Net Worth Ranker
What Is Morgan Freeman’s Net Worth?
Morgan Freeman, a highly acclaimed American actor, film director, and narrator, has amassed a substantial net worth of $250 million. This impressive figure reflects his decades-long career in the entertainment industry, marked by iconic roles and a distinctive voice that has made him one of the most sought-after talents in Hollywood. While his current net worth is significant, it’s worth noting that it would have been considerably higher had he not been required to pay a substantial divorce settlement to his ex-wife, Myrna Colley-Lee, in 2010, which amounted to between $100 million and $200 million in real estate and cash.
Early Career and Breakthrough Roles
Born on June 1, 1937, in Memphis, Tennessee, Morgan Freeman’s journey to stardom began with early exposure to theater productions and subsequent television roles in the 1970s. He made appearances on shows like “The Electric Company” and “Another World,” gaining valuable experience and recognition. However, his breakout film role came in 1987 with “Street Smart,” where his portrayal earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor, marking a pivotal moment in his career. This nomination served as a catalyst, propelling him into more prominent roles and establishing him as a formidable talent in the industry.
Following the success of “Street Smart,” Freeman continued to impress audiences with his versatility and range, securing roles in critically acclaimed films such as “Driving Miss Daisy” (1989), where he played Hoke Colburn, a chauffeur who develops a close bond with his employer. “The Shawshank Redemption” (1994), where he played Ellis Boyd “Red” Redding, a fellow inmate who becomes a close friend to the protagonist; “Se7en” (1995), where he played Detective Somerset, a seasoned detective investigating a series of murders; “Million Dollar Baby” (2004), where he played Eddie “Scrap-Iron” Dupris, a former boxer who becomes a trainer, and “Invictus” (2009), where he played Nelson Mandela, the South African president who uses rugby to unite his country. His performances in these films garnered widespread acclaim, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and respected actor. Notably, in “Million Dollar Baby,” his role as Eddie “Scrap-Iron” Dupris earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Notable Works and Accolades
Throughout his career, Morgan Freeman has portrayed a diverse array of characters in numerous successful films, demonstrating his remarkable versatility and range as an actor. His filmography boasts an impressive list of titles, including “Driving Miss Daisy” (1989), “The Shawshank Redemption” (1994), “Se7en” (1995), “Million Dollar Baby” (2004), and “Invictus” (2009). In addition to his acting prowess, Freeman’s distinctive voice has made him a sought-after narrator for documentaries and films, lending his gravitas and depth to projects such as “March of the Penguins” (2005). His narration work has further cemented his status as a versatile and accomplished artist.
Morgan Freeman’s talent and contributions to the film industry have been recognized with numerous accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in “Million Dollar Baby.” He has also received nominations for “Street Smart,” “Driving Miss Daisy,” “The Shawshank Redemption,” and “Invictus,” underscoring his consistent excellence and dedication to his craft. In addition to his Academy Award, Freeman has also won a Golden Globe Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award, further solidifying his status as one of the most respected and celebrated actors of his generation.
Divorce Settlement Details
As previously mentioned, Morgan Freeman’s net worth of $250 million reflects the financial impact of his divorce settlement with his former wife, Myrna Colley-Lee, in 2010. The settlement, which amounted to between $100 million and $200 million in real estate and cash, significantly impacted his overall wealth. At one point, Myrna had sought as much as $400 million based on the valuation of their holdings and his future earning potential, highlighting the complexity and magnitude of the divorce proceedings.
Early Life and Education
Morgan Freeman’s early life was marked by frequent moves and familial separations. Shortly after his birth in Memphis, Tennessee, his parents relocated to Chicago in search of work, leaving him in the care of his maternal grandmother in Charleston, Mississippi. This early separation shaped his formative years, and he remained with his grandmother until her death when he was six years old. Following his grandmother’s passing, he moved to Chicago to be with his mother, who had separated from his father. The family eventually moved back to Tennessee, where Freeman’s interest in acting began to blossom.
Freeman’s passion for acting ignited at a young age, and he played the lead role in a school play when he was just nine years old. This early experience fueled his desire to pursue a career in the performing arts. After graduating from Broad Street High School in 1955, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, gaining valuable life experience and broadening his horizons. Following his military service, he moved to Los Angeles and enrolled in acting lessons at the Pasadena Playhouse, further honing his craft and preparing for a career in the entertainment industry. To support himself while pursuing his acting dreams, Freeman worked as a transcript clerk at Los Angeles City College. At the same time, he was often traveling around New York City and San Francisco, working as a dancer and as a member of a music theater group, respectively, demonstrating his versatility and dedication to his craft.
Career Beginnings
In the mid-1960s, Morgan Freeman began his professional acting career with an appearance in an off-Broadway production of a play titled “The Niggerlovers.” Shortly after, he joined Pearl Bailey in an all-African-American Broadway production of “Hello, Dolly!” in 1968, showcasing his talent on a larger stage. His first film appearance came in “Who Says I Can’t Ride a Rainbow!” in 1971, marking his foray into the world of cinema. Freeman gained widespread recognition through his work on the soap opera “Another World” and his appearances on “The Electric Company,” a PBS kids’ show, cementing his place in the hearts of audiences across America.
