Morgan Freeman shares his memories of Nelson MandelaPosted by Wilson Morales
December 10, 2013
With the passing of former South Africa President Nelson Mandela, there have been lots of reflection and memories being shared by those who knew him.
In the film world, we’ve read statements from actors who played the iconic legend on the big screen, from Danny Glover, Terrence Howard, and Idris Elba.
Recently, while speaking with Oscar winner Morgan Freeman on the set of his latest film, Dolphin 2, the Mississippi native shared his recollection on meeting and knowing Mandela.
“I got to meet Madiba back in the 90s because originally I was scheduled to do his book ‘Long Walk to Freedom.’ We became friends over a period of years that we were developing and ultimately, I didn’t do it, but we did ‘Invictus,’ which was another story about him altogether. During that whole period, we became rather close. I told him when I met in the 90s that if I was going to play him, I needed access and be close enough to hold his hand and he said, “That’s fine.”
“I’ve known for the past three months that he was on his way out. The first time when he was in the hospital with pneumonia and everybody was asking about him, I said that I think he was negotiating his finish. He probably got what he wanted before he left. It’s what he usually does. This was a life that will go on. We will always, always remember Madiba. I don’t think anyone will ever forget him.”
