Deep Dive
Why did Morgan Freeman join the United States Air Force?
He needed to get out of Mississippi and believed he wouldn't make it in the movies there. He initially wanted to be a pilot.
What was Morgan Freeman's first paid professional performance?
His first paid professional performance was as a dancer at the 1964 World's Fair in New York.
How did Morgan Freeman feel about doing press for his projects?
He found press work to be a necessary but tiresome part of the business, often feeling fraudulent due to repetition.
What medical condition did Morgan Freeman recently diagnose himself with?
He diagnosed himself with CRS (Can't Remember Shit), a condition affecting short-term memory.
How did Morgan Freeman describe his relationship with Clint Eastwood while working on 'Unforgiven'?
He described it as special, feeling like he was on screen with a legend. He enjoyed Eastwood's directing style, which involved knowing when he had what he needed and moving on quickly.
What was Morgan Freeman's reaction to being asked to be in a film by Clint Eastwood?
He was thrilled and felt it was a big moment, considering Eastwood's stature in the industry.
Why did Morgan Freeman quit sailing?
He quit sailing after a 2008 accident where he couldn't park his boat, leading to a humbling and heartbreaking experience.
What was Morgan Freeman's experience like during the decade he spent trying to get an acting job?
He described it as feeling like 150 years, filled with pessimism and fueled by addiction. He faced periods of success followed by stagnation, weighing heavily on his mental state.
How did Morgan Freeman feel about the movie 'Shawshank Redemption' not being a box office success?
He felt it was a terrific movie but understood the challenges of marketing it, particularly with the title being hard to pronounce for some audiences.
What was Morgan Freeman's first house purchase like?
He initially couldn't afford a $78,000 apartment in New York, but later bought it for $230,000 when he had the money.
- Early acting roles at age 8.
- Difficult decision to leave Mississippi.
- Time in the US Air Force.
- Early struggles as an actor in LA.
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