How Old Is Morgan Freeman?

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Morgan Freeman was born on June 1, 1937, in Tennessee, USA. His birth name was Morgan Porterfield Freeman Jr., and he was raised in Charleston, a small town in Tennessee. Freeman’s early life was marked by challenges, including being raised by his mother after his parents separated when he was very young. Despite these challenges, Freeman’s mother recognized his talents early on and encouraged him to pursue his interests.

1. Morgan Freeman’s Age Today

To calculate Morgan Freeman’s current age, we subtract his birth year from the current year:

2025 – 1937 = 88 years old

As of January 2025, Morgan Freeman is 88 years old. Despite his age, Freeman continues to be a highly active and respected actor, producer, and narrator, with a career that has shown no signs of slowing down.

2. Early Life and Education

Freeman was raised in Chicago and Mississippi, and he attended several schools during his childhood. Growing up, he had a passion for acting but initially pursued a career in the military after finishing high school. He served in the United States Air Force as an Airman 1st Class and worked as a radar technician. However, his true calling lay in the arts, and he transitioned from the military to pursuing an acting career.

Freeman studied theater at Los Angeles City College in the 1950s, where he began building the skills that would launch his acting career. He also took part in drama classes and performed in local productions. Freeman’s early passion for acting would eventually lead him to a long and successful career on stage and screen.

3. Morgan Freeman’s Early Career: Stage and TV Work

Freeman’s professional acting career began in the 1960s when he landed a role in off-Broadway theater productions. He also took on a variety of roles in television, with his first notable television appearance being in “The Electric Company” (1971-1977), an educational children’s series. Freeman played several characters on the show, which helped introduce his talent and unique voice to a broader audience.

While he was building his career in television, Freeman also appeared in films during the 1970s, though his breakthrough came later in his career. By the time the 1980s arrived, Freeman had built a reputation as an actor with a natural charisma and gravitas, which he would use to his advantage in his more prominent film roles.

4. Morgan Freeman’s Big Break: Film Stardom

Though Freeman had a solid television and stage career, it was his breakthrough film role in 1987 that truly cemented his place as a Hollywood star. Freeman starred in Street Smart, a crime drama where he played a ruthless pimp named Fast Black. His performance in the film earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor—a recognition that marked the start of his meteoric rise in Hollywood.

1990s – Rise to Legendary Status

Following his success in Street Smart, Freeman’s career continued to skyrocket. His roles in the 1990s solidified his status as one of the most respected actors in Hollywood. Some of his standout performances during this time include:

Driving Miss Daisy (1989): Freeman starred alongside Jessica Tandy in this heartwarming film about the friendship between a Southern Jewish woman and her African-American chauffeur. Freeman’s portrayal of Hoke Colburn earned him another Academy Award nomination, this time for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994): Freeman starred as Ellis Redding, a wise and compassionate inmate, in this beloved film based on the Stephen King novella. His performance in The Shawshank Redemption became one of his most iconic, with his deep voice and calming presence making him a standout in the film. The movie, though initially a box office disappointment, has since become a classic and is often considered one of the greatest films ever made.
Seven (1995): In David Fincher’s psychological thriller, Freeman played Detective Somerset, a seasoned investigator nearing retirement who is paired with a rookie detective (played by Brad Pitt) to solve a gruesome serial killer case. Freeman’s stoic and thoughtful performance helped anchor the dark and gritty film.
Million Dollar Baby (2004): Directed by Clint Eastwood, Freeman played Eddie “Scrap-Iron” Dupris, a former boxer who helps train a young woman (played by Hilary Swank) to become a professional boxer. Freeman won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for this role, marking one of the defining moments of his career.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Freeman became known for his versatility, taking on both leading and supporting roles in a wide range of genres, from drama to action.

5. Morgan Freeman’s Iconic Narration and Voice Work

Aside from his acting career, Morgan Freeman’s voice has become legendary in its own right. His rich, deep, and soothing voice has made him a sought-after narrator for documentaries, commercials, and even video games. Freeman’s work as a narrator includes projects such as:

March of the Penguins (2005): Freeman narrated this documentary about the life cycle of Emperor penguins, which became a huge box office success and earned Freeman widespread acclaim for his narration.
Through the Wormhole (2010–2017): Freeman hosted and narrated this popular science documentary series, exploring topics such as the nature of the universe and the future of humanity. His voice added a layer of gravitas to the series, further solidifying his status as a revered narrator.
The Magic of Movies (2023): Freeman lent his voice to this series that delves into the history and development of cinema, captivating audiences with his signature narration style.

6. Morgan Freeman’s Personal Life and Philanthropy

Morgan Freeman’s personal life has seen its ups and downs. Freeman married Jeanette Adair Bradshaw in 1967, but the two divorced in 1979. He later married Myrna Colley-Lee in 1984, but the two also divorced in 2010. Freeman has four children from various relationships.

Outside of his acting career, Freeman is known for his philanthropy and social activism. He has been involved in numerous charitable endeavors, including efforts to support education, racial equality, and environmental conservation. Notably, he has donated to the Gillian Anderson Scholarship Fund to support students studying in the arts, and he has been vocal about his desire to improve race relations and tackle issues like poverty and injustice.

7. Morgan Freeman’s Age: How Old Is He Today?

Morgan Freeman was born on June 1, 1937.
2025 – 1937 = 88 years old

As of January 2025, Morgan Freeman is 88 years old.

Despite his advanced age, Freeman remains active in the entertainment industry, with no signs of slowing down. His status as an industry icon, paired with his ability to work in both acting and narration, ensures that Freeman’s legacy will continue for years to come.

Morgan Freeman, born on June 1, 1937, is 88 years old as of January 2025. With a career that spans over six decades, Freeman has cemented himself as one of Hollywood’s most revered figures. From his early roles in television to his iconic film performances in The Shawshank Redemption, Driving Miss Daisy, and Million Dollar Baby, Freeman has earned an undeniable place in cinematic history. Beyond acting, his voice has become synonymous with deep, authoritative narration, further cementing his influence in the entertainment industry.

Today, Freeman continues to work in film, television, and voice acting, inspiring generations of fans with his distinctive presence and ability to bring characters to life. At 88 years old, Freeman remains a towering figure in Hollywood, revered for both his talent and his contributions to the arts.