Morgan Freeman gives $1 million to Obama super PAC

Actor Morgan Freeman is the newest seven-figure donor to the Obama super PAC Priorities USA Action, POLITICO has confirmed.

In a statement, Freeman lauded both the president's record and Priorities USA for its role in the 2012 campaign.

"President Obama has done a remarkable job in historically difficult circumstances. He ended combat operations in Iraq, put in place sensible reforms of Wall Street, saved the auto industry and protected the health care of every American. He has led our nation to be more tolerant and placed impressive, accomplished women on the Supreme Court. In return, he is the target of hundreds of millions of dollars from right-wing sources," Freeman said. "I am proud to lend my voice — and support — to those who defend him. Priorities USA Action is doing a great job of protecting the values I believe in. I am happy to help them and I hope others will join me."

The donation comes as Priorities continues to run harsh ads attacking Mitt Romney for his record at Bain Capital and some wealthy potential contributors give the group a second look. Freeman also appears in the superhero movie of the summer, "The Dark Knight Rises," opening this week.

Freeman is a more useful donor, for PR and buzz-generating purposes, than the Hollywood figure to cut a million-dollar check: Bill Maher.