When people hear the name Myrna Colley-Lee, most immediately connect her to Hollywood legend Morgan Freeman. But there’s so much more to this accomplished artist, philanthropist, and costume designer than her famous marriage. This is her complete story.
Who Is Myrna Colley-Lee?
Myrna Colley-Lee is an accomplished American costume designer, art director, and philanthropist best known for her marriage to Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman. Born in 1941 in Hamlet, North Carolina, she has spent decades making significant contributions to theater, art, and African American culture preservation.
While her marriage to Freeman brought her into the public spotlight, Colley-Lee carved out her own impressive career in the entertainment industry. She has worked on numerous theatrical productions, served on prestigious art boards, and dedicated herself to philanthropic causes focused on African American arts and culture.
Today, at 85 years old (as of 2026), Myrna Colley Lee continues to be actively involved in the arts community and maintains her reputation as a respected figure in costume design and art collection circles.
Early Life and Childhood in North Carolina
Myrna Colley-Lee was born in 1941 in the small town of Hamlet, located in Richmond County, North Carolina. Growing up in the rural South during the 1940s and 1950s presented unique challenges, especially for African American families navigating the Jim Crow era.
Despite limited information available about her parents and siblings, it’s clear that Colley-Lee’s family valued education and the arts. Her upbringing in North Carolina would later influence her deep connection to African American cultural heritage and her passion for preserving Black artistic traditions.
The small-town environment of Hamlet, with its tight-knit community, likely shaped her collaborative spirit and commitment to giving back through philanthropy, traits that would define her later years.
Education: A Foundation in Fine Arts
Bachelor’s Degree from University of North Carolina
Myrna Colley-Lee’s educational journey began at the Women’s College of the University of North Carolina (now known as UNC Greensboro). There, she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, focusing on art education. This foundation provided her with essential skills in visual arts, design principles, and creative expression.
Her time at the Women’s College was transformative, exposing her to diverse artistic styles and teaching methodologies that would serve her throughout her career.
Advanced Studies in New York
After completing her undergraduate degree, Colley-Lee moved to New York City to further her education. She enrolled at Brooklyn College, where she studied scene painting and properties, two critical components of theatrical production design. This specialized training gave her hands-on experience in creating the visual environments that bring stage productions to life.
Master’s Degree from Temple University
In 1980, Myrna completed her Master’s degree in scenic and costume design from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This advanced degree solidified her expertise in theatrical design and opened doors to professional opportunities in the entertainment industry.
Temple University’s prestigious theater program provided her with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, working on actual productions and learning from established professionals in the field.
Age, Height, and Physical Appearance
How Old is Myrna Colley-Lee?
Myrna Colley-Lee was born in 1941, making her 85 years old as of 2026. Despite being in her mid-eighties, she remains active in the arts community and continues to participate in philanthropic activities.
Height and Physical Stats
While specific details about Myrna Colley Lee’s exact height are not publicly documented, photographs from public events show her to be of average height, approximately 5 feet 5 inches to 5 feet 6 inches tall. She has always maintained an elegant and sophisticated appearance, often seen at art galleries and cultural events dressed in classic, timeless fashion.
Her style reflects her artistic sensibility, favoring clean lines, quality fabrics, and understated elegance over flashy trends. Those who know her describe her as graceful and poised, with a warm presence that puts others at ease.
Career as a Costume Designer and Art Director
Theatrical Productions and Stage Work
Myrna Colley-Lee’s professional career as a costume designer spans several decades. She has worked on numerous theatrical productions, bringing characters to life through carefully crafted costumes that enhance storytelling and period authenticity.
Some of her notable theatrical work includes:
The Piano Lesson: This August Wilson play required period-accurate costumes that reflected African American life in 1930s Pittsburgh. Colley-Lee’s designs helped ground the production in historical reality while allowing the actors to move comfortably and authentically.
Wedding Band: A Love/Hate Story in Black and White: This complex production dealing with interracial relationships required sensitive costume choices that reflected the social tensions and personal relationships at the play’s core.
Forest City: Her costume work on this production demonstrated her ability to create cohesive visual narratives that support the director’s vision.
Radio Golf: Colley-Lee served as costume designer for August Wilson’s play at the Public Theater in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The production featured talented actors including Tyla Abercrumbie, Morocco Omari, Montae Russell, E. Milton Wheeler, and Alfred H. Wilson.
