Legendary Actor Shares Insights on "The Jennifer Hudson Show
Morgan Freeman, renowned for his deep and resonant voice, has revealed the secret behind his iconic vocal style. In an interview on "The Jennifer Hudson Show," the Academy Award-winning actor attributed his signature voice to a former acting coach who taught him the importance of vocal relaxation.
While discussing his six-decade career and offering advice to aspiring performers, Freeman shared that his voice wasn't always as deep as it is today. Growing up in the South, he had a higher-pitched voice with a thick southern accent.
It was during his evening acting classes at Los Angeles City College that a voice instructor helped Freeman transform his voice. The instructor "tore down" and "fixed" Freeman's voice, teaching him to relax his vocal muscles through techniques like yawning and chest exercises.
Freeman explained that by consistently practicing these techniques, he was able to lower his voice over time. He emphasized the importance of relaxation and opening up the chest to allow for better airflow.
Freeman attended LACC in the early 1960s and has spoken about the development of his voice throughout his career. In a 2007 appearance on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien," he dismissed the notion that his voice was a natural gift, crediting his acting coach for helping him hone his vocal skills.
