Morgan Freeman: Facts, Age, Health & Death Hoaxes - Everything You Need To Know

Muriel Johnson 11 May 2025

Is it true that time eventually claims all, even the most celebrated among us? The relentless march of years, however, hasn't dimmed the light of Morgan Freeman, whose legacy continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

The whispers, the rumors, the fleeting digital echoes they swirl around the name of Morgan Freeman with unsettling frequency. Reports of his passing, both real and fabricated, have become a strange fixture in the online landscape, underscoring the inherent human fascination with mortality and celebrity. The question of "How old was Morgan Freeman when he died?" is a recurring search query, reflecting a deep-seated interest in the man and his journey. It is crucial to understand that these reports are, at this moment, unfounded.

Born on June 1, 1937, in Memphis, Tennessee, Morgan Freeman's life has been a tapestry woven with threads of resilience, talent, and a distinct, resonant voice that has become instantly recognizable across the globe. His journey, however, hasn't been without its challenges. He was sent to live with his grandmother in Charleston, Mississippi, during his early years. The bond was broken too soon when, at the tender age of six, he experienced the loss of his grandmother. Freeman then moved north to be with his mother, who had already separated from her husband.

His parents, Mayme Edna (ne Revere), a teacher, and Morgan Porterfield Freeman, a barber, laid the foundation for a life that would transcend mere entertainment. His acting debut came at the age of nine, a hint of the performer he was destined to become. He experienced a near-fatal bout of pneumonia at sixteen. Throughout his life, his mother was a teacher and his father, a barber. Sadly, his father, Morgan Porterfield Freeman, died on April 27, 1961, from cirrhosis, a loss that undoubtedly shaped his life's trajectory.

Category	Details
Full Name	Morgan Freeman Jr.
Date of Birth	June 1, 1937
Place of Birth	Memphis, Tennessee, USA
Parents	Mayme Edna (ne Revere) - Teacher, Morgan Porterfield Freeman - Barber
Siblings	Three older siblings
Education	Attended Broad Street High School; briefly studied acting in Los Angeles
Occupation(s)	Actor, Producer, Narrator
Notable Works	Driving Miss Daisy (1989), The Shawshank Redemption (1994), Se7en (1995), Million Dollar Baby (2004)
Awards and Accolades	Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (Million Dollar Baby), Numerous nominations and wins across various awards
Marital Status	Divorced
Children	Reportedly has children (the details are often kept private)
Current Age (as of 2024)	86 years old
Additional Details	Has a distinctive voice often used for narration. Was the victim of a death hoax in 2017 and in late 2024. His ancestors were enslaved people.
Reference	IMDb - Morgan Freeman

The actor has demonstrated his commitment to his craft from a very early age. He has been involved in several roles in television and movies.

The false reports of Morgan Freeman's death, particularly those that emerged in late November and early December 2024, highlight the ease with which misinformation can spread in the digital age. The resurfacing of the meme claiming Freeman had "died today" is a testament to the enduring nature of these hoaxes. It also illustrates the vulnerability of public figures to such narratives, regardless of their stature or the accuracy of the claims.

The instances where Freeman's name has been erroneously linked with death underscores the fragility of truth in the age of social media. In October 2017, a similar false story circulated, announcing his passing at the age of 80. These reports, although untrue, reflect a fascination with the actor's legacy and an enduring concern for his well-being. The speed with which such stories can propagate serves as a reminder of the need for critical evaluation of information, especially in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

The veteran actor, however, continues to thrive, enjoying life. He was seen on a rare night out with friends in Santa Monica, enjoying a dinner at Giorgio Baldi.

It is important to remember that Morgan Freeman is still very much with us, and his contributions to cinema and the arts continue to resonate. His life's work stands as a testament to the power of dedication and the enduring allure of storytelling.

Throughout his distinguished career, Morgan Freeman has brought to life a diverse array of characters, each imbued with the depth and authenticity that have become his signature. From the wise and patient Red in The Shawshank Redemption to the dignified and compassionate Hoke Colburn in Driving Miss Daisy, Freeman's performances have consistently resonated with audiences, earning him critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase. His ability to embody characters from different walks of life, imbuing them with nuance and empathy, has solidified his status as one of the greatest actors of our time.

Morgan Freeman's contribution to the world of cinema extends beyond acting. His production work and narration have also left an indelible mark on the industry. Through his production company, Revelations Entertainment, Freeman has championed a variety of projects, fostering talent and bringing diverse stories to the forefront. His distinctive voice, with its smooth, authoritative cadence, has also become synonymous with documentaries and other narrative forms, adding depth and gravitas to the stories he tells.

While false reports of his passing continue to circulate, it's essential to distinguish between reality and fiction. Morgan Freeman is 86 years old as of 2024, and he continues to work and enjoy his life. Despite such claims, it is important to note that in May 2025, there was a rumor about his death. Some social media users posted the same on Saturday (May 03, 2025) and Sunday (May 04, 2025), where they posted the news that the actor has passed away. The reports are untrue, demonstrating how readily misinformation can be distributed and believed in today's digital era.

It is worth mentioning that the actor has also suffered a painful loss. At just 33 years old, Morgan Freeman's granddaughter, E'Dena Hines, passed away suddenly, a loss that undoubtedly touched him deeply. The sudden nature of her passing was a shock and brought sorrow to many. The details surrounding this event underscore the importance of family and personal loss, despite the public face of celebrity.

The actor was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on June 1, 1937. His parents, Mayme Edna (ne Revere), a teacher, and Morgan Porterfield Freeman, a barber, laid the foundation for a life that would transcend mere entertainment. He has three older siblings. He was sent to live with his grandmother in Charleston, Mississippi, during his early years, who passed away when he was six years old.

The constant spread of misinformation surrounding Morgan Freeman's life underscores the need for media literacy and critical thinking in the digital age. The rapid dissemination of fake news and rumors serves as a reminder that the truth can be easily distorted and manipulated. This makes it crucial for individuals to verify information from credible sources before accepting it as fact, especially when dealing with sensitive topics like celebrity deaths.