Morgan Freeman

April 11, 2013

I am Morgan Freeman ask me anything

Hi, I am Morgan Freeman and my new movie Oblivion is in theaters and IMAX April 19th.

Ask me anything.



If you weren't an actor, what other career would you have gone into? What other jobs would you like to try out?

I probably would be a chauffeur


Hello, Mr. Freeman

What is your favorite movie that you think deserves more recognition?

The Magic of Belle Isle directed by Rob Reiner


I feel pretty good about my perception


Since I asked Gerard Butler in his AMA: How was your experience working with Morgan Freeman in Olympus Has Fallen? I should ask you too.

How was your experience working with Gerard Butler in Olympus Has Fallen?

I did not work with Gerard, we only spoke on the phone


Movie you passed on, that wish you wouldn't have?

Role you've always wanted to play?

Huge, huge fan of yours, Azeem from Robin Hood will always outweigh everything else, even God, for me personally.

I have always wanted to play Bass Reeves, a deputy US marshal in Oklahoma in the 1870s


What is it like being the greatest man to ever live?

I wouldnt know because I am not Nelson Mandela


If you could have dinner with three people, living or dead, who would they be?

Jesus, Adolf Hilter, and Barack Obama


Everyone knows that you are the person to have narrate something. My question to you, is who would you want to narrate the story of your life?

George Clooney or Jeremy Irons


If you could have had any role in a movie that went to a different actor what would it be and why ?

I do not have a favorite actor. I have worked with the best in the business and you dont pick favorites of that.

Playing God is like falling off a log, there is nothing to follow but the script


In your early career, do you think your voice played a big part in getting you roles?

absolutely not


Which Morgan Freeman Movie do you like most?

I am proudest of Glory


If you had to recommend one book what would it be?

I would recommend different books to different people. For a young person I would say Moby Dick. For a more romantic person I would recommend Great Expectations. For the very young reader I would recommend Black Beauty


What has been your goal in life?

To be in the movies!


If you could take a part in any movie already made, what would it be and why?

If I could take part it would be Shame


Hi Mr. Freeman,

You frequently play characters that are the calm voice of reason in a film. Is that just the kind of role you get offered or is it a conscious choice?

Personally, I love that role, since that’s the role I try to take in my own life.

And I’m sure there will be lots of questions on here about Shawshank Redemption, but I wanted to tell you how much I loved Unforgiven. Please do more Westerns!

It is the kind of rolesI get offered


What originally got you into acting? Was there anyone/anything that made you realize that it was what you wanted to do?

Also, how does it make you feel when people express how orgasmic your voice is?

I was born to do this, I have been an actor my entire life even when I didnt know that is what I was doing. My biggest influence was my mother


How much fun was it working with Jim Carrey on "Bruce Almighty"?

So much fun! He is very hard working and dedicated to getting it right. He is a very generous actor


Who were your most and least favorite characters to play?

I dont have a least favorite. I think the most favorite is Mandella


[deleted]

This is one of the most awesome science fiction movies ever! Creative, clever and very well done


Is it more fun to play as a "Good guy" or "Bad guy"?

the bad guy. The good guy is pretty boring


You've played all sorts of contrasting roles, from a lowly prisoner to God himself. Which roles are easier? Which ones are more fun?

I think you always do a great job, but do you ever worry that playing the president in one move makes it harder for people to see you playing a mechanic in another?

They are all easy! The most fun are the ones that pay the most


Do you get requests from random people to read things aloud for you?

They dont get passed my agent!


Mr. Freeman, I am a huge fan... I was wanting to ask you two things if that's ok.

I suggested for him to play the role, we have known each other for years


do you record your own voice and listen to how amazing it is?

yes!


What going out in public like for you, like what do people ask you when they see you on the street?

a chore!


How do you prepare for the powerful roles you play in your films, such as President in "Olympus Has Fallen" or playing God in "Bruce Almighty"?

Also, I love your voice.

I just learn the script


What is the best movie ever (in your opinion)?

There are three in my opinion. The original Mulan Rouge, Anna, Life of Pie, and OBLIVION!


I feel like you're more of a villain than usual in Oblivion is that fair to say and is it fun to play the bad guy sometimes?

see the movie


Hey Mr. Freeman huge fan, I was just wondering what was the best experience you ever had while filming a movie and what is one movie you passed up on that you ended up regretting later?

nope, never passed on a movie I didnt want


If you could choose any historical figure, living or dead, who would you want to act as the most?

I have never thought about being anyone else because who I am gets to be other people


Out of all the things you have narrated which did you find the most interesting? And what have made you most proud to lend your voice to?

March of the Penguins I suppose


How amazing was it to meet Nelson Mandela and how much did you enjoy making the film Invictus?

It was amazing meeting a man of that stature and very intimidating. You dont know what you are going to say other than "I am very honored to meet you"

I enjoyed Invictus so much, everyone enjoyed it. At the last scene we just wanted to start again


Could you tell us some more about the movie?

It's great to have you here promoting your new film but we will all feel exploited and the internet can and will turn against you if you exploit us with no return - like a simple overview about your new movie that we would all like to go see.

You have to go see the movie!


Could you speak to your political leanings? I've enjoyed your out-of-the-box approach to thinking about problems.

