Morgan Freeman does not currently have a wife. Over his decades-long career as an iconic Hollywood actor, narrator, and producer, he has been married twice, with both marriages ultimately ending in divorce. His first marriage was to Jeanette Adair Bradshaw, lasting from 1967 to 1979. His second marriage was to costume designer Myrna Colley-Lee, lasting from 1984 until their separation in 2007 and final divorce in 2010. Since then, he has remained unmarried and guards his personal life closely.
Understanding Freeman's marital history requires looking past tabloid headlines to examine the women he married, how long those relationships lasted, and what happened after they separated. Public curiosity often blends his film roles with his personal life, but his actual history involves two distinct partnerships that shaped much of his adult life before he achieved global superstardom.
First Marriage: Jeanette Adair Bradshaw (1967–1979)
Morgan Freeman married his first wife, Jeanette Adair Bradshaw, on October 24, 1967. At the time, Freeman was still struggling to establish himself as a professional actor, working various jobs and trying to find his footing on stage and screen.
During their 12-year marriage, the couple welcomed a daughter named Morgana. Freeman also adopted Bradshaw's daughter, Deena, from a previous relationship. The family navigated the lean years of Freeman's early career together, long before breakout roles in films like Driving Miss Daisy and The Shawshank Redemption brought him international fame.
By 1979, the relationship had run its course. The couple filed for divorce, which was finalized late that year. Unlike many partners of rising Hollywood stars, Bradshaw chose to step completely away from the public eye. She avoided media attention, gave no public interviews about the split, and maintained a quiet life far removed from Hollywood glamour.
Second Marriage: Myrna Colley-Lee (1984–2010)
Five years after his first divorce, Freeman married his second wife, Myrna Colley-Lee, on June 16, 1984. Colley-Lee was an accomplished artist, set painter, and costume designer who studied at the Woman's College of the University of North Carolina and Brooklyn College.
Throughout their marriage, Colley-Lee built a respected career in the arts. She designed costumes for more than 70 theatrical productions across the United States and became a prominent figure in the Black Theatre Movement. She later served as a commissioner for the Mississippi Arts Commission and curated major art exhibitions celebrating African American culture.
The couple split their time between New York City and a sprawling ranch in Charleston, Mississippi. Though they did not have biological children together, Colley-Lee helped raise members of Freeman's extended family, including his step-granddaughter E'Dena Hines.
The Separation and Divorce
After 26 years together, the marriage began to fracture. In December 2007, Freeman and Colley-Lee separated following persistent tabloid rumors regarding Freeman's personal life and extra-marital affairs.
The divorce proceedings took nearly three years to finalize, culminating in September 2010. Because the legal proceedings were handled privately through attorneys without a public trial, exact financial details were sealed. However, media reports widely estimated that Colley-Lee received a substantial settlement encompassing real estate and cash.
Following the divorce, Colley-Lee continued her philanthropic work, supporting organizations such as the Rock River Foundation and the Mississippi State University Department of Art. She remains a respected patron of the arts without leaning on her ex-husband's fame. Detailed biographies and career milestones for Colley-Lee are cataloged by outlets like Amomama and Legit.ng.
Freeman's Family and Children
Freeman's marriages and relationships produced a blended family consisting of four children:
- Alfonso Freeman: Born from a relationship prior to his first marriage, Alfonso followed his father into acting and appeared in films like The Shawshank Redemption and Se7en.
- Deena Adair: Adopted by Freeman during his marriage to Jeanette Adair Bradshaw.
- Morgana Freeman: The only biological child shared by Freeman and Bradshaw, born in October 1970.
- Saifoulaye Freeman: Born from a relationship outside of marriage prior to his second wedding.
Freeman's family faced profound tragedy in August 2015 when his step-granddaughter, E'Dena Hines (granddaughter of Deena Adair), was murdered in New York City at age 33. Hines had previously joined Freeman on red carpets and worked in the film industry, making her death a devastating loss for the entire family.
Current Relationship Status
As of 2026, Morgan Freeman is unmarried and has no public, officially confirmed romantic partner. While tabloid media periodically links him to various individuals or speculates about his dating life, Freeman maintains a quiet private life centered around his work with Revelations Entertainment, his production company co-founded with Lori McCreary. He continues to act in major cinematic projects, keeping his focus on his craft rather than his personal life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times has Morgan Freeman been married?
Morgan Freeman has been married twice. His first marriage was to Jeanette Adair Bradshaw (1967–1979), and his second was to Myrna Colley-Lee (1984–2010). Both marriages ended in divorce.
Who is Myrna Colley-Lee?
Myrna Colley-Lee is an American theater and film costume designer, artist, and philanthropist. She was married to Morgan Freeman for 26 years before their separation in 2007 and divorce in 2010. She is widely recognized for her contributions to the Black Theatre Movement and her work with arts commissions in Mississippi.
Does Morgan Freeman have children?
Yes, Freeman has four children: Alfonso, Deena (adopted), Morgana, and Saifoulaye.
Is Morgan Freeman currently married or dating anyone?
No. Freeman has not remarried since his divorce from Colley-Lee was finalized. He does not have a public wife or confirmed romantic partner, choosing instead to keep his private affairs away from public scrutiny.