Film and Television Contributions
While Myrna Colley Lee is primarily known for her theatrical work, she has also contributed to film and television projects. Her work has been featured in productions like “Relativity” and other shows, though she maintains a lower profile compared to Hollywood costume designers.
Her approach to costume design emphasizes authenticity, character development, and historical accuracy. She researches extensively to ensure her designs reflect the proper time period, social class, and cultural context of each character.
Transition to Commercial Interior Design
In recent years, Colley-Lee has expanded her creative expertise into commercial interior designing. This natural evolution allows her to apply her understanding of space, color, texture, and visual storytelling to corporate and commercial environments.
She has worked with several well-known organizations, bringing her artistic vision to office spaces, cultural institutions, and commercial properties. This work demonstrates her versatility and ability to adapt her skills to new creative challenges.
The Morgan Freeman Marriage: A Hollywood Love Story
How Myrna and Morgan Met
Myrna Colley-Lee and Morgan Freeman were introduced by a mutual friend who thought they would be a good match. Both were working in the entertainment industry at the time, she as a costume designer and he as a rising actor building his Hollywood career.
Their shared love of the arts, theater, and African American culture created an instant connection. They dated for some time before deciding to make their relationship permanent.
Wedding Day: June 16, 1984
On June 16, 1984, Myrna Colley-Lee and Morgan Freeman exchanged vows in a small, intimate ceremony. For Myrna, this was her first marriage. For Morgan, it was his second marriage, having previously been married to Jeanette Adair Bradshaw from 1967 to 1979.
At the time of their wedding, Myrna was already an established costume designer with impressive credentials. Morgan was gaining recognition in Hollywood, though his biggest roles were still ahead of him. Their marriage would span more than two decades, during which Freeman would become one of Hollywood’s most respected actors.
Life in Mississippi: Away from the Hollywood Spotlight
Rather than settling in Los Angeles like many Hollywood couples, Myrna and Morgan chose to make their primary home in Tallahatchie County in northern Mississippi. This decision reflected their desire for privacy, connection to Southern roots, and a quieter lifestyle away from the constant scrutiny of Hollywood.
Their Mississippi home became a sanctuary where they could focus on their relationship, pursue personal interests, and engage with the local community. Freeman’s deep connection to Mississippi, where he was partly raised, made this location particularly meaningful for both of them.
The couple was often seen at local events, supporting regional arts initiatives and becoming integral members of their rural community. They represented a rare example of Hollywood success combined with small-town values.
Twenty-Four Years Together
Throughout their marriage, Myrna supported Morgan’s rising career while continuing her own work in costume design and the arts. She attended red carpet events, award ceremonies, and film premieres by his side, always maintaining her own identity and professional pursuits.
The couple appeared to have a strong partnership, sharing interests in African American art, cultural preservation, and philanthropy. They collaborated on various charitable initiatives and were known for their generosity to arts programs and cultural institutions.
The Divorce: Ending a 24-Year Marriage
December 2007: Filing for Separation
In December 2007, Myrna Colley-Lee made the difficult decision to file for divorce from Morgan Freeman, ending their 24-year marriage. The news came as a shock to many fans who viewed them as one of Hollywood’s stable, enduring couples.
The exact reasons for the divorce were not immediately public, as the proceedings were handled with discretion and eventually sealed. However, the separation made headlines when Freeman was involved in a serious car accident in Mississippi in August 2008.
The Car Accident That Made Headlines
On August 3, 2008, Morgan Freeman was seriously injured in a car accident near Ruleville, Mississippi. He was driving with Demaris Meyer, a woman who was not his wife, when his car left the highway and flipped multiple times.
Freeman’s lawyer, Bill Luckett, confirmed to The Clarion-Ledger that Freeman and Colley-Lee had been separated since December 2007. This public acknowledgment brought their private separation into the media spotlight.
The accident raised questions and fueled tabloid speculation about Freeman’s relationships and the reasons behind the divorce. Demaris Meyer was subsequently labeled “the other woman” in media reports, though she denied any romantic involvement with Freeman.
Allegations and Controversies
During the divorce proceedings, various allegations surfaced in the media. Tabloids reported that Morgan Freeman had engaged in extramarital affairs during the marriage, including a relationship with a schoolteacher named Mary Joyce Hays.
More controversially, rumors circulated suggesting an inappropriate relationship between Freeman and his step-granddaughter, E’dena Hines. Both Freeman and Hines vehemently denied these allegations, with Freeman issuing a strong statement calling the reports “defamatory fabrications from the tabloid media designed to sell papers.”