I am an independent. I lean towards liberalim


Hello Mr. Freeman I just have one question to ask you.

Who are your favorite celebrities?

Everyone that was working in the movies!


Hey Mr Freeman, I know you love jazz so I'd like to know what are your favourite albums? Also have you ever considered recording a jazz/blues album your voice would sound amazing singing the blues

Something Cool of June Christy. And I have never considered an album!


You've done and seen a lot - what's left? What's on your bucket list?

receiving an Academy Award for best picture


What actor or actress did you really want to work with but never was able to?

Meryl Streep, but I still might


What was the climax or most memorable moment of your career? ps- you rock. And you're a smart, wise man. a true idol

So far, one of the most memorable moments was opening my mouth on set and hearing Mandela come out


What kind of roles do you enjoy playing the most, and favorite one yet?

Ones that pay :)


What's your favorite band?

I like Steely Dan!


What was it like working with Tom Cruise on Oblivion?

It was awesome, a lot of phone. Someone I have wanted to work with for years


What has been you're most difficult role, and why?

Most difficult role was onstage in Othello. I dont think it was well written


If you were stuck on an island and could only take three albums to listen to for the rest of your life, what would they be?

One would be June Christy - Something Cool, and Frank Sinatras greatest hits


In the movie Deep Impact, you were portrayed as the President of the United States. Would you ever consider running for President or any other form of public office in real life?

absolutely and unequivocally not


[deleted]

start a podcast!


start a podcast!

or ask yourself what is it you want to do!


Hey Mr. Freeman, big fan of your work. What do you do outside of acting? Do you watch/play sports? Any favorite teams?

I play golf. No teams that I follow


Which author does it seem impossible to put their work down?

there are a few whose names dont come to be right now


You were nominated for a Tony in 1978 for the Gents. Have you wanted to try Broadway again?

No. I was on Broadway several times


What is the Lego Movie going to be about? What kind of character are you voice acting?

I am a wise old man


Mr. Freeman, who is your favorite young actor who you think will lead a successful acting career?

Leonardo DiCaprio already has a great career!


Leonardo DiCaprio already has a great career!

All 3 young girls in Belle Isle


What do you feel contributed the most to your upbringing that got you where you are today? (which is awesome)

my mom!


How do you go about analysing a script?

PS. Thank you.

I dont analyze, I read it and do it. If you read it and like it you do it


What was the craziest thing that ever happened in the middle of filming a movie? The funniest?

The power going out in the middle of the bay while we were filming Bopha


When people meet you, what line do they ask you to say the most?

I dont get asked to say a line. They used to say "I am trying to drive you to the sto' " to me


Why do you think you have played god and the president so often?

I havent played them that often. God twice and the president once


Hello,

Do you think what happened in Olympus has Fallen could ever be real?

No I dont


How did you get into the acting business? What was your first role?

My first role was in 3rd grade, I was 8 and it was in Little Boy Blue. My second role was in the 7th grade. After that it was all about being an actor


My first role was in 3rd grade, I was 8 and it was in Little Boy Blue. My second role was in the 7th grade. After that it was all about being an actor

My high school picture says Actor underneath


Hi Mr. Morgan Freeman! If you could revisit one character from any of your movies, which would you chose?

I am not sure, I would have to think about that


Hi Morgan what do you look for in a script for you to consider it? Or what do you look for when you try for a part? (which I am sure that hasn't happened or has been needed in a long time).

I am looking for interest


Which plane is your favorite to pilot and why?

The last plane I flew was a Citation. I really love that plane


What is your favorite type of food?

Southern cuisine


Out of such an expansive filmography, What movie that you have done has the highest spot in your heart?

I am definitely going to have to say Glory again


If you could give any advice to the common 20-some year old adult for the future, what would you say and why?

Decide what you want to do and do that!


Hi Mr Freeman, we actually met a few years ago at the CBS Radio studios when I was working there and you were recording a show, I assume about science.

I'm curious, what are your thoughts on Tyler Perry reprising a role (Alex Cross) that you played so well?

I wish him the best of luck


[deleted]

the same thing as before! the money! :)


What has been the biggest challenge for you throughout your carrer?

getting in to the movies


After Deep Impact, do you sympathize with the black president getting blamed for things he can't control?

before Deep Impact I sympathized!


Hey Morgan, are you friends with Samuel L. Jackson?

Yes I am


Have you ever considered sitting down and recording a conversation with James Earl Jones?

No I have not.


[deleted]

Leo Smalls Jr.


Thanks, Morgan. I was just wondering: how has acting changed since the beginning of your career?

acting hasnt changed one bit.


Hey Morgan, big fan! How long do you plan keeping doing movies?

until I cant get out of bed


What is your most memorable moment?

What was your most embarassing moment?

coming out on stage in the role of Othello and having someone yell out "sing purple haze"


[No question]

I would like to thank all of you for your questions. Have a great day!


[No question]

Thanks again, Reddit, I had a good time. Here's a picture (of me after a long day) as proof: http://i.imgur.com/BvitNsz.jpg


This interview was transcribed from an "ask me anything" question and answer session with Morgan Freeman conducted on Reddit on 2013-04-11. The Reddit AMA can be found here.