Morgan Freeman’s commitment to theater remained strong throughout his career, and in 1980, he received the Obie Award for his starring role in “Coriolanus,” recognizing his exceptional talent and dedication to the stage. He earned his second Obie in 1984 for The Gospel at Colonus, and in 1989 was given the award again for his lead role in “Driving Miss Daisy” (later adapted for the screen, which he also starred in). These accolades further solidified his reputation as a versatile and accomplished actor capable of excelling in both theater and film.
Rise to Prominence
The late 1980s and early 1990s marked a period of significant growth and success for Morgan Freeman, as he began securing prominent roles in big-budget films. His portrayal of Fast Black in the 1987 film “Street Smart” earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor, catapulting him into the spotlight and establishing him as a sought-after talent in Hollywood. In 1994, he won the role of Red in “The Shawshank Redemption,” which catapulted him into A-list fame, solidifying his status as one of the most respected and admired actors in the industry. The success of “The Shawshank Redemption” opened doors to even more opportunities, and he went on to star in several other big-budget films like “Seven,” “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves,” “Deep Impact,” and “Unforgiven,” further cementing his place in Hollywood history.
Morgan Freeman experienced a particularly successful year in 2005. After three previous nominations, he finally won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his work in Clint Eastwood’s “Million Dollar Baby” at the 77th Academy Awards. In 2005, he was chosen to play the role of God in the blockbuster film “Bruce Almighty” (and later, the sequel “Evan Almighty”). He appeared in Christopher Nolan’s “Dark Night Trilogy–Batman Begins” in 2005 as well. He later went on to reprise his role in the two sequels. Following his role in 2007’s “The Bucket List,” Freeman returned to the stage, co-starring with Peter Gallagher and Frances McDormand in the Broadway hit “The Country Girl.” In 2009, he teamed up with director Clint Eastwood to play Nelson Mandela in “Invictus,” which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
Recent Projects
In 2013, Morgan Freeman appeared in “Olympus Has Fallen” (followed by the sequels “London Has Fallen” and “Angel Has Fallen”) and “Oblivion,” showcasing his continued presence in action-packed films. More recent works include 2019’s “The Poison Rose” alongside John Travolta, 2020’s crime comedy “The Comeback Trail,” and 2021’s “Coming 2 America,” demonstrating his versatility and willingness to explore different genres. On November 20, 2022, Freeman performed at the opening ceremony of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar with Ghanim Al-Muftah, showcasing his global appeal and commitment to cultural events.
Directorial and Narration Work
Morgan Freeman made his directorial debut with Paramount Pictures’ “Bopha!” in 1993, showcasing his talents behind the camera. To date, the only other directing endeavor he has undertaken was for three episodes of “Madam Secretary,” indicating a focus on acting rather than directing. Known for his distinctive, booming voice, Morgan is frequently hired for narration work. In 2005, he narrated “War of the Worlds” and the documentary “March of the Penguins,” lending his gravitas and authority to these projects. He later did voice work for 2014’s “Lego Movie,” demonstrating his ability to connect with audiences of all ages.
Freeman replaced Walter Cronkite as the voice intro to the CBS Evening News in 2010, a testament to his iconic voice and widespread recognition. He’s also the host and narrator for “Through the Wormhole,” a Discovery Channel physics show, showcasing his intellectual curiosity and ability to engage with complex topics. Freeman did the narration for many popular Visa commercials until 2018. He also narrated Netflix’s “Our Universe,” a nature documentary series that premiered in 2022, demonstrating his continued demand as a narrator and his commitment to diverse projects.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Morgan Freeman was married to Jeanette Adair Bradshaw from 1967 to 1979. He married Myrna Colley-Lee in 1984, and they divorced in September 2010. He has four children. His stepdaughter from his first marriage was tragically murdered in 2015 in New York City. She was 33 years old. Freeman was involved in a near-tragic car accident on the night of August 3, 2008, near Ruleville, Mississippi. His Nissan Maxima flipped several times after flying off the highway. He and a female passenger were rescued by paramedics using the “Jaws of Life” and taken via helicopter to a hospital in Memphis. Freeman broke his left shoulder, arm, and elbow in the crash. Although alcohol was ruled out as a factor in the crash, his passenger (Demaris Meyer) later sued him for negligence and claimed he had been drinking that night. The lawsuit was settled for an undisclosed amount out of court.
To this day, he wears a compression glove to help with his fibromyalgia. In May 2018, CNN reported the results of an investigation in which eight women accused Freeman of sexual harassment. Eight other people came forward to say they had witnessed inappropriate behavior on movie sets or at his production company. Freeman issued an apology after the report was released. As a result, the Screen Actors Guild contemplated taking away his lifetime achievement award, but in September 2018 ruled that he could retain it. Morgan was active in relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina victims, and he formed the Grenada Relief Fund to aid victims of Hurricane Ivan. In March 2019, Morgan revealed that he had converted his 124-acre farm in Mississippi into a bee sanctuary. Freeman also maintains a home in New York City. He owns and operates the blues club Ground Zero in Clarksdale, Mississippi.
