Morgan Freeman

In honor of Black History Month, every school day The Cardinal will feature a prominent and/or historical Black American, living or dead, who has worked toward change, advancement, and/or world peace. Some of them are heroes, and some are unsung heroes, who deserve recognition, and have made contributions to make society a better place.

February 28, 2024

Morgan Freeman was born on June 1, 1937 and is an American actor, filmmaker, and narrator known for his distinctive, deep voice.

Freeman is described as one of the best actors of his generation. If you have seen movies or tv shows with him, then you should know his background. He first “acted” in a school play. It was three years later that he won his first award in the acting scene, he won a drama competition at the age of twelve, in Chicago, Illinois, his final home state. Freeman did more jobs that included acting, however in 1968 he got his first official acting job. He made his debut in the broadway musical, Hello Dolly.

In 1971, Freeman starred in the children’s show, The Electric Company. Freeman’s Hollywood breakthrough film was the 1989 biographical drama Lean on Me, in which he portrays the principal of an under-performing and drug- and crime-ridden New Jersey high school. Though one of his most iconic roles was in The Shawshank Redemption. In the film he plays Red, a guy who murdered his wife and killed their child and neighbor, which landed him in prison.

He has been in many famous movies, such as Olympus Has Fallen series, Now You See Me Now You Don’t, Million Dollar Baby, and Batman Begins. He is credited as one of the best actors and has won twenty three awards whether with his cast or by himself an award. His voice is very deep therefore a lot of directors use his voice as a narrator depending on the story that is being portrayed.

The journalist Radhika Sanghani writes that his “deeply reassuring voice, with its mellifluous tones and authoritative presence, is why an entire generation still hear his trademark tones when they think of the almighty”

About the Contributor

Belen Alonso, Staff Writer

Belen Alonso is a sophomore who played varsity soccer last year and hopes to play again this upcoming season. Soccer makes Belen feel at home and comfortable. Belen likes to “run in the field like a silly goose”- Dhalia Arrianga. She loves the feeling of when the cool air hits her and especially likes it when she gets to play games in the rain. This makes her feel a certain way because the feeling of the water falling on her keeps her refreshed, and she thinks of movie scenes. Belen loves cloudy days even if she might complain about them. Sometimes she loves them. The feeling that it gives off is just a “magical” feeling. She is very indecisive when it comes to certain things except for food. Belen is a food fan and loves Filibertos taco shop.

To change the world Belen wants to not litter as much. She says that even though this is a small thing to do, it contributes to the stop of climate change. Her reasoning behind it is that pollution contributes to pollution so if she stops littering as much she can be part of the cause to stop pollution and better the world. Society can focus on themselves and what they do instead of trying to check everybody else. Belen says that you can only help others if you have helped yourself first.