With a career spanning over six decades, Morgan Freeman has become one of the most respected and recognizable figures in Hollywood. Known for his authoritative yet soothing voice and a presence that commands dignity, he has evolved from a stage actor and children’s show performer into a global cinematic legend.
Below is the definitive look at the life and legacy of Morgan Freeman as of late 2025.
Morgan Freeman Biography
Born Morgan Porterfield Freeman Jr. on June 1, 1937, in Memphis, Tennessee, Freeman’s journey to stardom was anything but direct. The son of a teacher and a barber, he was sent as an infant to live with his paternal grandmother in Charleston, Mississippi.
Though he discovered a passion for acting at age nine, winning a statewide drama competition at 12, he initially turned away from the stage to pursue his dream of becoming a fighter pilot. He served as a mechanic in the U.S. Air Force from 1955 to 1959, but eventually realized the reality of military life didn’t match his romanticized vision. Upon his discharge, he moved to Los Angeles to study acting and dance, laying the groundwork for one of the greatest careers in film history.
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Career
Freeman’s breakthrough was a slow burn. He first gained national attention in the early 1970s on the PBS children’s show The Electric Company, where he played characters like “Easy Reader.” It wasn’t until his 1987 performance as a volatile hustler in Street Smart, which earned him his first Oscar nomination, that the world saw his true range.
He became the go-to actor for roles requiring wisdom and gravitas, eventually winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2005 for Million Dollar Baby. Beyond acting, he is an acclaimed director and one of the world’s most sought-after narrators, lending his voice to documentaries like March of the Penguins.
Morgan Freeman Movies
Morgan Freeman’s filmography is a collection of modern classics. Some of his most impactful works include:
- The Shawshank Redemption (1994): His portrayal of “Red” is considered one of the greatest performances in cinema history.
- Driving Miss Daisy (1989): Where he played the patient and dignified Hoke Colburn.
- Seven (1995): Playing a weary detective alongside Brad Pitt.
- The Dark Knight Trilogy: As Lucius Fox, the technical genius behind Batman.
- Bruce Almighty (2003): Portraying God, a role that became synonymous with his iconic voice.
- Recent Works (2024–2025): Including roles in 57 Seconds, Special Ops: Lioness, and the highly anticipated Now You See Me 3.
Morgan Freeman Net Worth
As of late 2025, Morgan Freeman’s net worth is estimated at $250 million. His wealth is a result of high-salary film roles, commanding between $10 million and $20 million per project, alongside lucrative narration deals and business ventures. He co-founded Revelations Entertainment and owns the Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, Mississippi.
Family
Freeman is a father of four children: Alfonso, Deena, Morgana, and Saifoulaye. He has frequently spoken about the joy of being a grandfather and great-grandfather, noting that he became much more “hands-on” with his family later in life. In a tragic 2015 event, his granddaughter E’dena Hines, whom he helped raise, was murdered in New York City, a loss that he has described as devastating for the entire family.
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Marriages and Relationships
Morgan Freeman and Jeanette Adair Bradshaw
Freeman married his first wife, Jeanette Adair Bradshaw, in 1967, just as his career was beginning to take shape on Broadway. During their twelve-year marriage, he adopted her daughter, Deena, and the couple had a daughter together named Morgana. They divorced in 1979.
Morgan Freeman and Myrna Colley-Lee
In 1984, Freeman married costume designer Myrna Colley-Lee. Their marriage lasted 26 years, during which they were prominent figures in the Mississippi community and active in philanthropic work. The couple separated in 2007, leading to a highly publicized divorce that was finalized in 2010. The settlement was estimated to be between $100 million and $200 million in real estate and cash.
Controversies
In 2018, Freeman faced allegations of inappropriate behavior and sexual harassment from several women in professional settings. He issued a public apology, stating it was never his intent to make anyone feel uncomfortable or disrespected. Following a review, the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) decided he would retain his Lifetime Achievement Award. In more recent years, he has faced political bans from certain countries, including being permanently banned from Russia in 2022 alongside other U.S. officials and figures.
Morgan Freeman’s Age and Instagram
As of late 2025, Morgan Freeman is 88 years old. Despite his age, he remains active in the industry. He famously stated in a recent interview that his appetite for acting has “dimmed only a little.” Regarding social media, while there are many fan accounts, his official presence is often managed through his production company, Revelations Entertainment (@revelationsent), on Instagram, where updates on his projects and environmental activism are shared with millions of fans.
Conclusion
Morgan Freeman’s life story is one of perseverance. From the Jim Crow South to the heights of Hollywood, he has broken barriers and redefined what it means to be a leading man. Whether he is playing a prisoner, a president, or the Almighty, Freeman continues to be a symbol of excellence and the “voice of reason” for audiences worldwide.
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