Morgan Freeman has had an acting career that spans over half a century, making him a legend in Hollywood and earning him several awards and nominations. As such, it’s hard to believe anything involving acting could frighten the man, but he recently revealed that the stage – the place where his career began – terrifies him.
Here’s a sentence we never thought we’d say: Morgan Freeman gets stage fright.
From the stage to the big screen
Morgan Freeman began his career with a strong foundation in theater, honing his craft in productions that showcased his range and depth. His early work included parts in the touring company of The Royal Hunt of the Sun and the Broadway production of Hello, Dolly!, which featured an all-Black cast, led by Pearl Bailey.
Freeman also starred in off-Broadway productions, notably in The Dozens, which earned him critical acclaim and established his reputation as a versatile and compelling actor. However, it was his transition to film and television in the late 1970s that brought him widespread recognition. He secured several memorable roles early on in his on-screen career, but it was his portrayal of Ellis Boyd “Red” Redding in The Shawshank Redemption (1994) that cemented his status as one of Hollywood’s most respected actors.
Known for his iconic voice and dignified presence, Freeman has become a mainstay in both dramatic and action roles. While he’s continued to star in some stage productions, the actor has primarily focused on his screen career, admitting to having developed stage fright.
Forgetting his lines terrifies Morgan Freeman
At 87 years old, it’s hard to believe anything in the acting world would make Morgan Freeman nervous, but while speaking with Good Morning Britain (2014-present), he revealed that he suffers from stage fright – in particular, he is “terrified” of forgetting his lines, thanks to a jarring experience that’s stayed with him.
Speaking about his stage experiences, Freeman said, “I’ve been to plays at the West End, and that was when I was stage-conscious. Now I’m not stage-conscious because stage is too hard a challenge for me.”
The last time the actor took to the stage was in 2011. He starred as David Boies in Dustin Lance Black’s 8. The play centers around the Perry v. Schwarzenegger suit, which was filed in 2009 and went to trial the following year. It ultimately led to the overturning of Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriage in California.
Recalling performing on stage, Freeman explained, “Last time I remember being on stage, I forgot my lines, and I can’t tell you how terrifying that is.”
Morgan Freeman doesn’t worry about forgetting his lines on screen
Morgan Freeman’s career skyrocketed after he shifted from stage to screen productions, and it has been something he can rely on. He explained that, with films and television, he’s never had a fear of forgetting his lines.
“In the movies you won’t get that,” he said. “If you forget your lines you just say, OK, what was that line again? And somebody gives it to you. Or you say cut, somebody says cut, I never will.” For stage performances, it very different, with Freeman saying that “you can’t do that on stage,” and adding that he’s “terrified to go back and try it.”
More from us: Alex Van Halen Reveals He Had His First Drink at 6 Years Old: ‘It Lifted My Spirits Like Nothing Else’
Want to become a trivia master? Sign up for our Today In History newsletter!
Freeman has had plenty of work in Hollywood, so his stage fright hasn’t burdened his career. While he’s starred in several stage productions in the past, he has far more movie and TV credits under his belt, many of which earned him Oscar nominations, including Street Smart (1987), Driving Miss Daisy (1989), The Shawshank Redemption and Invictus (2009). He took home the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2005, for his appearance in Million Dollar Baby (2004).