Morgan Freeman (born June 1, 1937) is a celebrated American actor, producer, and narrator with a career spanning five decades. Known for his distinctive voice, he has won numerous awards, including an Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Award.
Freeman gained fame with The Electric Company in the 1970s and starred in acclaimed films like Million Dollar Baby, The Shawshank Redemption, and Driving Miss Daisy. He co-founded Revelations Entertainment in 1996 and narrated documentaries like March of the Penguins and The Story of God.
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Morgan Freeman Net Worth
Morgan Freeman has a net worth of $250 million. For over 20 years, he’s been one of the world’s most in-demand actors. His net worth would be significantly higher if not for a $100–$200 million divorce settlement paid to his ex-wife, Myrna Colley-Lee, in 2010.
Married for 26 years, Myrna initially sought up to $400 million, reflecting their shared holdings and Freeman’s future earning potential. The final settlement included both cash and real estate, affecting his overall net worth.
Early Life
Morgan Freeman was born on June 1, 1937, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Mamie Edna, a teacher, and Morgan Porterfield Freeman, a barber. Raised by his grandmother in Mississippi, he moved frequently in his youth.
Freeman developed an interest in acting early, winning a statewide drama contest at age 12 and starring in a school play. After graduating high school in 1955, he declined a drama scholarship to Jackson State University and instead enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He later studied acting at Los Angeles City College.
Career
In the mid-1960s, Morgan Freeman appeared in off-Broadway plays, including The Niggerlovers and an all-Black Broadway production of Hello, Dolly! His film debut was in Who Says I Can’t Ride a Rainbow! (1971), and he gained recognition on the PBS show The Electric Company.
In 1980, he won his first Obie Award for Coriolanus, later receiving more for The Gospel at Colonus and Driving Miss Daisy. He became an A-list star in films like The Shawshank Redemption, Seven, and Million Dollar Baby (earning an Oscar). In 2022, Freeman performed at the FIFA World Cup opening in Qatar.
Personal life
Morgan Freeman was married to Jeanette Adair Bradshaw from 1967 to 1979 and Myrna Colley-Lee from 1984 until their divorce in 2010. He has four children, and his stepdaughter was tragically murdered in 2015. In 2008, Freeman survived a severe car accident, resulting in lasting injuries, for which he wears a compression glove.
In 2018, he faced accusations of sexual harassment, issuing an apology afterward; he retained his SAG Lifetime Achievement Award. Freeman has supported hurricane relief, founding the Grenada Relief Fund for Hurricane Ivan victims.
What happened to Morgan Freeman?
In a 2010 People interview, Morgan Freeman revealed that despite surgery, he lost mobility in his left hand. He explained, “I suffered nerve damage, and it hasn’t gotten better. I can’t move it” (via New York Post).
RELATED: VIDEO: Morgan Freeman 2022 FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony.
Conclusion
Morgan Freeman’s life narrates a story of overcoming adversity, pursuing passion, and achieving greatness against all odds. His legacy is not just measured in awards and net worth but also in the resilience and grace he has demonstrated throughout his life and career.
FAQ about Morgan Freeman
- What is Morgan Freeman’s net worth?
- Morgan Freeman has a net worth of $250 million.
- How old is Morgan Freeman?
- Born on June 1, 1937, he is 86 years old as of 2023.
- How many Oscars has Morgan Freeman won?
- He has won one Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for “Million Dollar Baby” (2004).
- Why does Morgan Freeman wear a glove?
- He wears a compression glove due to nerve damage and swelling in his hand, resulting from a car accident.
- What inspired Morgan Freeman in his life and career?
- The Desiderata poem by Max Ehrmann significantly influenced his life philosophy and career.
