Myrna Colley-Lee is an American costume designer, art collector and philanthropist best known to the wider public as the second wife of Hollywood legend Morgan Freeman. Long before her name became linked to one of cinema’s most respected actors, she had already built a quiet but impressive career in theatre and film. Her story is one of creativity, resilience and grace, both during her marriage to Freeman and in the years that followed their divorce. This article looks at who Myrna Colley-Lee really is, her career, her marriage, and her life today.
Myrna Colley-Lee: Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Myrna Colley-Lee |
| Known For | Costume designer, art collector, philanthropist, ex-wife of Morgan Freeman |
| Date of Birth | 1 January 1941 |
| Place of Birth | Hamlet, North Carolina, USA |
| Education | Master’s degree in scenic and costume design, Temple University |
| Career Highlights | The Piano Lesson, Radio Golf, Frederick Douglass: An American Life |
| Spouse | Morgan Freeman (married 1984, divorced 2010) |
| Notable Family Role | Helped raise E’Dena Hines, Morgan Freeman’s granddaughter |
| Current Focus | Art collecting and philanthropy |
| Nationality | American |
Who Is Myrna Colley-Lee?
Myrna Colley-Lee is a costume designer, set decorator and arts patron who has spent decades working behind the scenes in American theatre and film. She was born on 1 January 1941 in Hamlet, North Carolina, and grew up with a strong interest in the arts from an early age.
She went on to become a respected figure in the Black Theatre Movement of the 1960s and remains active today as a collector and supporter of African American art. Outside of her professional achievements, she is widely recognised for her 26-year marriage to Morgan Freeman.
Early Life and Education
Colley-Lee’s early years were rooted in a modest, close-knit upbringing in North Carolina. She later moved on to pursue formal training in the arts, eventually earning a master’s degree in scenic and costume design from Temple University in Philadelphia in 1980.
This academic grounding gave her the technical skill to move confidently into professional theatre and television work, laying the foundation for a long and respected career in costume design.
Career as a Costume Designer
Long before her marriage made headlines, Myrna Colley-Lee had already established herself as a serious creative professional. Her design work has featured in stage and screen productions including The Piano Lesson and Wedding Band: A Love/Hate Story in Black and White.
She also designed costumes for August Wilson’s play Radio Golf and contributed to the acclaimed 1985 documentary Frederick Douglass: An American Life, where she led the costume and wardrobe department. Her work has since been exhibited in institutions such as the Marion Koogler McNay Art Museum’s Tobin Collection of Theater Arts, cementing her reputation as one of the notable figures of the Black Theatre Movement.
How Did Myrna Colley-Lee Meet Morgan Freeman?
Myrna Colley-Lee and Morgan Freeman first crossed paths during an off-Broadway production in 1976. At the time, Freeman was going through a difficult period in his first marriage, and the two were formally introduced by a mutual friend a few years later.
Their connection grew from a shared love of quiet conversation and a preference for a simple, grounded lifestyle away from the noise of Hollywood.
Marriage to Morgan Freeman
The couple married in a private ceremony on 16 June 1984. It was Freeman’s second marriage, following the end of his first to Jeanette Adair Bradshaw in 1979.
Rather than embracing the Hollywood spotlight, Colley-Lee and Freeman chose to build a life together in Tallahatchie County, Mississippi, where Freeman owned a home. They spent much of their marriage away from public attention, focusing on gardening, reading and family life.
Raising E’Dena Hines
One of the most meaningful chapters of Colley-Lee’s life was her role in raising E’Dena Hines, Morgan Freeman’s granddaughter. She helped provide a stable and loving home for E’Dena during a difficult period in the child’s early life, and the two remained close for years afterwards.
Why Did Myrna Colley-Lee and Morgan Freeman Divorce?
After more than two decades of marriage, Colley-Lee filed for divorce, and the split was finalised in 2010. Reports at the time widely pointed to Freeman’s alleged infidelity, including a relationship with a former colleague, as a central factor in the marriage’s breakdown.
Despite the difficult end to their union, Colley-Lee has remained on good terms with Freeman’s wider family, particularly his children and grandchildren, in the years since the divorce.
Life After the Divorce
Since parting ways with Freeman, Myrna Colley-Lee has continued to focus on her passions for art and philanthropy. She is widely regarded as a serious collector of African American art and has used her platform to support emerging artists and cultural institutions.
She has largely kept her personal life private, choosing instead to let her creative and charitable work speak for itself.
Net Worth and Legacy
While Colley-Lee has never publicly confirmed a specific net worth, various reports suggest her assets, including property and settlements linked to her marriage, place her financial standing in the multi-million-dollar range. Her true legacy, however, lies in her decades-long contribution to American theatre and her ongoing work as an art patron.
She continues to be respected as a pioneering figure among Black costume designers, with a body of work that has influenced theatre production well beyond her personal fame.
Conclusion
Myrna Colley-Lee’s story is far bigger than her marriage to Morgan Freeman. She built a genuine and lasting career as a costume designer and art collector, contributing meaningfully to American theatre long before and long after her time in the spotlight. Her quiet strength, creative talent and continued dedication to the arts make her a compelling figure in her own right, not simply a footnote in someone else’s biography.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Myrna Colley-Lee?
Myrna Colley-Lee is an American costume designer, art collector and philanthropist, best known as the second wife of actor Morgan Freeman. She has a career spanning several decades in theatre and film costume design.
How long were Myrna Colley-Lee and Morgan Freeman married?
They were married for 26 years, from 16 June 1984 until their divorce was finalised in 2010. The couple lived much of their married life in Mississippi.
Why did Myrna Colley-Lee divorce Morgan Freeman?
Colley-Lee filed for divorce after allegations of infidelity on Freeman’s part came to light. The couple’s split was widely reported as amicable despite the circumstances surrounding it.
Does Myrna Colley-Lee have children?
Myrna Colley-Lee did not have biological children of her own. She played a significant role in raising E’Dena Hines, Morgan Freeman’s granddaughter, during her marriage.
What is Myrna Colley-Lee doing now?
Myrna Colley-Lee remains active as an art collector and philanthropist, supporting African American artists and cultural institutions. She keeps a relatively private life away from the public eye.
