Morgan Freeman and Ben Vereen Share Why ‘Disregarded’ Stories About Black History Need to Be Told: ‘It’s Important’ (Exclusive)

**Morgan Freeman and Ben Vereen Champion Untold Stories in The Gray House**

As Juneteenth approaches, renowned actors Morgan Freeman and Ben Vereen are keen to share the narratives of unsung heroes from Black history. Their latest endeavour, *The Gray House*, strikes a chord with both men, who highlight the significance of recounting stories that have often remained in the shadows.

In a recent conversation with PEOPLE, Freeman, aged 89, emphasised the vital role of storytelling in honouring their ancestors. “We do want our stories told, and like Ben says, our ancestors are demanding,” he asserted. Freeman, who also serves as one of the executive producers of the new series, believes it is crucial to illuminate the contributions of Black individuals throughout American history, which he feels are often overlooked.

Vereen, 79, shares Freeman’s sentiments, noting that his role as Isham Worthy felt like a continuation of his 1977 portrayal of Chicken George in the acclaimed miniseries *Roots*. “It’s about our ancestors, and our ancestors will not be erased or put aside,” he remarked passionately. Both actors agree that the responsibility of sharing these important tales lies with them, reinforcing Freeman’s assertion that “if you want the story told, you have to tell it.”

*The Gray House* is an eight-part limited series that unravels the true stories of three remarkable women, portrayed by Daisy Head, Mary-Louise Parker, and Amethyst Davis, who played pivotal roles during the American Civil War. The narrative centres around a Virginia socialite, her mother, and their formerly enslaved maid as they transform their Underground Railroad into a perilous spy network, showcasing the courage and determination of women during a tumultuous period.

In this historical project, Vereen portrays an Underground Railroad conductor who provides guidance and strategic support to the women involved in the spy ring. He approached his character with care, recognising the importance of accurately capturing the spirit of a conductor, distinct from his previous roles. “I had to really sit back and think about how I would approach him,” he explained. His commitment to understanding the character further illustrates the depth of storytelling that *The Gray House* aspires to achieve.

Despite the relevance of these narratives, Vereen encountered scepticism when he began discussing his role with others. Some expressed little interest in stories centered around slavery, which he found disheartening. “How can you figure out where you are if you don’t know where you came from?” he questioned. He believes it is essential to confront history rather than erase it, as understanding the past is crucial for navigating the future.

The journey to feature more stories like *The Gray House* on screen is fraught with challenges, according to Vereen, but he sees hope through the efforts of passionate advocates like Freeman. “We need warriors like Morgan, along with Lori McCreary and Leslie Greif, to push against the walls of resistance,” he explained. Their determination fuels the push for these important narratives to emerge.

The historical drama has inspired both Freeman and Vereen to seek out and tell more untold stories within Black history. Freeman specifically referenced the need to illuminate the tragic events of the Tulsa Massacre. “That story isn’t told, and we’re going to tell it,” he affirmed, highlighting an area of history that demands attention.

*The Gray House* is available for streaming on Prime Video, inviting viewers to engage with the narratives of resilience, courage, and determination that have shaped Black history. Through their dedication, both Freeman and Vereen aim not only to entertain but also to educate and inspire audiences about the profound impact of lesser-known stories.