Myrna Colley-Lee is a theater costume designer, philanthropist, and arts patron. However, she is most famous as the ex-wife of the “Shawshank Redemption” actor Morgan Freeman. Although she became a celebrity spouse, Colley-Lee’s renderings, collages, and costumes have graced several exhibitions nationwide. In addition, she was a designer during the Black Movement in the 1960s.
Consequently, many still regard her as one of the foremost costume designers in the Black Theater Movement. Aside from being an award-winning designer, Morgan Freeman’s wife is an avid art collector. Although her career in the entertainment industry is successful, the same is not true of her marriage.
Myrna Colley-Lee married legendary actor Morgan Freeman in the early 1980s. While the two enjoyed a sweet marriage, things soon deteriorated, leading to their divorce. Although many are more familiar with the legendary actor, his ex-wife, Colley-Lee, has also led an exciting life in showbiz. Here’s everything we know about Morgan Freeman’s ex-wife: her life, career, marriage, and subsequent divorce.
Who Is Myrna Colley-Lee?
Myrna Colley-Lee was born to her parents in Hamlet, North Carolina, in February 1941. Despite being a celebrity spouse and an accomplished designer, Colley-Lee keeps her private life away from the media. Consequently, the identity of her parents and her exact birth date remains elusive.
However, she holds American nationality. Similarly, details about her elementary and high school education also elude the media. Nonetheless, following her high school graduation, Colley-Lee enrolled at the Women’s College of the University of North Carolina. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in art education.
Afterward, Morgan Freeman’s ex-wife studied scene painting and properties at Brooklyn College, New York. In addition, Colley-Lee attended Temple University, Philadelphia, where she got her master’s degree in scenic and costume design in 1980.
What Does Myrna Colley-Lee Do?
After completing her education and obtaining exceptional grades, Myrna Colley-Lee became a costume designer. She created an excellent career as a costume and set designer for numerous productions. According to reports, Colley-Lee worked for TV, films, and even theatrical productions, designing costumes.
The legendary actor’s ex-wife is renowned for the 1985 documentary “Frederick Douglass: An American Life,” where she headed the costume and wardrobe department. In addition, Colley-Lee appeared in an episode of “60 Minutes” in 1968. However, aside from being a successful designer, Morgan Freeman’s ex-wife is also an art enthusiast.
Colley-Lee’s love for the arts has seen her serving on various boards that seek to preserve the love and future of the arts. She once served as the commissioner for the Mississippi Arts Commission. In addition, Colley-Lee helped organize an art gallery that focused on Afro-American lives at the Columbus Museum in Georgia in 2017.
More so, Morgan Freeman’s ex-wife is also a philanthropist. The 82-year-old North Carolina native is an active philanthropist who loves to give her time to worthy causes. The former celebrity spouse offers her energy and time to organizations such as The Mississippi State University Department of Art and The Rock River Foundation.
When Did Myrna Colley-Lee and Morgan Freeman Tie the Knot?
Myrna Colley-Lee and Freeman tied the knot on June 16, 1984, after a mutual friend introduced them to each other a few years earlier. Following their marriage, the veteran costume designer and the multi-award-winning actor lived a relatively quiet life in Tallahatchie County in northern Mississippi. Colley-Lee and Freeman were inseparable and loved spending time together.
On countless occasions, the couple appeared together at various events and galas, giving credence to their blissful union. According to reports, Morgan Freeman’s ex-wife cared about his family, especially his kids from his other relationships. In addition, the former couple reportedly had a great connection and enjoyed doing different fun activities together as a family. However, their marriage ended a few years later.
What Led to Colley-Lee and Morgan Freeman’s Divorce?
Freeman and Myrna Colley-Lee separated in December 2007 after 26 years of marriage. The news of their breakup hit the media amidst Freeman’s August 2008 car accident in Mississippi. Although the couple didn’t state the reasons for the separation, rumors said it was due to Freeman’s infidelity. However, the renowned actor denied the infidelity allegations.
The divorce battle continued for almost three years before the former couple finalized their divorce in Mississippi in 2010. After the proceedings were over, Freeman’s attorney said the separation was without a trial and added that everyone was happy the paperwork was over. Nonetheless, Freeman reportedly lost around $100 million in the divorce battle.
Before their divorce, Myrna Colley-Lee and Morgan Freeman were inseparable. Unfortunately, the bond the two shared became severed due to alleged infidelity. According to numerous allegations, “The Dark Knight” actor strayed from his marriage, and Colley-Lee couldn’t take the cheating.
Does Myrna Colley-Lee Have Children?
No, she doesn’t. Throughout her marriage to Freeman, Myrna Colley-Lee had no children. However, before they married, she was close to the actor’s children from his former marriage to Jeannette Adair Bradshaw and his other relationship.
Colley-Lee was particularly close to Freeman’s step-granddaughter, E’dena Hines, whom she and the actor adopted and raised. Sadly, tragedy struck when Hines’s boyfriend, Lamar Davenport, stabbed her multiple times while under the influence of drugs. However, during Davenport’s trial, his mother claimed his actions were accidental.
In addition, she shouted obscenities at Morgan Freeman, blaming him for having a hand in Hines’s death because he molested her. However, the movie star denied the allegations and called them untrue.
Where Is Morgan Freeman’s Ex-Wife Now?
Myrna Colley-Lee lives under the radar following her divorce from the Academy Award-winning actor. On the other hand, Freeman has repeatedly been in the news for several reasons, including a now-retracted sexual harassment allegation. Like actor Ron Perlman’s ex-wife, Opal Stone Perlman, Myrna Colley-Lee lives away from the limelight. Hence, there are no details regarding her whereabouts.