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The voice of all voices. Morgan Freeman has a distinctive deep voice that is legendary throughout the movie industry. You want something narrated, then you call on Morgan Freeman. How do you pick some of the best films this legendary actor has done? A top-ten list doesn’t do justice as Freeman has starred in so many movies that it is hard to stop at one. Freeman is like Pringles: You just can’t have one.
John Rawlins- Glory (1989)
Morgan Freeman performance as Sergeant Major John Rawlins was also amazing. Freeman played Rawlins as that old grandpa that many Black kids know. The one who had that caring smile but also all the words and wisdom.
Detective Lieutenant William Somerset- Seven (1995)
Morgan Freeman take as Somerset is the one to watch. He sets the tone in a way that makes the rest of the cast seem irrelevant. He brings such depth and wisdom to his role. As Somerset, he is the wise old man who is oh so tired and fed up with the world and city around him. Yet, he carries great authority and knowledge. He keeps a very keen eye on details and researches the hell out of a subject to better understand his criminal.
Eddie “Scrap Iron” Dupris- Million Dollar Baby (2004)
After years of waiting and acting, Freeman finally got his Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Freeman has a talent of just telling a story and that is what he does in this film. He is the narrator just like he was in “The Shawshank Redemption.” Freeman’s voice is perfect as it’s not too loud but subtle. He just tells it how it is. As Scrap, he brings the wisdom to the characters. He lost his eye in a fight but that didn’t stop him. He pushes Frankie into training Maggie along with running the gym.
Lucius Fox- Nolan’s Batman Series
In Christopher Nolan’s Batman series, Freeman plays the one and only Lucius Fox. A character that was in the research department who helped Bruce Wayne become Batman. Once that happened, Fox became the CEO of Wayne Enterprises. Freeman brings a sense of calm and reason to the world of Batman. He is funny and has great quotes.
Hoke Colburn- Driving Miss Daisy (1989)
What more can you say about Morgan Freeman? One of the best actors in the world. He is a pleasure to watch in this film also. What you should love about this character is that he keeps his word when talking to other people by always saying, “that is a conversation be him and me.” Freeman showed that Hoke can be friends with anyone, especially an old and sassy woman.
Azeem Edin Bashir Al Bakir- Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)
In a retelling of the famous outlaw. Freeman plays Azeem, a Moor whose life is saved by Robin. Azeem vows to accompany Robin until his life-debt is repaid. Freeman is wonderful in this role as the level-headed sidekick who always tries to talk sense into Robin. Freeman also adds touches of humor as him and Costner banter about how crazy a task can be.
Ellis Boyd “Red” Redding- The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
In one of his greatest roles ever, Freeman plays Red, an inmate in Shawshank State Prison. When wrongfully convicted Andy Dufresne is sent to prison, he becomes friends with cynical but smuggler Red. Freeman shows Red as a harden inmate who knows the system. Freeman shows that cool smile and warmness along with finding hard to find items for Andy. Freeman also uses that signature voice to narrate the film.
Leo Smalls- Street Smart (1987)
Freeman first Oscar-nominated performance was as a pimp. He was truly villainous as Leo Smalls. The film stars the late Superman himself, Christopher Reeves as a NYC journalist who wants to write a compelling story. Reeves character has a run in with Smalls and in return decides to write a story about a pimp who murders his clients. As the story becomes a success, Smalls becomes pissed and aims to track down the writer. Also, Freeman gives an iconic pimp slap.
God- Bruce Almighty (2003)
Maybe it’s the voice or having the calming presence but Freeman was selected and represented as God. Everyone could see Freeman in this role because he has the voice and comedic talent to pull it off. Also, having a black man as God is amazing.
Various characters- The Electric Company (1971-1977)
How can I not put in the Electric Company for Morgan Freeman. The show was designed to teach basic reading concepts to its young viewers. It was a skit comedy show like Sesame Street and Freeman played a variety of roles on the show. Everyone had to get their start somewhere.