These rumors resurfaced tragically after Hines was killed by her boyfriend in 2015, though no credible evidence ever substantiated the claims about Freeman.
The Legal Battle: 2007-2010
The divorce proceedings stretched over three years, from December 2007 until finalization in September 2010. The case was registered under seal in July 2008, meaning many details of the settlement and the reasons for divorce remained private.
Both parties were represented by high-powered attorneys, and the proceedings were conducted with as much discretion as possible given Freeman’s celebrity status.
September 15, 2010: Divorce Finalized
On September 15, 2010, a judge officially granted the divorce, ending the marriage and finalizing all settlement terms. Freeman’s attorney, William R. Wright, told the press: “It was done without a trial. Everybody is glad it’s over.”
The statement suggested an amicable resolution, despite the years of legal proceedings and media speculation.
The $400 Million Divorce Settlement
One of Hollywood’s Largest Settlements
The financial settlement in Myrna Colley-Lee’s divorce from Morgan Freeman became one of the most talked-about aspects of their split. Initial reports suggested she received approximately $170 million, but later sources claimed the actual settlement was closer to $400 million.
If accurate, this would make it the fifth-largest divorce payout in history at that time. The massive settlement reflected both Freeman’s substantial wealth accumulated during their marriage and Mississippi’s equitable distribution laws regarding marital assets.
Real Estate Holdings
In addition to the financial settlement, Myrna received significant real estate properties:
- A luxurious $7 million home in the British Virgin Islands
- Property in Los Angeles, California
- An apartment located near Central Park in New York City
These properties provided her with valuable assets and homes in desirable locations around the world.
Freeman’s Wealth at Time of Divorce
By 2007-2010, Morgan Freeman had accumulated considerable wealth from his successful film career. His roles in blockbuster movies like “The Shawshank Redemption,” “Seven,” “The Dark Knight Trilogy,” and his Oscar-winning performance in “Million Dollar Baby” had made him one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actors.
His estimated net worth at the time of divorce was well over $200 million, making the settlement, while substantial, legally appropriate under Mississippi law.
Myrna Colley-Lee Net Worth in 2026
Current Estimated Net Worth
As of 2026, Myrna Colley-Lee’s estimated net worth is approximately $420-450 million. This wealth comes primarily from her divorce settlement, real estate holdings, and continued income from her work in costume design and art curation.
Her net worth breakdown includes:
- Divorce settlement: $400 million (2010)
- Real estate portfolio: $15-20 million
- Art collection: $10-15 million
- Career earnings and investments: $5-10 million
Sources of Income
While the divorce settlement provides financial security, Myrna continues to earn income through:
- Costume design consulting work
- Commercial interior design projects
- Art curation and collection sales
- Speaking engagements at arts institutions
- Board positions with various cultural organizations
She lives comfortably but is known for her generosity and continued investment in arts education and African American cultural preservation.
Family and Children
No Biological Children
Myrna Colley-Lee and Morgan Freeman never had biological children together during their 24-year marriage. However, this didn’t mean they lacked family connections or parental responsibilities.
Freeman’s Children from Previous Relationships
Morgan Freeman had four children from other relationships, all of whom Myrna helped raise or supported during their marriage:
Morgana Freeman: Morgan’s daughter with his first wife, Jeanette Adair Bradshaw. Myrna developed a close relationship with Morgana over the years.
Deena Adair: Jeanette Bradshaw’s daughter from a previous relationship, whom Morgan adopted. Deena became part of the extended family that Myrna embraced.
Alfonso Freeman: Born September 13, 1959, to Morgan and Loletha Adkins. Alfonso followed his father into acting and appeared in films like “The Shawshank Redemption” and “Seven.”
Saifoulaye Freeman: Born in 1960, Saifoulaye’s mother’s identity has not been publicly confirmed. He maintains a more private life than his siblings.
The Special Bond with E’dena Hines
Myrna was particularly close to E’dena Hines, Morgan’s step-granddaughter (Deena’s daughter). Despite not being biologically related to Myrna, E’dena and Myrna shared a strong bond, and Myrna considered her family in every meaningful way.
E’dena grew up around both Morgan and Myrna, and they provided support for her acting aspirations and personal development.
The Tragedy of E’dena Hines
August 16, 2015: A Devastating Loss
On August 16, 2015, E’dena Hines was brutally murdered outside her apartment in Manhattan’s Washington Heights neighborhood. She was just 33 years old. Her boyfriend, Lamar Davenport, stabbed her more than 25 times in what witnesses described as a drug-fueled attack.
