Zach Braff Says Morgan Freeman Became His ‘Voicemail’ After Losing a Bet

Zach Braff has revealed a humorous anecdote from his time working with the legendary Morgan Freeman, following a bet that has left a lasting mark on their friendship. The actor and director, who has collaborated with Freeman on multiple occasions, shared the story during an appearance on The View, which aired on 2 March 2023.

The duo first worked together in 2017 on the film *Going in Style* and reunited again in 2023 for *A Good Person*. During their time together, Braff made a light-hearted wager with Freeman, which resulted in the Oscar-winner’s voice becoming the outgoing message on Braff’s voicemail for several years. “Morgan lost a bet to me,” Braff explained. “For years, my message was, ‘Hello, this is Morgan Freeman. Zach Braff can’t come to the phone right now.'”

This amusing twist highlights the camaraderie that developed between them during filming. Braff, known for his directorial work and acting, expressed surprise at Freeman’s willingness to join him for *A Good Person*. He described the challenges of making the film during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in New Jersey. Braff shared how he had reached out to Freeman, not expecting a positive outcome.

“I just thought, ‘He’s given me a courtesy call.’ I picked it up, and he didn’t even say hello,” Braff recounted. “He just said, ‘I see myself on every page of the script.’ I said, ‘Does that mean yes?’ and he said, ‘Yes, that means yes.’ It was thrilling, but then we had to figure out how to make it happen in COVID times.”

Freeman’s quick acceptance of the role showcased his enduring talent and passion for acting, despite the complexities of filming during a pandemic. The collaboration between the two, particularly given their age difference, demonstrates the mutual respect and admiration they have for each other’s crafts.

During his appearance on The View, Braff also discussed his experiences directly with another Hollywood icon, Harrison Ford, in his project *Shrinking* on Apple TV+. Providing insight into their working relationship, Braff detailed a moment of levity they shared on set. “I told him a story I probably can’t tell here, but I love making him laugh,” he said, describing Ford’s initial gruff demeanor, which hides a more personable nature. “Once you get past that, we have a good time together.”

The lighthearted atmosphere on set seems to be a common thread in Braff’s experiences with these iconic actors. He noted that both Freeman and Ford have become accustomed to people acting strangely around their fame, and he has opted to treat them as just normal individuals. This approach has seemingly fostered genuine connections between him and the stars.

“When you mention you’re this boy from New Jersey, and then suddenly you’re directing Harrison Ford, it feels surreal,” Braff admitted. He highlighted the importance of maintaining a friendly and relaxed environment for all involved. This technique aids in easing the tension that can accompany working with high-profile figures.

Alongside his work in *Shrinking*, Braff has recently reprised his role in the *Scrubs* revival, which saw its tenth season premiere on 25 February 2023. As he continues to navigate his career in front of and behind the camera, Braff’s enthusiasm for storytelling and collaboration remains evident.

As the interview wrapped up, Braff expressed gratitude for the experiences he has had while working with such renowned actors as Freeman and Ford. With a career filled with memorable moments and lessons learned, it is clear that Braff’s journey in Hollywood continues to be shaped by both his talent and the relationships he builds along the way.