Ep 3. Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman's episode of Oprah Presents Master Class in season 2 is an insightful portrayal of the man himself. Freeman is a legendary actor and has featured in countless films and TV series, marking him as one of the most celebrated actors of the century. He has won several awards, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, and has been nominated for several others.

In this episode, Oprah Winfrey leads us on a journey into the life of Morgan Freeman, outlining his humble beginnings and rise to stardom. Freeman talks about his childhood in Mississippi, and the influence his grandparents, who raised him, had on him. He reflects on how their values and principles, which revolved around respect, hard work and dignity, shaped him to be the man he is today. This early exposure to responsible values planted seeds that would bloom later in life, forming the pillars of his character.

Freeman also shares his early academic struggles, highlighting how he was not a great student. He even narrates how he was incarcerated for a short while for a youthful mistake. These moments in his life drove him to conclude that he needed to be self-reliant, to choose his own path in life and make his way.

Freeman's journey from imprisonment to becoming a legendary actor was a long and difficult road, and it's fascinating to see how his early challenges made him the determined actor he is today. He talks about his unswerving passion for acting and how he started acting in his teenage years at a community theatre. He reflects on the satisfaction that acting brought him and speaks at length about his first film role – in "Who Says I Can't Ride a Rainbow!" – and the significance of that experience.

Throughout the show, we see numerous clips of Freeman's films, each of which highlights his talent and the essence of his craft. Freeman gives his interpretations and reveals what he thinks makes acting special, using his roles in the films "Driving Miss Daisy," "Shawshank Redemption," and "The Dark Knight" to illustrate his point further.

Freeman also talks about his dedication to the art of storytelling and the importance of language and communication. He emphasizes how communication and language can build bridges between people and cultures, highlighting how language forms the foundation for our human connections. In particular, he speaks about how he learned to speak Xhosa for his role in the film "Invictus" – which portrayed Nelson Mandela's efforts to bring unity to the country by having the South African rugby team win the Rugby World Cup – and the thrill he took in fulfilling that challenge.

Overall, Morgan Freeman's episode of Oprah Presents Master Class provides a bird's eye view of what influenced his life and character. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in a deep understanding of what it takes to become an outstanding actor and person, the influence of our life's choices and how hard work and dedication pays off in the end. What's more, Freeman's authenticity and the nuggets of wisdom he shares make this episode a delight to watch, even for those not keen on acting.