When people search for Morgan Freeman's wife, they're usually looking for information about his marital history, particularly his long-term marriage to second wife Myrna Colley-Lee. Morgan Freeman does not currently have a wife; the legendary actor has been divorced twice and has not remarried since his 2010 divorce. His most prominent marriage was to Myrna Colley-Lee, an accomplished artist, philanthropist, and professional costume designer.
Understanding his relationship history requires looking past tabloid headlines to see the actual timelines, careers, and lives of the women who shared decades with the Oscar-winning actor. This breakdown examines Freeman's marriages, the life and age of Myrna Colley-Lee, his first marriage, and how these relationships shaped his personal life out of the public eye.
Who Is Morgan Freeman's Ex-Wife Myrna Colley-Lee?
Myrna Colley-Lee is an American costume designer, art director, and philanthropist born in Hamlet, North Carolina. Born in 1941, Colley-Lee built an independent professional identity long before and long after her high-profile marriage. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Women's College of the University of North Carolina and later secured a master's degree in scenic and costume design from Temple University in Philadelphia.
Her creative work spans theater, film, and television. She has designed costumes for notable theatrical productions such as The Piano Lesson and Wedding Band: A Love/Hate Story in Black and White. Beyond design, she serves as a commissioner for the Mississippi Arts Commission and remains deeply involved in supporting regional museums, art galleries, and community educational programs.
Timeline of Morgan Freeman and Myrna Colley-Lee's Marriage
Morgan Freeman and Myrna Colley-Lee married on June 16, 1984, after being introduced by mutual friends. At the time, both were established in their respective creative fields. Their marriage lasted for over two decades, making it Freeman's longest-standing relationship.
The couple established a primary residence in Charleston, Mississippi, choosing a quiet lifestyle away from the intensity of Los Angeles. Despite sharing more than twenty years together, they didn't have any biological children, though Colley-Lee remained close to Freeman's children and step-grandchildren from previous relationships.
In December 2007, the couple separated, and their divorce was finalized in June 2010. The separation attracted significant media attention, but Colley-Lee maintained a dignified public silence, focusing heavily on her artistic exhibitions and philanthropic commitments.
Morgan Freeman's First Marriage: Jeanette Adair Bradshaw
Before his marriage to Colley-Lee, Freeman was married to Jeanette Adair Bradshaw. The couple married on October 24, 1967, during the early stages of Freeman's struggling acting career before he achieved mainstream theatrical and cinematic breakthrough success.
Their marriage lasted for twelve years until they divorced in 1979. During their time together, they welcomed a daughter, Morgana, and Freeman adopted Bradshaw's daughter, Deena. Freeman also has a son, Alfonso, from a relationship prior to his first marriage. Like his second marriage, details concerning the breakdown of his first marriage remain largely private.
Current Relationship Status and Personal Life
Following his divorce from Colley-Lee in 2010, Freeman has remained unmarried. He spends a significant amount of time managing his private ranch in Mississippi, where he keeps bees and focuses on personal projects. While occasional tabloid rumors link him to various public figures or acquaintances, Freeman has consistently chosen to keep his romantic life out of the spotlight.
According to profiles by major publications like Biography, Freeman's career trajectory shifted dramatically in his late forties—coinciding roughly with his marriage to Colley-Lee—when he delivered breakout performances in films like Street Smart and later Driving Miss Daisy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Myrna Colley-Lee?
Born in 1941, Myrna Colley-Lee is in her mid-80s. She continues to reside in the United States, dedicating her time to fine arts, curation, and charity work.
Did Morgan Freeman and Myrna Colley-Lee have children?
No, the couple did not have any biological children together. However, Colley-Lee helped raise and support members of Freeman's extended family throughout their marriage.
Why did Morgan Freeman and Myrna Colley-Lee divorce?
The couple separated in late 2007 and finalized their divorce in 2010. While media outlets speculated extensively about the reasons behind the split, both parties handled the proceedings privately through legal representation without airing public grievances.
Is Morgan Freeman currently married?
No. Freeman has been unmarried since his 2010 divorce and focuses primarily on his film career, aviation hobbies, and agricultural ventures.
