Morgan Freeman isn’t interested in retirement. At 87, he’s still working and loving it.

“I’m not digging tunnels or building buildings. My work is refreshing and pleasant. The more the better. Lying around with no job is debilitating.”

Despite his calm screen presence and legendary voice, Freeman’s path to success wasn’t easy. He remembers vividly the worst job he ever had handing out coffee and donuts after a short-lived dancing gig.

“One night a guy I used to work with walked in. I tried to hide under the counter. He saw me and said he was on his way to his new show. That moment was terrible.”

But things turned around. Freeman didn’t get his big break until he was 30 and he’s been working ever since.

“So yes, I’ve lived more happy days than unhappy.”

The Best and the Worst

When asked what the best thing anyone ever did for him was, he answers in true Freeman fashion:

“My mother opening her legs and squirting me out.”

And the worst?

“It hasn’t really happened yet.”

Zen Vibes… And Misidentification

Freeman owns up to being a pretty Zen guy, even when people mistake him for Samuel L. Jackson.

“People are always yelling ‘Yo, Morgan!’ at Sam. That’s why Sam comes on stage and says, ‘I am not Morgan Freeman.’”

They go way back.

“We’ve known each other since the ’80s. We’re not hang-out friends, but it’s a long-standing friendship.”

Mississippi Over Hollywood

After 30 years in New York, Freeman moved back to Mississippi in search of peace and sunlight.

“I lived on the third floor with no natural light. I didn’t even know my neighbors. That’s not for me.”

He enjoys more privacy there though not completely.

“I can’t go to Walmart or Target. It’s not possible to buy toothpaste without becoming an event.”

Still, he handles the fame in his own way.

“People always want something. A signature, a selfie. I usually say no. If your wife thinks you’re lying about meeting me, you’re a liar.” (laughs)

The Earrings?

They’re not just for style.

“They’re worth enough to buy me a coffin if I die in a strange place. That’s why sailors used to wear them.”