Morgan Freeman has been an iconic Hollywood figure for over five decades. The actor’s varied career is prolific and includes roles in serious dramas, hilarious comedies and several action films. With such a varied filmography, it’s hard to imagine Freeman being afraid of being pigeonholed career-wise, but the Oscar winner doesn’t think so. Freeman spoke openly about the consequences of immense success in the film business, especially when it comes to being offered roles.
The 86-year-old actor recently gave a candid interview with El Paiswhere he discussed his views on his image as an unconventional Hollywood actor, his rise to fame as one of the few black actors to get roles early in his career, and the roles he is offered at this stage of his career. He explained that while he was able to experiment with many character types in his life, they became increasingly rare as his fame increased. Freeman said:
When I started my film career, I wanted to be a chameleon. Like De Niro’s varied roles when he was younger. But when you get older in this business and you become a star, you’re pretty lost as a character actor. You’ve played the same role too many times. The people who hire you say, “I want Morgan Freeman,” and you live with that.
From his perspective, once you’re a movie star, people are no longer interested in you being an actor, but rather an archetype. While that may sound harsh considering the roles he’s had the privilege of playing, it’s hard not to see his point.
Freeman’s earlier roles were much more varied, taking on character roles in films such as unforgiven And Miss Daisy and her chauffeur. Even The Convictsnone of Morgan Freeman’s best filmswas somewhat of a departure from his previous work. However, as he grew older, he was cast in many similar roles, Playing the role of a leader or president several timesoften portrayed as a calming, steady presence in the midst of chaos. And then of course his memorable voice, made him an integral part of the depiction of God in film.
Even though some of his later work was similar, Morgan Freeman is awfully good in these roles, which is why people want him to keep playing them. Even Robert De Niro, who, as Freeman mentions in his quote, has been taking on “Robert De Niro” roles in recent years. He has played a gangster and a criminal countless times, and has another gangster film in store. Plus, he often works with the same co-stars and directors over and over again. Audiences can’t get enough of this, but it’s understandable that this can be limiting for a star who wants to work outside of his comfort zone, even if his legacy has cemented him in history.
This does not mean that it is not possible for “typecast” actors to experiment in acting later in their careers. Henry Winkler was known for sitcom comedies for years before At over 70 years old, he took on his darkest role yet for HBO’s BarryJack Nicholson also surprised everyone when he portrayed with captivating sensitivity About Schmidt in his 60s. Morgan Freeman may be in his 80s, but his legend makes him a fixture in Hollywood. There are still opportunities to be cast against type.
You can see Morgan Freeman this year in My dead friend Zoe, which premiered at South by Southwest and is expected to be released in November. For more information on other films coming to theaters in the near future, visit our Theatrical release schedule for 2024.
