comedy "The Big Bounce" and the sports drama "Million Dollar Baby". He won his first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for "Million Dollar Baby" in 2004.
2004: Screen Actors Guild Award for Million Dollar Baby
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.
2005: Multiple film appearances in 2005
In 2005, Morgan Freeman appeared in "An Unfinished Life", narrated "War of the Worlds" and "March of the Penguins", co-starred in "Batman Begins" as Lucius Fox, acted in "Unleashed" and "Edison", and voiced Neil Armstrong in "Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon 3D".
2005: Criticized Black History Month
In 2005, Morgan Freeman criticized the celebration of Black History Month, stating that Black history is American history and advocated for not talking about race to end racism.
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: Freeman Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award
On October 28, 2006, Morgan Freeman was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at Mississippi's Best Awards in Jackson, Mississippi.
2006: Freeman co-founded ClickStar
In 2006, Morgan Freeman and Lori McCreary co-founded ClickStar, a film download company, with investment from Intel Corporation.
2006: Starring in The Contract, Lucky Number Slevin, and 10 Items or Less
In 2006, Morgan Freeman starred in "The Contract", "Lucky Number Slevin", and "10 Items or Less". He also co-founded ClickStar, a film distribution company, in 2006.
December 2007: Separation from Myrna Colley-Lee
In December 2007, Morgan Freeman and Myrna Colley-Lee separated.
2007: The Bucket List co-starring with Beverly Todd
In 2007, Morgan Freeman co-starred with Beverly Todd in The Bucket List.
2007: Starring in Evan Almighty, Feast of Love, Gone Baby Gone, and The Bucket List
In 2007, Morgan Freeman starred in "Evan Almighty", "Feast of Love", "Gone Baby Gone", and "The Bucket List". These movies, released in 2007, had mixed to negative reviews except for Gone Baby Gone.
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: ClickStar ceased operations
In 2008, ClickStar, a film download company co-founded by Morgan Freeman, ceased operations.
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.
2008: Starring in Wanted, The Dark Knight and The Country Girl on Broadway
In 2008, Morgan Freeman starred in "Wanted" and "The Dark Knight", reprising his role as Lucius Fox. Freeman also returned to Broadway with Frances McDormand and Peter Gallagher in "The Country Girl" in 2008.
2008: Freeman chosen as Kennedy Center Honoree
In 2008, Morgan Freeman was chosen as a Kennedy Center Honoree at the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.
July 4, 2009: The Hall of Presidents re-opened at Walt Disney World Resort
On July 4, 2009, The Hall of Presidents re-opened at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, with Morgan Freeman as the voice of the narrator when Barack Obama was added to the exhibit.
2009: Starred in Thick as Thieves and Invictus
In 2009, Morgan Freeman starred in "Thick as Thieves" alongside Antonio Banderas. He also starred as Nelson Mandela in "Invictus", a film based on John Carlin's book. Freeman's performance in "Invictus" garnered positive reviews and nominations for Best Actor at the Academy Awards, Golden Globes, and Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2009.
January 2010: Replaced Walter Cronkite as the voiceover for CBS Evening News and Became presenter of Through the Wormhole
In January 2010, Morgan Freeman replaced Walter Cronkite as the voiceover introduction for the CBS Evening News. Also, in January 2010 Deborah Myers, head of Science Channel, approached Freeman to be the presenter of "Through the Wormhole".
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.
2010: Starred in Red
In 2010, Morgan Freeman starred in "Red", a film adapted from the comic-book series of the same name. He played CIA mentor Joe, assisting retired agent Frank. The film was a critical and commercial success.
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.
2011: Narrated Conan the Barbarian, Appeared in Dolphin Tale and Featured in 8 on Broadway
In 2011, Morgan Freeman narrated the fantasy film "Conan the Barbarian" and appeared in "Dolphin Tale". He also returned to theater in 2011, starring in the Broadway debut of Dustin Lance Black's play, "8", playing Attorney David Boies.