Myrna’s Response to the Tragedy
When news of E’dena’s death reached Myrna Colley-Lee, she immediately rushed to the apartment in Manhattan. Photographs captured her devastation as she arrived at the scene where the young woman she had helped raise was killed.
Despite being divorced from Morgan Freeman for five years at that point, Myrna’s response showed the depth of her connection to E’dena and the Freeman family. This tragedy transcended any marital discord and brought them together in shared grief.
The Murder Trial
Lamar Davenport was charged with second-degree murder. During the trial, disturbing details emerged about the cocaine-fueled attack and Davenport’s deteriorating mental state. His defense team argued diminished capacity, but the prosecution painted a picture of a violent, jealous boyfriend.
In May 2018, Davenport was found guilty of manslaughter (rather than murder) and sentenced to 20 years in prison. Many felt the sentence was insufficient given the brutality of the crime.
Morgan Freeman’s Statement
Following E’dena’s death, Morgan Freeman released a heartfelt statement: “The world will never know her artistry and talent, and how much she had to offer. Her friends and family were fortunate enough to have known what she meant as a person. Her star will continue to shine bright in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers. May she rest in peace.”
This tragedy remains one of the most painful chapters in both Myrna’s and Morgan’s lives.
Life After Divorce: Myrna’s Philanthropy and Art Work
Commissioner for Mississippi Arts Commission
Following her divorce, Myrna Colley-Lee deepened her commitment to arts advocacy and cultural preservation. She serves as a commissioner for the Mississippi Arts Commission, an organization that provides financial support to art programs throughout Mississippi state.
In this role, she helps direct funding to deserving artists, educational programs, and cultural institutions. Her work ensures that Mississippi’s rich artistic traditions, particularly in African American communities, receive the support they need to thrive.
The Reflections Exhibition: Celebrating African American Life
In 2017, Myrna organized a landmark art exhibition at the Columbus Museum in Georgia titled “Reflections: African American Life From The Myrna Colley-Lee Collection.” This exhibition showcased pieces from her personal art collection, highlighting African American artists and cultural themes.
The exhibition ran for approximately three months and received critical acclaim for its thoughtful curation and educational value. It demonstrated Myrna’s deep knowledge of African American art history and her commitment to making these important works accessible to the public.
According to the museum’s description: “Colley-Lee is herself a transplant to rural Mississippi, and her collection reflects in part her personal appreciation of the two traditions and the way in which she sees them intertwine.”
Board Memberships and Leadership Roles
Myrna Colley-Lee serves on numerous boards and organizations dedicated to arts and culture:
Charleston Arts and Revitalization Effort, Inc.: A local civic arts organization focused on using the arts to revitalize communities.
Rock River Foundation: A philanthropic organization supporting arts programs and artists.
Mississippi State University Department of Art: She provides guidance and support to the university’s art program.
Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts: Located at the University of Mississippi, this center benefits from her expertise and advocacy.
National Museum of Women in the Arts: Based in Washington, D.C., Myrna is an active member supporting women artists.
Black Theatre Network: Based in St. Louis, Missouri, this organization preserves and promotes African American theater traditions.
Previous Academic and Professional Positions
Throughout her career, Myrna has held faculty and staff positions at several prestigious institutions:
- Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts
- Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival in Washington, D.C.
- Design and Management Institute of the National Arts Consortium in New York
These positions allowed her to mentor young artists and share her decades of experience in costume design and theatrical production.
Boyfriend and Dating Life: Is Myrna Colley-Lee in a Relationship?
Since her divorce from Morgan Freeman in 2010, Myrna Colley-Lee has maintained a very private personal life. At 85 years old in 2026, she has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationships or boyfriends.
Media reports and public records show no evidence of remarriage or serious dating relationships. Myrna appears to have focused her post-divorce life on her career, philanthropic work, and family relationships rather than pursuing romance.
She maintains a cordial relationship with Morgan Freeman’s children and continues to be involved in their lives despite the divorce. Her priority seems to be her work in the arts community and preserving African American cultural heritage.
Those who know her describe Myrna as content, fulfilled, and focused on meaningful projects rather than seeking attention or new relationships. She values her privacy and has built a satisfying life centered on art, culture, and giving back to communities.
