Laurence Fishburne Age During The Matrix
Laurence Fishburne was born on July 30, 1961, making him 31 years old when principal photography for The Matrix began in 1992 and completed in 1993. He was 32 when the film premiered in March 1999. The Wachowskis cast him as Morpheus, the leader of the human resistance, based on his commanding screen presence and prior work in film and theater.
Fishburne's age placed him in his early thirties during the production timeline, aligning with the character's authoritative demeanor. The Matrix was produced by Village Roadshow Pictures and Warner Bros., with filming across Sydney and Chicago. The film's visual effects were handled by Manex Visual Effects, and the soundtrack featured work from artists signed to labels including Maverick Records and Epic Records.
Laurence Fishburne Birth Year and Career Timeline
Born in 1961, Fishburne started acting as a child, appearing on Broadway at age 10. By the time he was cast in The Matrix, he had already earned an Emmy Award for his role in the miniseries Roots and had starred in John Singleton's Boyz n the Hood. His career spans decades of film, television, and stage work.
Fishburne's age during The Matrix also reflected his extensive experience; he was already a seasoned actor with credits including The Color Purple and Akeelah and the Bee. He later reprised the role of Morpheus in The Matrix Resurrections, released in 2021, when he was 59 years old. His career longevity is documented by sources such as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Key Facts About Laurence Fishburne and The Matrix
The Matrix was released on March 31, 1999, and grossed over $460 million worldwide against a production budget of $63 million. Laurence Fishburne was 37 at the time of release. The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Visual Effects and Best Film Editing, and is frequently cited in lists of greatest sci-fi films.
Fishburne's portrayal of Morpheus was shaped by his age and life experience, bringing gravitas to the philosophical themes of the story. The Matrix franchise expanded with sequels, animated shorts, and video games, with the core trilogy produced by Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures. The film's influence on the action genre and its cultural impact are well-documented by entertainment industry analysts and outlets like Forbes.