Legendary actor Morgan Freeman, now 88, says he sometimes entertains the idea of retiring from acting — though he isn’t making any firm plans just yet. In a wide-ranging interview about age, longevity and the meaning of work, Freeman allowed that the thought crosses his mind — but added he will keep performing as long as roles continue to come his way.
Freeman admits that after more than six decades in the spotlight his “appetite” for acting has dimmed slightly, though not enough to force retirement. “The appetite is still there,” he told reporters. “I will concede that it’s dimmed a little. But not enough to make a serious difference.”
He explained that every time his agent calls with a job offer — or someone says “they want you” — the old familiar feeling returns. Roles still matter, as does the chance to be part of a good story. “As soon as my agent says there’s a job or somebody wants you … the whole thing just boils back into where it was yesterday,” he said.
Staying in Motion On and Off Screen
Freeman credits much of his sustained drive to the simple philosophy borrowed from fellow actor Clint Eastwood: “Don’t let the old man in.” That means staying active — physically, mentally and creatively. “Keep moving. That is the secret to it all,” Freeman told the magazine.
Keeping busy seems to help. Freeman recently returned to the screen in the upcoming film Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, reprising his role as illusion debunker Thaddeus Bradley. He has also appeared in television and other film projects within the past year, underscoring that — despite some fatigue — he remains engaged in his craft.
Still, Freeman acknowledges that aging has changed the way he views his work and life. Approaching 90, he says questions like “Will I still be playing golf?” matter more than box office returns.
Freeman remains clear that he is not actively planning a farewell to acting. For him, retirement doesn’t feel like a decision — rather, it will arrive if and when the phone stops ringing. “If your phone keeps ringing, you’re probably going to keep working,” he once told a journalist.