Television Appearance: 60 Minutes Episode
The Bridge to Gretna
In 2005, while still married to Morgan Freeman, Myrna Colley-Lee appeared in an episode of the acclaimed news program “60 Minutes.” The episode was titled “The Bridge to Gretna” and examined a controversial incident during Hurricane Katrina.
The segment investigated allegations that armed police officers prevented Hurricane Katrina refugees from crossing a bridge to safety in Gretna, Louisiana. This incident became emblematic of the racial and class tensions exposed during the Katrina disaster response.
Her Role in the Episode
Myrna appeared in the episode in connection with her then-husband Morgan Freeman, who was involved in disaster relief efforts. She was listed in the credits as Morgan Freeman’s wife.
While she’s never pursued an acting career and prefers to work behind the scenes, this appearance showed her willingness to support important social justice issues and lend her voice to documenting historical injustices.
Legacy and Impact on African American Arts
Myrna Colley-Lee’s legacy extends far beyond her marriage to Morgan Freeman. She has spent decades working to preserve, promote, and celebrate African American artistic contributions.
Her art collection, which she has shared through exhibitions and donations, represents an important archive of African American cultural history. These works document the experiences, struggles, triumphs, and daily life of Black Americans across different time periods and artistic movements.
Through her philanthropic work, she has ensured that younger generations of African American artists have opportunities to develop their talents. Her support of educational institutions, museums, and arts organizations creates pathways for emerging artists who might otherwise lack resources or recognition.
Her costume design work in theatrical productions, particularly those by August Wilson and other important Black playwrights, has helped bring African American stories to life on stage with authenticity and respect.
Comparing Lives: Where Are They Now in 2026?
Morgan Freeman in 2026
Morgan Freeman, now 88 years old, continues to work in Hollywood, though at a reduced pace. He has not remarried since his divorce from Myrna. Despite the controversies that emerged during their divorce, Freeman’s acting career recovered, and he remains a respected figure in the industry.
He continues to live partly in Mississippi and remains involved in various business ventures and charitable causes.
Myrna Colley-Lee in 2026
At 85, Myrna remains actively involved in the arts community. She continues her work with the Mississippi Arts Commission and various cultural organizations. Her art collection has grown, and she regularly participates in exhibitions and cultural events.
She divides her time between her properties and maintains a lower public profile than during her marriage, preferring to let her work speak for itself. Those who work with her describe her as energetic, passionate about the arts, and committed to her philanthropic missions.
Lessons from Myrna’s Story
Myrna Colley-Lee’s life offers several important lessons:
Identity Beyond Marriage: Despite being known primarily as “Morgan Freeman’s ex-wife,” Myrna maintained her own career and identity. She never allowed her marriage to overshadow her accomplishments.
Grace Under Pressure: The divorce proceedings, media scrutiny, and tragic loss of E’dena Hines could have broken many people. Myrna handled these challenges with dignity and privacy.
Giving Back Matters: Rather than simply enjoying her wealth, Myrna invested time, energy, and resources into supporting arts education and cultural preservation.
Lifelong Learning and Growth: From costume designer to art curator to commercial interior designer, Myrna continuously evolved and adapted her skills.
Privacy is Powerful: In an age of social media oversharing, Myrna’s commitment to privacy allowed her to live life on her own terms.
Frequently Asked Questions About Myrna Colley-Lee
How old is Myrna Colley-Lee?
Myrna Colley-Lee was born in 1941, making her 85 years old as of 2026.
What is Myrna Colley-Lee net worth?
Her estimated net worth is approximately $420-450 million, primarily from her divorce settlement and real estate holdings.
How tall is Myrna Colley-Lee?
While not officially documented, she appears to be approximately 5’5″ to 5’6″ tall based on public photographs.
Does Myrna Colley-Lee have children?
No, she has no biological children, but she helped raise Morgan Freeman’s four children from his previous relationships.
Final Thoughts
Myrna Colley-Lee’s story is one of talent, resilience, and dedication to something larger than herself. While the world may remember her primarily as Morgan Freeman’s ex-wife, those who know her work understand that she’s so much more: a talented costume designer, a passionate advocate for African American arts, a generous philanthropist, and a woman who has navigated both triumphs and tragedies with remarkable grace.
At 85, she continues to make meaningful contributions to the cultural landscape, ensuring that African American artistic traditions are preserved, celebrated, and passed on to future generations. Her legacy will endure not in headlines or tabloid stories, but in the artists she’s supported, the works she’s preserved, and the institutions she’s strengthened.