Morgan Freeman | Full Q&A | Oxford Union

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Morgan Freeman is an American actor, film director, and narrator. Freeman has received Academy Award nominations for his performances in Street Smart, Driving Miss Daisy, The Shawshank Redemption and Invictus, and won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar in 2005 for Million Dollar Baby. He has also won a Golden Globe Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Freeman has appeared in many other box office hits, including Unforgiven, Glory, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Seven, Deep Impact, The Sum of All Fears, Bruce Almighty, Along Came a Spider, The Dark Knight Trilogy, March of the Penguins, The Lego Movie and Lucy. He is known for his distinctively smooth, deep voice. He got his first break as part of the cast of The Electric Company.
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[@john-xc3iy]

Nothing but respect and admiration for Mr. Freeman. He is a class act if there ever was one.

[@brianconnolly2903]

Agree 100%

[@schizophrenicenthusiast]

He's the guest speaker, he's greeted with a big applause, and despite that, at 0:26 he asks if he may sit down. What an honorable person.

[@dodieodie498]

I believe he laments society's general loss of civility.

[@TheMeditorEditor]

@Tyrone Williams He probably did. You notice before the last shot, the wide, there was a blatant jump cut. They probably cut the Q&A out.

[@djgroopz4952]

Class

[@coffeeguy6673]

I noticed that as well, what good manners. The interviewer didn't even welcome him which I find a bit rude.

[@paulec2634]

And a saint for having put up with 40 minutes of being interviewed by this guy who is so poorly prepared for this interview. Foolish questions, getting major facts wrong and then just says "moving on!" instead of at least using the gaffes to develop a rapport with his A-list interviewee. You can see the frustration increasing in Morgan's eyes as the "interview" goes on. The interviewer is just following his set list of predictable questions which show no particular interest in Morgan Freeman. It's as if that boy had no idea who Morgan Freeman even is. He's failed to properly research the guy's acting career, and then starts firing general questions at him about race and women in Hollywood. Really?

[@bf6159]

Morgan Freeman is one of the few people I would actually like to sit down and have a conversation with. I've been watching him from childhood since The Electric Company. He seems like a very down to earth and level headed person, in tune with reality, not consumed by ego, very focused on matters of consequence. Love his statements: "if someone believes differently, we will talk about that" & "it's all subsurface BS"

[@grahamt5924]

Lol. You dont like talking to people generally then.

[@jacirasantanna7221]

A talented American, an artist, a gentleman, Morgan Freeman is an inspiration for us all.

[@burlfaulkii6496]

I adore Morgan more with every interview, every movie, every appearance. He is a humble, humorous & kind man...

[@cindycindy5980]

the way he speaks..is powerful, and warms everyone around him

[@jnozaki1]

He has the most kindest and warmest face a man could ever had plus the voice, I really admire him.

[@robertd.carver6240]

Morgan always projects dignity, gravity and self-deprecating humor, no matter who the interviewer.

[@bruceharvey8118]

Morgan Freeman one of my top 10 actors of all time. The man is a total joy to watch on screen. Million Dollar Baby Shawshank Redemption Lean On Me Bruce Almighty Driving Miss Daisy and so many more. Thank you so much.

[@KUCHYRock]

I love how he says: “I can drive a cab” and everyone laughs. Morgan looks startled and follows it up with: “cause I like driving”. It’s because he follows his bliss no matter what, and the Oxford audience doesn’t get it; they think that investment banking, technology and the next ambitious shiny thing is the obvious thing to pursue, totally missing the fundamental piece that you actually need to love what you do. Ain’t nothing funny or inferior about driving a cab if you love it and pay the bills by doing it.

[@adyepj]

Yes, that is one interpretation. Maybe it was laughter because they would never dream of doing anything so "menial." I don't doubt that Morgan Freeman truly liked driving, but given what he said about doing poorly in school, maybe that was one of the few jobs he could hopefully quickly get!

