Morgan Freeman, Hollywood star: “By age 40, you should be smart enough to realize this”

Morgan Freeman has spent more than six decades in front of the cameras, has appeared in more than 100 films, and won an Oscar. At 89, retirement is not among his plans either. The actor has a simple explanation for continuing to work: staying active.

In an interview with AARP published in November 2025, Freeman spoke about his career, the passing of the years, and the reason he continues to accept new projects. When he was asked directly whether he planned to retire, he was blunt: “No, no.” He then explained why he keeps working.

'"There is a saying about old age: ‘Keep moving’ , and what Clint Eastwood says: ‘Don’t let the old man in’. The way to do that is to keep getting up in the morning, keep working out at the gym, keep taking your vitamins, keep taking the medications you’ve been prescribed, and keep moving. Keep moving. That’s the secret to everything ,” he stated.'

The Clint Eastwood phrase that Morgan Freeman made his own

Freeman took as a reference one of Clint Eastwood's best-known phrases : “Don’t let the old man in” , which can be translated as “No dejes entrar al viejo”.

'“ Most days, when it’s sunny, that’s what I think: Are we going to be able to play golf today? ,” he said. Freeman lives next to a golf course and plays whenever he can.'

The years, of course, have forced the actor to make some adjustments. Freeman explained that he has problems with his right foot and that walking too much can be difficult for him, so he uses a cart during part of his rounds. Even so, golf remains one of his priorities.

And he still allowed himself a little joke about his level: “I'm pretty good. For an amateur, I'm pretty good.”

The Oscar did not change the way he looked

Freeman also recalled the Oscar he won in 2005 for Best Supporting Actor for Million Dollar Baby. The recognition, he explained, did not change who he was.

“It didn’t change me one bit”, he said. According to Freeman, winning the Oscar could translate into better professional opportunities and perhaps an increase in his fees, but nothing more.

“The only thing you can expect after winning an Oscar is that maybe your price will go up a little and your job opportunities will increase a little” , he explained. And he left a warning: “Don’t let your ego take over.”

The best advice he ever received in his life

During an interview, Freeman also revealed what he considers the best advice he has ever been given. It was not a phrase from another actor or from one of his great Hollywood colleagues. "Never look for trouble"

"Who told him?" The answer was even more curious: "A train driver".

Freeman also spoke about the people who shaped his career. He mentioned Sidney Poitier as one of his great mentors and chose Meryl Streep when he was asked which actress he would still like to work with.

“Absolutely. She’s at the very top of my list. She’s the best,” he said about Streep.

Morgan Freeman doesn't have a bucket list

At 89, Freeman also doesn't seem worried about completing a bucket list before turning 90. He then defined himself in a very simple way: “I’m just a traveling actor”.

Meanwhile, his career continues. In Now You See Me: Now You Don’t he reprised his role as Thaddeus Bradley, the character he had already played in the previous installments of the saga.

The film arrived in theaters in November 2025, but for Freeman the project seems to fit into a philosophy that goes far beyond one specific movie. At 89, his answer on how to face the passage of time remains the same: r ise, work, and keep moving.