Myrna Colley-Lee, known primarily as the ex-wife of the legendary actor Morgan Freeman, is much more than her association with Hollywood’s A-list. A woman of great talent, perseverance, and compassion, Myrna has carved out her own path as a respected costume designer, philanthropist, and advocate for the arts. Though she has chosen to live a life outside the media’s spotlight, her remarkable career and charitable endeavors have earned her a place in the public’s heart. In this article, we will explore Myrna Colley-Lee’s early life, her career, her marriage to Freeman, her life after their divorce, and the ongoing legacy she continues to build.
Myrna Colley-Lee’s Early Life
Myrna Colley-Lee was born on January 1, 1941, in Hamlet, North Carolina. Her early years were marked by a deep love for the arts. As a child, she gravitated toward creative expression, a passion that guided her educational path. Myrna attended the Woman’s College of the University of North Carolina, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in the arts. This academic foundation laid the groundwork for her future career in the world of costume design.
Myrna’s thirst for knowledge and growth led her to further her studies in the arts. She moved to New York City, where she took classes in scene painting at Brooklyn College. Her pursuit of excellence didn’t stop there. In 1980, she earned a Master’s degree in scenic and costume design from Temple University in Philadelphia. These educational experiences helped Myrna hone her skills and gain the expertise needed to excel in the highly competitive world of costume design.
Myrna Colley-Lee’s Career
Myrna Colley-Lee’s career as a costume designer has been both successful and influential. Over the years, she has made significant contributions to the theater and film industries, designing costumes that help bring characters to life and enhance the narrative of each production.
Throughout her career, Myrna worked on numerous productions, including plays such as Forest City, The Piano Lesson, and Wedding Band: A Love/Hate Story in Black and White. These works are examples of Myrna’s ability to design costumes that reflect the themes of the production and support the portrayal of its characters.
Her contributions to the industry were not only about the art itself but also about elevating the production value of each project she worked on. Her costumes were a blend of creativity and practicality, ensuring that they fit seamlessly within the world of the performance.
Myrna is highly respected in the costume design community and has built a reputation as a talented professional who brought a unique touch to her work. Her designs have continued to inspire many in the field of arts and performance.
Myrna Colley-Lee’s Marriage to Morgan Freeman
Myrna Colley-Lee’s personal life took a significant turn when she met actor Morgan Freeman. The couple met through mutual friends, and their connection blossomed into a relationship that would last for more than two decades. They got married on June 16, 1984, and began their life together in Tallahatchie County, Mississippi. Their decision to live away from the Hollywood spotlight allowed them to maintain a more private and peaceful life compared to many of their celebrity peers.
While Myrna and Morgan did not have biological children together, they adopted E’Dena Hines, Morgan Freeman’s step-granddaughter from his previous marriage. Myrna and Morgan raised E’Dena together throughout their marriage, providing her with a loving and stable family environment.
Their marriage spanned over 26 years, making them one of Hollywood’s more enduring couples. However, despite their long marriage, the relationship ultimately faced challenges. In 2007, the couple began to experience marital difficulties, and by December of that year, they initiated divorce proceedings. Their divorce was finalized in September 2010, bringing an end to their long relationship.
Their Divorce Settlement
The details surrounding Myrna Colley-Lee and Morgan Freeman’s divorce remain mostly private, but it’s known that the couple’s split was financially significant. The exact reasons for their divorce are not widely known, though rumors of infidelity on Freeman’s part circulated. However, Morgan Freeman has always denied these allegations.
The divorce settlement was substantial, with Myrna receiving a large financial package that included both cash and property. Estimates suggest the settlement was worth between $100 million and $400 million, which significantly increased Myrna’s wealth. By 2024, her net worth is estimated to be around $180 million. The settlement allowed Myrna to maintain a comfortable and private lifestyle after the divorce.
Myrna Colley-Lee’s Life After Divorce
Since her divorce from Morgan Freeman, Myrna Colley-Lee has chosen to live a quiet life away from the public eye. She is known to avoid the media and has stayed out of the social media spotlight, choosing instead to focus on her personal interests and her philanthropic work. Despite her desire for privacy, she remains closely connected to Freeman’s family and has continued to be a positive presence in the lives of those she cares about.
A significant part of Myrna’s life post-divorce has been her involvement in philanthropy. She has worked with several charitable causes and is notably involved with the Rock River Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports the arts. As the curator for the foundation, Myrna has helped promote various artistic projects and initiatives. Her dedication to supporting the arts shows that she has continued to be a champion for creative expression.