[@tobydstreet]

Exactly... few will ever become anything like what they're capable of in this room. The conditioning goes faaarrr too deep!

[@mihaelatudor2417]

How on earth can you know what a whole audience is thinking? My interpretation, for example, is that theirs was an appreciative laugh, since his decision to drive a cab seemed a very sensible one. And it is always better to work than to wallow in self pity ! ?!

[@jow8480]

@@mihaelatudor2417 or even maybe at just the idea of thinking that Morgan Freeman could have ended up as a cab driver

[@user-vc5rp7nf8f]

yeah. arrogant fucks

[@FutureAbe]

For some reason I just want to call him Sir Morgan Freeman

[@sazonsongs]

Abe Grimm I was thinking the exact same thing as I watched it. "Why isn't he knighted"?

[@Redstripe921]

@@sazonsongs well theres no such thing in the usa ! ^^

[@CultofThings]

Some people call him God

[@sophiedupree2226]

@@CultofThings l

[@theimplacableauthoritarian2938]

A subject of Her Royal Majesty The Queen of These United Kingdoms

[@elizabethcoleman5729]

Morgan Freeman is a great American and a great Actor, he shows what hard work and determination can do for us all just look at what he's done with his life. I love this American .

[@picklefish74]

My brother in law was in the movie Chain Reaction with Morgan Freeman and Keanu Reeves. He gt to spend some one on one time with both of them. He left that job with a new found respect for Mr. Freeman and a new found hatred of Keanu.

[@WreckerR]

@@picklefish74 I think you need to elaborate a little on this...

[@haroldsnipes5539]

This is truly one of America’s treasures! Thank you for being you Mr. Freeman!!

[@sanders7789]

Wish he was Australia’s national treasure

[@ritabrunetti381]

I love finding these types of older videos. Especially those of Morgan Freeman. He's an honest man. He's a true American. He can make anyone straighten up and think about what they're doing with their lives. He's not there to coddle you, he's pushing you out the door to experience life for yourself. Be well.

[@travelbugse2829]

What a magnetic, charismatic person. I would love to be in a room with this guy.

[@neroresurrected]

The interviewer’s age and inexperience definitely showed here, Morgan absolutely carried this interview from start to finish. Hopefully the interviewer learned from this interview for future reference.

[@jep1912]

Should have been a lecture/address with him alone.

[@afrosamuraiwarrior]

The interview with Jack Gleeson was much worse than this…

[@davidevans3227]

think i've seen this interviewer before

[@williamsabin6628]

One of my favorite Actors. God Bless Morgan Freeman

[@geico1975]

Morgan Freeman is so down to earth, I just hope all the young actors/actress's take note:)

[@bobthebob8817]

Loved the interview, he's a gentleman and a great people person. I find myself not caring about the setting but just enjoying his company, as if I was watching one of his movies. Great man.

[@sugeeban5121]

morgan freeman deserves a better interviewer

[@NecroSexy]

+Sugeeban Sundar Neil DeGrasse Tyson interviews him

[@mkkravist11]

Agreed - this interviewer is a car crash. Freeman carrying this but knows its a real dog of a situation. Amazed we didn't get 'what's your favourite colour?'. Embarrassing.

[@jamiey5779]

+sugeeban ! Plus the audience is like a canned laughter track.

[@brainsareus]

Ease up...!! He's just a school kid, he needs life's seasoning. he did ok... for fuck's sake.

[@annyuta2003]

sugeeban Absolutely!

[@annewhite9850]

Morgan totally carried this interview, love this guy.

[@kevinflemming5928]

That's pretty much the point of these things, really. If it was the other way around, it would be boring.

[@pattydorroh7732]

Two voices I love... Morgan Freeman and James Earl Jones.

[@maureenal6smith982]

Can you imagine either one in a Shakespeare play? Pure heaven.

