Morgan Freeman doesn't have a wife today, as he hasn't remarried following his high-profile divorces. Over his decades-long career, the legendary actor has been married twice: first to Jeanette Adair Bradshaw from 1967 to 1979, and later to costume designer and artist Myrna Colley-Lee from 1984 to 2010. While pop culture headlines frequently chase details about his personal life, his second wife carved out an independent identity rooted in the arts long before and long after their separation.
Understanding the reality behind Hollywood relationships requires looking past the red carpet glare. This article explores Morgan Freeman's marital history, focusing heavily on his longest union with Myrna Colley-Lee, her artistic contributions, and the true timeline of his family life.
The Marital History of Morgan Freeman
Morgan Freeman's journey through marriage spans two distinct eras of his life, tracking his rise from regional theater to global silver-screen icon.
First Marriage: Jeanette Adair Bradshaw
Freeman's first wife was Jeanette Adair Bradshaw. The couple married in 1967 during the formative years of Freeman's acting career, when he was heavily involved in off-Broadway productions and regional stage work. The marriage lasted for twelve years before ending in divorce in 1979. During this time, Freeman welcomed his biological son Alfonso, and he also adopted Bradshaw's daughter, Deena. Details regarding this early period remain private, as Freeman was not yet a mainstream cinematic fixture.
Second Marriage: Myrna Colley-Lee
In June 1984, Freeman married Myrna Colley-Lee, an accomplished costume designer and art enthusiast. This union lasted for twenty-six years, anchoring Freeman through his breakout roles in films like Driving Miss Daisy and The Shawshank Redemption. The couple chose a quiet life away from Los Angeles, primarily residing in Charleston and Tallahatchie County, Mississippi.
The marriage drew public scrutiny over the years, and the couple separated in 2007 before finalizing an acrimonious divorce in 2010. Since the finalization of that divorce, Freeman has remained unmarried.
Who Is Myrna Colley-Lee?
Labeling Myrna Colley-Lee merely as an ex-wife overlooks a prolific career in fine arts, theater, and education. Born in Moorhead, Mississippi, she pursued rigorous academic training to build her professional portfolio.
She earned her master's degree in scenic and costume design from Temple University in Philadelphia. Her creative output spans theatrical productions, independent films, and cultural curation. Notably, she worked on the costume and wardrobe department for projects such as the 1985 documentary Frederick Douglass: An American Life.
Beyond design, Colley-Lee dedicated her time to cultural preservation. She served as a commissioner for the Mississippi Arts Commission and sat on the boards of various museums and arts organizations. Her philanthropic efforts focus heavily on nurturing young creative talents and preserving African American artistic heritage in the American South.
Family and Children
Freeman's family structure includes four children from multiple relationships, along with extended family members who have occasionally found themselves in the public eye:
- Alfonso Freeman: Born to Jeanette Adair Bradshaw, Alfonso has occasionally pursued acting and voice work, following his father's footsteps.
- Saifoulaye Freeman: Born in 1960, Saifoulaye maintains a private lifestyle completely removed from Hollywood media.
- Deena Freeman: Adopted during Freeman's first marriage, Deena works as a professional hairstylist.
- Morgana Freeman: The youngest daughter, born in 1971, who has dabbled in creative arts.
During his marriage to Colley-Lee, the couple did not have biological children together, but they jointly raised members of their extended family, including step-granddaughter E'Dena Hines.
Common Misconceptions About Hollywood Marriages
Internet folklore often distorts celebrity relationships, generating myths about secret weddings or sudden reconciliations.
- The Rumor of Remarriage: Tabloids periodically link Freeman to various romantic partners or claim he has secretly wed. Official records show he has not remarried since his 2010 divorce.
- The Nature of the Separation: While gossip columns sensationalized the 2007 split, both parties handled the legal dissolution through private legal counsel, and Colley-Lee transitioned her focus back entirely to her curatorial and artistic projects.
You can read more about cinematic milestones on IMDb or explore regional American art history via the National Endowment for the Arts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Morgan Freeman currently married?
No. Morgan Freeman is not married. He has been divorced twice, with his second marriage to Myrna Colley-Lee ending in 2010, and he has not remarried since.
How long was Morgan Freeman married to Myrna Colley-Lee?
They were married for 26 years, tying the knot in 1984 and divorcing formally in 2010 after separating a few years prior.
What is Myrna Colley-Lee's profession?
She is a professional costume designer, set designer, and fine artist who holds a master's degree from Temple University. She is also heavily involved in arts philanthropy and cultural curation.
How many children does Morgan Freeman have?
Freeman has four children: Alfonso, Saifoulaye, Deena, and Morgana.
