10 fun and interesting Morgan Freeman facts

1. Doubling Up in Roles

Morgan Freeman is no stranger to playing the same character twice in three separate film franchises. He first portrayed the role of Dr. Alex Cross in both "Kiss the Girls" and "Along Came a Spider", then went on to play God in both "Bruce Almighty" and "Evan Almighty", and finally, he reprised his role as Lucius Fox in both "Batman Begins" and "The Dark Knight". His ability to bring the same character to life in multiple films is a testament to his acting prowess.

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2. 2 King Adaptations Hit Big at B.O.

Morgan Freeman has had a remarkable career, appearing in two Stephen King adaptations that went on to become huge box office successes. The first was the psychological horror-thriller "Dreamcatcher" (2003), followed by the critically acclaimed prison drama "The Shawshank Redemption" (1994). Both films were based on books by the renowned horror author Stephen King, and their success at the box office is a testament to Freeman's talent and star power.

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3. Morgan Freeman Stars in Two Jack Ryan Films

Morgan Freeman is an acclaimed actor who has appeared in two films opposite the character Jack Ryan. In 2002, he starred in the action-thriller "The Sum of All Fears" alongside Ben Affleck, and in 2004, he appeared in the crime-comedy "The Big Bounce" with Owen Wilson. Both films were well-received by critics and audiences alike, and Freeman's performances were praised for their depth and complexity.

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4. Four Films That Stand Out Most In His Career

Morgan Freeman is a renowned actor who has starred in many iconic films throughout his career. He has publicly stated that four films in particular stand out as the best he has ever acted in: "The Shawshank Redemption," "Glory," "Driving Miss Daisy," and "Unforgiven." "The Shawshank Redemption" is a classic drama about a man's journey to freedom, while "Glory" is a historical drama about the first all-black volunteer regiment in the Civil War. "Driving Miss Daisy" is a heartwarming story of an unlikely friendship between an elderly white woman and her African-American chauffeur, and "Unforgiven" is a western about a retired gunslinger who is drawn back into a life of violence. Morgan Freeman's performances in these films have been praised by critics and audiences alike, and will remain timeless classics for years to come.

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5. Oscar-less Actor

Morgan Freeman has been nominated for four Academy Awards for his performances in The Shawshank Redemption, Driving Miss Daisy, Invictus and Street Smart, yet he has never won an Oscar. Despite his impressive performances in these films, he was ultimately beaten to the award by other actors each time.

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6. From Typist to Actor

In 1959, Morgan Freeman made the move to California with the hopes of pursuing a career in acting. However, he initially had to settle for a job as a clerk typist to make ends meet. After a few years of hard work, he finally got his big break and was able to make his dream of becoming an actor a reality.

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7. Iconic Actor Who Broke Barriers in Hollywood

Morgan Freeman is an iconic actor who has defied the odds and broken down barriers in Hollywood. Despite the fact that the majority of the roles he has played were not originally written to be played by an African American actor, Freeman has managed to make them his own and become one of the most recognizable and beloved actors of all time. His performances have earned him numerous awards, including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. He has also been nominated for several other awards, including two Emmy Awards and two Grammy Awards.

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8. Actor & Boxing Teacher

Morgan Freeman is an acclaimed actor who has starred in three films - "The Power of One," "Kiss the Girls," and "Million Dollar Baby" - in which he has played a character who has taught another character how to box. In "The Power of One," Freeman plays the role of a mentor to a young South African boy, teaching him the art of boxing. In "Kiss the Girls," Freeman plays a doctor who teaches a young woman the basics of boxing to help her defend herself. Finally, in "Million Dollar Baby," Freeman plays a former boxer who teaches a young woman the skills she needs to become a professional boxer. Through these three films, Morgan Freeman has demonstrated his ability to portray characters who are able to pass on their knowledge and experience to others.

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9. Morgan Freeman Wins Academy Awards for Doc Narration

Morgan Freeman, the renowned actor, lent his iconic voice to the narration of two powerful documentary films, "The Long Way Home" and "March of the Penguins". Both of these documentaries went on to win Academy Awards, further cementing Freeman's legacy as one of the most talented and respected actors in the industry. His deep, resonant voice has become synonymous with the documentary genre, and his work on these two films has been praised by critics and audiences alike.

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10. Morgan Freeman's Top 5 Films of All Time

Morgan Freeman, the iconic actor, has revealed his top five films of all time: "King Kong," the classic 1933 monster movie; "High Noon," the 1952 western starring Gary Cooper; "Moulin Rouge," the 2001 musical starring Nicole Kidman; "The Outlaw Josey Wales," the 1976 western starring Clint Eastwood; and "Moby Dick," the 1956 adaptation of Herman Melville's classic novel. These five films have all been cited by Freeman as his favorites, and it's easy to see why - they all feature strong performances, memorable characters, and powerful stories.