[@liambaylis9365]

When I hear Morgan Freeman talk, I feel like he is narrating his life

[@Mamiegoodheart]

I have wished, since I was a child, to befriend Morgan. His love of music, his intelligence, his confident personality, his honesty and his enjoyment for good conversation and a good laugh attracts me to him like a needle to a magnet. I always get good vibes from him. My sixth sense gives me a good impression of him also. He is an excellent actor and I enjoy his performances very much. Lovely human being!!!!

[@sheilaslowe6340]

I’ve loved Morgan Freeman since the first time I seen him in a movie. I believe it was “Lean On Me”. He was “Joe Clark” from all that I had read about the principle of the school. The true story of “Joe Clark” and the type of principle he was to these kids. Have seen every movie he has been in, because I knew if he was in it, it was going to be a good movie.

[@lindamellingen5977]

Such an honest, unpretentious, wise man! ❤️

[@kaimichaeljansen9956]

One can only come away with even more admiration for the man & his way of being . . .

[@cehson]

What a legend he is ! God bless him !

[@WritingDialogue]

Morgan Freeman is so genuine, I love him.

[@phyllisyovone8961]

Well, the Interviewer, must go and regroup. He did not, do well, with a season Actor!

[@Teasehirt]

What a beautiful man, such presence it is easy to see how he choose Acting, but he would make an awesome leader.

[@mdf7697]

Morgan freeman is a brilliant person.

[@CultofThings]

md f he stopped aging since the 90s. It’s weird.

[@rachelfrees1268]

This human being is royal. I have been in love with him since first seeing him act. I’m 81 so it’s been a long time. God makes such glorious humans. Hope to know you in the spirit world.🥰

[@cecilyupdegraff5113]

One of my all time favorite actors. What a gifted actor, speaker and artist. I love everything I've seen him in, but now I am hoping for him that Meryl Streep saw this. What a team they would be!

[@johnhelpful4674]

He's one of a kind the best without question!?

[@lindalanning9376]

Pure delight. No stock answers, he thinks before speaking and has fun engaging with the audience in making fun of acting ego. Thankyou for this glimpse of a truly wonderful human being who just happens to be a fine actor👍

[@rustykoenig3566]

It is a shame that most people only know his "characters" and very little about the "man" behind them. He is one of the absolutely WISEST person I know. I absolutely loved an answer he gave in a interview where he was asked about "Black History Month". He leaves the host speechless and on the defensive end of the interview he was moderating. Was the interview he gave on 60 minutes and he absolutely crushed Mike Wallace! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJSvm2V5i6hkjLc

[@gregorylawson7007]

I fall asleep to this interview once a week. His voice is relaxing

[@stephengiese7549]

Take it easy. The interviewer is not charlie rose. The British do things differently. He is being interviewed. who cares who the interviewer is. I learned a lot more than what I already knew. Thanks Oxford and utube.

[@wildfyre-music]

Morgan Freeman displaces an absolute grace, and level headedness in this interview that is just refreshing. He's the real deal, and he really gets the intricacies of life.

[@HanaanBalala]

Amazing Man... Morgan Freeman Rocks!! I loved his answer, "I don't mind the term African-American; I don't like to be called African-American!"

[@boytroy88]

Sadly it seems like he is conforming to the mob. That message he recorded for the MLB game sure sounds like that.

[@just_another32]

@@boytroy88 really? How sad, seriously. Him and Denzel Washington seemed to be noble outliers.

[@TheScouser1234]

I LOVE IT.....AND NOT JUST BECAUSE OF THAT REMARK...IT IS SO TRUE ,,MY BLACK FRIENDS SAY THE SAME IE ' DAMN IT WHO PINNED THAT TITLE ON US NON AMERICANS ' ...SO TRUE. I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED MORGAN..BUT NOW I ADORE HIM mwahhhhh love you Honey .. Morgan... I wish I had heard WHO is his favorite Director...tried to catch it many times..PLEASE SOMEONE TELL ME WHO HE SAID WAS HIS FAVORITE DIRECTOR //

