Morgan Freeman was born in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1937. He took a shine to acting from a young age – at nine years old, he made his stage debut with the lead role in a school play.
In high school, he won a statewide drama competition, and discovered a love for theatre and music as well.
Upon graduation, Freeman was offered a partial drama scholarship from Jackson State University, but turned it down to serve in the Air Force.
After four years, he relocated to Los Angeles to finally pursue a career in acting.