Morgan Freeman: A Witness to Film’s Decades
Morgan Freeman, best known for his roles in “Driving Miss Daisy” and “The Shawshank Redemption,” has lead the way for several African American actors on the big screen. It’s not a big leap to say that today’s top African American stars, such as Will Smith and Denzel Washington, owe their success to Freeman.
Freeman started his film career with an uncredited role in “The Pawnbroker” as a man on the street. Surprisingly, Freeman didn’t get his first credited role until 1980 in the Robert Redford movie “Brubaker.” One of his first critically acclaimed roles was in the 1989 Civil War movie “Glory.” That was followed by his Oscar-nominated role in “Driving Miss Daisy” in 1989.
Since then Freeman has had significant roles in “Unforgiven” with Clint Eastwood, “Se7en” with Brad Pitt and “The Bucket List” with Jack Nicholson. He has also had roles in the latest incarnation of the “Batman” franchise and notable roles in “Million Dollar Baby” and “Bruce Almighty.” Freeman brings a sense of dignity to his roles in much the same way Michael Caine does in the numerous films he has appeared in over the years.
Today’s top African American stars, ranging from Eddie Murphy and Will Smith to Chris Rock and Jamie Foxx, have Freeman to thank for proving that being an actor isn’t about race, it’s about a true of love of acting and appreciation for the characters you bring to life.