[@Joe-sn6ir]

@@TheScouser1234 you can thank the left/liberal race baiters for modern use of the term. it does go back to the very start of this country. as does many -American terms. either way, we are either American or not. And the left brow-beats everyone with hyphens so they can divide us. Mr Freeman sees this and tries to pass on the information. sadly...some people don't want to learn. :(

[@TheScouser1234]

@@just_another32 DEFINE. noble outliers...YES I AM AN IDIOT ..just want to hear your version

[@knjpollard]

This guy Morgan Freeman is brilliant, and people should really listen to the gold nuggets he drops in various interviews. His last name is indicative of him on so many levels.

[@michaelwallace8861]

Such a smooth, wonderful voice and accent.

[@itloads]

I wouldn't be able to lead an interview but the host has a lot of learning to do.

[@dannyr403]

One of my favorite actors. Also loved when he narrated Through The Wormhole.

[@davidparks6089]

I think I could have listened to Mr. Freeman for another hour and a half. I hope he shares his time with us again, he seems to be a very interesting man. I've always like his work.

[@Keen-eye]

The "I'm right" at 20:45 is just perfect. Only Morgan Freeman could say such a self centered phrase with such insight. I love how he also plays the crowd immediately after!

[@edwardkirkhope814]

Give the host a break. Being a good interviewer takes a lot of experience, skill and background knowledge? The guy tried hard. Who would not be intimidated (at least to begin with when interviewing a major Hollywood star like Morgan Freeman). He is an amazing narrator with such a powerful voice.

[@hyun8519]

Then he should not have been chosen but more importantly looks like he did a five minute search on google for questions this is oxford not grade 9

[@ishmaelforester9825]

He was shite never really asked him anything about his background or major films to be fair.

[@cavscout62]

I don’t understand why anyone would be “intimidated” by an actor. Why would you be intimidated by someone who pretends to be for a living? I don’t care how much $$$ an individual has or how famous someone is, the whole attitude that’s been constructed around the individuals who make up the “entertainment” industry has always been a puzzle to me. This person doing the “interview” is an absolute dolt.

[@peterlewis3540]

I quite agree, but when you have obviously paid the star a lot of money to turn up, at least have someone who is a skilled interviewer. It makes the personalities journey, so rewarding.

[@declanshanahan3888]

I agree, poor. The driving gag, went over his head and the audience. He’s an Oxford undergrad who hasn’t done his research. And for that reason get someone who is at least knowledgeable or a fan.

[@dianeperrin101]

Morgan Freeman,a wonderful actor,a great man with a powerful voice.I just love him!

[@snowfire4194]

He's such a legend.

[@mrboogang]

I just love how unlike American audiences who cheer and clap at every comment, sit back and listen, applauding where appropriate.

[@jeanrobinson7126]

He is so great at interviews! and acting! Love this man!💕

[@thomass5169]

Such a great actor, and it seams a great man.

[@biblebeliever1611]

Discipline and humility. Great advice for all of us.

[@susanm.jeavons]

I just adore this man. Would love to meet him some day. God bless you.

[@cindymaxa942]

You got to give it up for this man so amazing & thoughtful. Truly a amazing man.

[@jasonweidler5370]

Absolutely loved this q & a, he is so true to himself

[@greglander5227]

Morgan is one of the finest actors I have seen and I am 65

[@WarriorMigs24]

When it comes to actors there is no one better than Morgan Freeman thanks bro

[@janewinkles8859]

His voice is like harmonics rich life giving gentle waves lapping on the seashore wonderful actor and man have loved his films from the get go .

[@Bobby007D]

Morgan Freeman, one of greatest actors of all time !

[@Ritza.Elefteria.Michaki]

I admire him so much 😍 His voice is ❤❤❤❤❤ A professional person in his workplace.

[@thefirefox-bx3mx]

Thanks for your Service to this Great Nation Sir.

[@judithknights-rayson9284]

That was wonderful. A real actor, with his feet on the ground.