2011: Freeman received the AFI Life Achievement Award
In 2011, Morgan Freeman received the AFI Life Achievement Award in recognition of his contribution to the film industry.
2012: Starred in The Magic of Belle Isle and The Dark Knight Rises
In 2012, Morgan Freeman had a lead role in "The Magic of Belle Isle", playing an alcoholic novelist. He also reprised his role as Lucius Fox in "The Dark Knight Rises" in 2012.
2012: Freeman awarded the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award
In 2012, Morgan Freeman was awarded the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award, which recognizes lifetime achievement in the film industry.
2013: Starred in Olympus Has Fallen, Oblivion, Now You See Me, and Last Vegas
In 2013, Morgan Freeman appeared in several films, including "Olympus Has Fallen", where he played Speaker of the House Allan Trumbull, the science fiction drama "Oblivion" with Tom Cruise, the thriller "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 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.
November 12, 2014: Freeman Bestowed Freedom of the City by the City of London
On November 12, 2014, Morgan Freeman was bestowed the honor of Freedom of the City by the City of London.
2014: Narrated What's Possible
In 2014, Morgan Freeman narrated a clip titled "What's Possible" that debuted at the United Nations climate summit.
2014: Voiced Vitruvius in The Lego Movie, Starred in Transcendence and Lucy, and Appeared in Dolphin Tale 2 and 5 Flights Up
In 2014, Morgan Freeman voiced Vitruvius in "The Lego Movie". He starred in the science fiction thriller "Transcendence", and co-starred in the action film "Lucy". Also in 2014, Freeman appeared in "Dolphin Tale 2" and "5 Flights Up".
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.
2015: Starred in Last Knights and Ted 2, and Directed Madam Secretary
In 2015, Morgan Freeman starred in "Last Knights" and "Ted 2", playing attorney Patrick Meighan. He also directed an episode of the television series "Madam Secretary", where he played Chief Justice Frawley.
2015: Expressed Support for Baltimore Protesters
Regarding the 2015 Baltimore protests, Morgan Freeman expressed his support for the protesters, drawing a comparison between the unrest and terrorism suffered from the police.
2016: Freeman provided voiceover for Hillary Clinton's video introduction
In 2016, Morgan Freeman provided the voiceover for the video introduction of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton at the Democratic National Convention.
2016: Appeared in London Has Fallen, Now You See Me 2, and Ben-Hur
In 2016, Morgan Freeman reprised his role in "London Has Fallen", "Now You See Me 2", and starred in "Ben-Hur" as Sheik Ilderim.
August 2017: Freeman named the 54th recipient of the 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: Freeman appeared in a video by the Committee to Investigate Russia
On September 19, 2017, Morgan Freeman appeared in a video by the Committee to Investigate Russia, declaring that the United States was at war and accusing Russia of launching cyber attacks and spreading false information.
2017: Appeared in Going in Style and Just Getting Started and Hosted The Story of Us with Morgan Freeman
In 2017, Morgan Freeman appeared in the comedies "Going in Style", a remake of the 1979 film, and "Just Getting Started". Freeman also hosted "The Story of Us with Morgan Freeman" in 2017, which he also hosted in 2016.
May 24, 2018: CNN published an investigation accusing Freeman of inappropriate behavior
On May 24, 2018, CNN published an investigation accusing Morgan Freeman of harassment and inappropriate behavior, which he denied, issuing an apology for any unintentional offense. Later, one of the accusers, Tyra Martin, spoke out against her portrayal in CNN's report.
2018: Narrated Alpha and Starred in The Nutcracker and the Four Realms
In 2018, Morgan Freeman narrated "Alpha" and starred in Disney's "The Nutcracker and the Four Realms". He also had an uncredited role in "Brian Banks".
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.
2022: Mention of 2022 FIFA World Cup
In December 2010, Freeman joined a presentation to bid for the U.S. hosting rights for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
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