This acclaimed film actor, director and TV narrator was born on June 1, 1937 in Memphis, Tennessee. He has three older siblings. In 1955 he graduated high school but turned down a partial drama scholarship to serve in the United States Air Force between 1955 and 1959 as a mechanic. He subsequently appeared in dozens of films and TV narration. Mr. Freeman was married twice and has four children. Mr. Freeman has a private pilot license which he earned at age 65. He received an honorary degree of Doctor of Arts and Letters from Delta State University during the school commencement exercises in June 2006.

Mr. Freedom is an advocate of racial equality. He feels the only way to end racism is to stop talking about it. Consequently, he does not support events such as Black History Month and feels that black history is American History. During a 60 Minutes interview he told Mike Wallace: "I am going to stop calling you a white man and I'm going to ask you to stop calling me a black man." He was also quoted: "I'm not a campaigner or crusader for ending racism , or anything for that matter. I believe you should live your life to your own tenets. If there are people you don't like, avoid them. But not liking people based on generalities is stupid."

In conclusion he says, "I'm not intimidated by lead roles. I'm better in them. I don't feel pressure - I feel released at times like that. That's what I'm born to do."

Morgan Freeman interview talks to Tania Snuggs about playing Nelson Mandela in the movie Invitcus.