Morgan Freeman not only has an incredible and recognizable voice, but he is also one of the best actors to have worked in Hollywood. He is best known for his starring roles in iconic films such as Driving Miss Daisy, The Shawshank Redemption, Million Dollar Baby, and Glory, but he also started on a soap.
Freeman has also been a director, theater actor, and occasional television star. From where he was born and raised to racking up awards, here are five fast facts about the actor.
Who Is Morgan Freeman?
Freeman was born on June 1 in Memphis, Tennessee. He moved around a lot as a child and lived in Mississippi, Indiana, and Illinois. He started acting in school plays when he was still a child but turned down a partial drama scholarship from Jackson State University in order to enlist in the United States Air Force. After serving for four years, Freeman moved to Los Angeles and began his acting career.
Soap Beginnings
Freeman started working in theater in the ‘60s and was cast in Broadway’s production of Hello Dolly! in 1968, but he began working in television in the ‘70s and ‘80s. In fact, he was cast as Dr. Roy Bingham in 1983 on the now-defunct NBC soap Another World.
Winner, Winner
Freeman has won a number of awards over the course of his career, including one Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Million Dollar Baby. He is also the only African-American actor to appear in three Best Picture winners — Driving Miss Daisy, Unforgiven, and Million Dollar Baby.
Up in the Air
Freeman got his private pilot’s license when he was 65 years old and considers flying a hobby. In fact, he has owned three private plans and is certified to fly all of them. He even purchased a long-range private jet, which he has flown before.
Getting Personal With Morgan Freeman
Freeman was married to Jeanette Adair Bradshaw from October 1967 to November 1979. He then married Myrna Colley-Lee in 1984, but the couple split in 2007. Freeman also has four children — two sons and two daughters.
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