In addition to her work with the Rock River Foundation, Myrna has participated in other charitable endeavors. She has used her wealth and influence to give back to the community, supporting causes that matter to her. Her charitable spirit is a testament to her commitment to making a positive impact beyond her career and personal life.
Myrna Colley-Lee Age
Myrna Colley-Lee was born on January 1, 1941, which makes her 83 years old as of 2024. Her zodiac sign is Capricorn, and she is of African-American ethnicity. As a woman who has lived a long and fulfilling life, Myrna has continued to remain active in the arts and philanthropy, even in her later years.
Myrna Colley-Lee Appearance
Myrna Colley-Lee is described as a woman of grace and elegance. She stands at about 5 feet 5 inches tall (165 cm) and has a robust and dignified appearance. Her brown eyes and black hair complete her striking look, and she carries herself with the poise of someone who has had years of experience working in the arts.
While she is known for her connection to Morgan Freeman, Myrna has chosen to remain out of the media’s spotlight. She prefers to keep her life private, and while she is occasionally mentioned in the press, she has avoided the constant attention that often comes with being married to a high-profile actor.
Where is Myrna Colley-Lee Now?
As of now, Myrna Colley-Lee lives in Charleston, Mississippi, where she enjoys a peaceful life surrounded by nature. She is an avid gardener and takes pleasure in planting flowers and nurturing them. When she is not gardening, Myrna enjoys reading books and visiting art museums and theaters to stay connected with her passion for the arts.
She also loves to travel and explore new places, and she maintains homes in New York and the British Virgin Islands, where she can relax and enjoy some respite from her busy life.
Myrna has continued to support the arts through her involvement with the Rock River Foundation and remains an active participant in several other charitable initiatives. Despite her desire for privacy, she is still dedicated to giving back and making a difference in the world.
Is Morgan Freeman Married Now?
As of 2024, Morgan Freeman is not currently married. Since his divorce from Myrna Colley-Lee in 2010, Freeman has remained single, although there have been rumors about him dating his business partner, Lori McCreary. However, these rumors have not been confirmed. Freeman has had two previous marriages—his first to Jeanette Adair Bradshaw and his second to Myrna Colley-Lee, both of which ended in divorce.
Final Words
Myrna Colley-Lee’s life has been shaped by her love for the arts and her passion for helping others. While many know her as the ex-wife of Morgan Freeman, she is much more than that. Her successful career as a costume designer, her dedication to philanthropy, and her commitment to making the world a better place have left a lasting impact. Myrna continues to live a quiet life in Mississippi, focusing on what brings her joy and contributing to the arts and the community. Her legacy is not just one of her marriage to a famous actor but one of a talented woman who made a difference in the world through her creativity and kindness.
FAQs about Myrna Colley-Lee
Who is Myrna Colley-Lee?
Myrna Colley-Lee is a talented costume designer and philanthropist, best known as the ex-wife of actor Morgan Freeman. She has made significant contributions to the world of theater and costume design.
What is Myrna Colley-Lee’s net worth?
Myrna Colley-Lee’s estimated net worth is around $180 million, largely due to a substantial divorce settlement from her marriage to Morgan Freeman.
When was Myrna Colley-Lee born?
Myrna Colley-Lee was born on January 1, 1941, in Hamlet, North Carolina, USA.
What are some of Myrna Colley-Lee’s notable works?
Myrna Colley-Lee is known for her work as a costume designer on productions like The Piano Lesson, Forest City, and Wedding Band: A Love/Hate Story in Black and White.
How long was Myrna Colley-Lee married to Morgan Freeman?
Myrna Colley-Lee and Morgan Freeman were married for 26 years, from June 16, 1984, until their divorce in 2010.
Does Myrna Colley-Lee have any children?
Myrna Colley-Lee did not have biological children with Morgan Freeman, but they adopted his step-granddaughter, E’Dena Hines, and raised her together.
Where does Myrna Colley-Lee live now?
Myrna Colley-Lee currently lives in Charleston, Mississippi. She enjoys spending her time gardening, reading, and visiting art museums.
Is Myrna Colley-Lee still active in the arts?
Yes, Myrna Colley-Lee remains involved in the arts, primarily through her role as the curator for the Rock River Foundation, which supports artistic projects.
Is Morgan Freeman married now?
As of 2024, Morgan Freeman is not married. He has remained single since his divorce from Myrna Colley-Lee in 2010. There have been rumors about him dating his business partner, Lori McCreary, but nothing has been confirmed.
What is Myrna Colley-Lee’s charitable involvement?
Myrna Colley-Lee is deeply involved in philanthropy, particularly through her work with the Rock River Foundation, which supports the arts. She has also been involved in several other charitable causes throughout her life.
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