Morgan Freeman reveals stage fright and recalls ‘terrifying’ incident

Actor Morgan Freeman has revealed he suffers from stage fright, saying he once forgot his lines in a “terrifying” incident.

The 87-year-old told Good Morning Britain that theatre work is “too hard a challenge for me” and said he will not be trying it again.

Freeman last appeared on stage as David Boles in Dustin Lance Black play 8, about the Perry v Schwarzenegger trial which led to the overturn of an amendment banning same-sex marriages in California.

Speaking about his experiences on stage, Freeman said: “I’ve been to plays at the West End, and that was when I was stage conscious.

“Now I’m not stage conscious because stage is too hard a challenge for me.

“Last time I remember being on stage, I forgot my lines, and I can’t tell you how terrifying that is.

Morgan Freeman smiling
Freeman last appeared on stage in 8 (Isabel Infantes/PA)

“You can’t do that on stage, and I’m terrified to go back and try it.”

Freeman also told of his enjoyment at working on the latest series of Paramount+ spy thriller Special Ops: Lioness.

“I certainly enjoy working, having a stroke of luck, as it were, being able to continue as I am, playing this role,” he said.

“But this cast is one of the high points of life, I’m thrilled with myself, to put it mildly.”

During his career, Freeman won a best supporting actor Oscar for Million Dollar Baby, and is also known for roles in Shawshank Redemption (1995), Driving Miss Daisy (1990), and Invictus (2009).

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