“He’s doing what I wanted to do”: Morgan Freeman Felt Jealous of 2 Times Oscar Winning Actor’s Career, Addressed Black Actors’ Progress in Hollywood

Fans may think that an actor like Morgan Freeman never feels insecure about his work since his lengthy career in the show business industry made him a legend, but little did they know he feels envious of one Hollywood celebrity.

Morgan Freeman

Freeman will always be the voice anyone would recognize, and his award-winning movies as well as humanitarian advocacies prove the sort of influence he possesses. While many would think he has done it all, The Shawshank Redemption star believes Denzel Washington does exactly what he dreams to do.

Morgan Freeman Expresses Envy Over Denzel Washington’s Successful Career

Denzel Washington

In an interview with The Sunday Times, the Angel Has Fallen actor revealed he is “envious” of Denzel Washington’s career. Morgan Freeman looked back and reflected on his life and works, and came to realize that he is now in the “autumn of life”:

“When I was growing up there was no ‘me’ in the movies. If there was a black man in a movie he was funny. Until Sidney Poitier came and gave young people like me the idea that, ‘OK, yes, I can do that.’”

Freeman discussed the generational progress of modern Black actors in Hollywood. Washington sets an example after he starred in several critically-acclaimed films, such as Glory (1989) and Training Day (2001), which earned him Oscar awards and nominations.

“And I spoke with Sidney way back. He said, ‘I wanted to be like you.’ Generationally, though, I do think we’re moving ahead in leaps and bounds.”

Washington is 17 years younger than Freeman, and obviously, the times have changed as they both made their names during different eras. The Lucy actor expressed his admiration for Washington’s performance and ability to captivate the audience.

Morgan Freeman

Unlike Washington, Freeman’s career started during the time when Hollywood imposed strict restrictions on on-screen performances for Black actors. It coincided with the so-called Hays Code in the US. According to NPR, the policy bans certain content for major studios, including interracial romances, which lasted for 40 years.

His early career was heavily affected by the policy since he primarily worked in theater and landed a role in a children’s show. Freeman was already 52 when he started getting more significant roles.

Despite Freeman’s jealousy over Washington’s success, he still expressed support for his fellow actor. When the Malcolm X star went to receive the 47th AFI Life Achievement Award in 2019, Freeman was there in the ceremony and he gave his praises, saying: “He’s making contact with you. That’s one of the things that makes him extraordinary.”

Denzel Washington Gives A Moving Tribute To Morgan Freeman

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington also paid tribute to Morgan Freeman during his speech at The Kennedy Center back in 2008. The two high-profile actors have both starred in the 1989 movie Glory and have since then maintained their strong friendship. Washington shared their first encounter and went on to acknowledge Freeman:

“This great man that I’ve been fortunate to know and call a friend for 29 years now. He lives on the same patch of land in Mississippi that his grandparents worked, sails his own boat by himself to the Bahamas, flies his own plane by himself around the country. Morgan Freeman is very much his own man.”

Washington concluded his moving speech by expressing how proud and honored he is to have known and worked with a magnificent actor like Freeman. The Now You See Me star was clearly touched and humbled by the words, finally giving a quick salute to his “dear friend” in the end.