[@jakepreston8622]

Brilliant interview. The interviewer is young, and hence inexperienced, but he gave Morgan Freeman the talking points he needed to disclose important elements in his experience. The negative comments about him (below) aren't quite fair.

[@redhammer9910]

The question 'who did you look up to in your early career?' I knew he would say Sidney Portier. I remember him in To Sir with love. Great actor, great man. That explains good sir why you are the finest actor Hollywood has ever produced. A giant amongst the best. Great interview, very enjoyable.

[@elpllc7541]

Sidney Poitier was adulterous. He was a great actor but not a good persp

[@carolynfrazier5702]

I'VE ALWAYS ENJOYED HIS MOVIES BECAUSE HE IS SO REALISTIC. HIS PERSONA IS SO REAL IN HIS WORK. I SAW SHAW SHANK REDEMPTION & I LOVED HIS PART IN TOM CLANCY MOVIES. ACTORS WHO ARE NATURAL. GREAT GREAT ACTOR

[@leeschmiedeke3495]

One of my favorite actors, Morgan Freeman is one of the best, don’t think he’s ever done a bad part yet. He’s played some bad guys but even in those parts he was good. Like I said, he’s one of the best.

[@tstokes3921]

i love him.. gave my dauugher his name. my #1 since the electric company.

[@jambojambo313]

Such lucky Oxford students seeing & hearing ‘live’ all these famous people.

[@johncrazy8756]

I LOVE this GUY....not many actors like this man!! So down to earth!!!

[@navyseal6100]

Kind of awkward when Morgan Freeman says "What?" and everyone laughs. He's serious...

[@robhernandez1827]

Yes, you get that when you speak with children.

[@flyingviking5281]

@@robhernandez1827 And you, Luke, would have stepped up and answered his question about what was so funny?

[@robhernandez1827]

@@flyingviking5281 Morgan knew, the question is the kids, so if I had to be the bridge, why indeed.

[@hopemichiels6323]

Y'all act like this kid works for 60 minutes or CNN. Relax people he is just a cub

[@michaelpaulsmith4619]

Thank you for saying that. I feel exactly the same way

[@hyun8519]

No even his questions are crap

[@CultofThings]

No, this is personal.

[@adamsamuel8593]

CNN is a shitty network, so use a better example.

[@rosebarnwell6016]

Morgan Freeman is awesome. He is the best and most decent man.

[@violettavalery7229]

One of the finest actors in our time 🙂

[@TheErod09]

[ A positive force in the universe ] Well done Mr. Freeman

[@toni4729]

Morgan Freeman must have been in about a hundred films. A brilliant actor and an amazing man.

[@oldmanfromscenetwentyfour8164]

This could have been one of the best interviews OU has put out BUT the interviewer was ill prepared for Mr Freeman. An interview is supposed to be a conversation. He asked stock questions, he had no plan, there was no flow in his questions. I half expected him to ask Mr Freeman what his favorite color was and did he like pizza? It was very juvenile. Mr Freeman was patient but one could tell he was bored with the event.

[@KamuiFuma81]

Dont you think that the lack of flow could be because of Freeman. It is known that he is a tough interview partner. He was hard on the interviewer.

[@dfwboxingisback9173]

It could be said, however the best interviewees do not need priming. Give them a question, and they take over. See Big George. BEEEEYACH

[@Svensk7119]

"That's where the real work comes in." Promoting my own book, yes. There is a lot of truth to this. Thank you, Mister Freeman.

[@stevelastname2454]

The best for me. Watching you for a very long time. Love your work. Thank you.

[@miltiadiskyvernitis]

That interviewer has many things to learn, the starting point of that being sitting etiquette. It's like he wasn't taught to sit straight at home.

[@IDieAlotAlot]

the interviewer was out of his depth, but an interview with Morgan freeman is a very nice thing to write on your C.V

[@davidmorris3899]

An honest man is hard to find these days, to find Mr Freeman is akin to finding the purest of diamonds, only he is worth infinitely more, he is so grounded, so......Just so human. Legend.

[@danielw5850]

About 10 years ago, Morgan Freeman slipped (unnoticed) into a London Primary School to read to the Reception Class children (4-5 year-olds), before "going-home time"; authentic geezer!

[@urmadalabco6078]

The interviewer acts like he knows everything. Instead of saying “your first kiss onscreen was...” he should’ve asked “who was your first kiss onscreen”. No need to flex research and shit bruh even street nikkas know dis

[@LGPanthers1]

I admired Freeman's way of handling having a neophyte as someone to interview him. Regardless of him being a student or not, I'd expect much better. Wonderful video despite the the interviewer.

[@MrKiet76]

I like all of his movies especially Robin Hood, the outbreak, and Bruce Almighty! Great actor. I’m glad they all made him feel welcomed!

[@georgemineos]

During our times of admiring celebrities rather than actors, MF gives an example of humility and seriousness. The most admirable is the respect he showed to the young interviewer and his questions.

[@farbrore]

No. This is a great interview because it’s different. You can tell Morgan enjoys it. What is being “professional”? Acting as all the other “professional” interviewers? Standard questions? Standard reactions?

[@marksmith823]

Love this man ! You never see him tongue in cheek ! I fine southern gentleman that has a canny about him that is uplifting ! Never a film that I disliked with him in it ! I respect him and his opinions. Thank you Mr Freeman for the dedication to be the best ! 👍👍🤗🤗❤️❤️

[@peteabrh-fairest9463]

Morgan Freeman, "the" number one iconic actor in my time. What an incredibly gifted articulate and intelligent man Morgan truly is. Whether starring in a movie, stage or narrating a television series such as through the wormhole, he is and will remain in my estimation, the worlds finest actor 👏

[@CatsCoffeeGuitars]

I love how wisely he brushed off that SJW questions the interviewer tried to implement into the conversation :D got nothing but respect and admiration towards Morgan Freeman.

[@danielsantavicca2803]

At 6:58, the audience was totally clueless when he said Siminowski. He even gave them a facial expression and a head turn. Classic case of the out to lunch high achieving academic puppets that run our society

[@stephanbielawski9462]

That hit me like a ton of bricks. You could've heard a pin drop.

[@donstuart7360]

True & Reality in a character can't be suppressed even if he's being directed. The interview shows how people are so simple and program by actors.

[@judyphillips9333]

Wonderful person, fascinating person, fun actor, REAL person.

[@don14vito]

For those of you getting on the interviewer's back, he's still a student (presumably). I can't imagine it's easy for more seasoned interviewers to speak to Morgan Freeman, let alone a novice. Also, Freeman is doing that thing that old guys do with young guys, where he decides to keep testing his nerve. At the end, Freeman says well done, so most of it was in good humour.

[@jc6594]

Happy 80th Birthday Morgan Freeman

[@aryastark772]

Wonderful man, sharp, intelligent, kind and good humoured

[@matthewstegall7392]

Looking Forward to Meeting You Brother! Amen!

[@ldoetsch]

Wow. The interviewer is young. Give him a break. Morgan Freeman is a great man and a national treasure. It must have been very intimidating for the interviewer.

[@chrislecky710]

The greatest gift anyone can give you, Is a request to become someone significant in your life. Never forget it either. the people that really matter will purposely ensure they address you in this way only. Because they want their ACTIONS to be that which truly speaks to you, not their empty words or promises. Its time humanity gained the correct perspective.

[@evangelista6442]

I enjoyed listening.

[@richardjones4536]

Morgan may have enjoyed this young polite interviewer, it's good to see him have center stage , what a joy......

As an older white man.....and seeing most of Mr. Freeman's movies----He is one of my hero's!!! He truly doesn't see color and makes NO excuses for failure or success based on race. The interviewer didn't ask the best questions.