When you’re a megastar in Hollywood, the spotlight not only shines on you, but also on those around you, especially your spouse. This is the case of Morgan Freeman whose new ex-wife Myrna Colley-Lee has received some attention since the announcement of their divorce. In this article, we’re going to reveal everything you need to know about Morgan Freeman’s ex-wife and their union debacle that spanned more than two decades.
Who is Myrna Colley-Lee?
Myrna Colley-Lee might be better known as Morgan’s ex-wife, Freeman, but she has a life of her own. For one thing, she wasn’t just the Hollywood star’s housewife, she also had a career going for her. She was born in a small town called Hamlet in North Carolina in 1941.
Myrna Colley-Lee has a lot going for her, including a costume designer, artist, and philanthropist. She attended Woman’s College at the University of North Carolina, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in art education.
She started her career as a costume designer and worked for various films. Colleen worked on Relativity and Covenant: A Black and White Story of Love/Hate as well as August Wilson’s play, Radio Golf” at the Public Theater in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
In an effort to advance in her career, MyrnaColley-Lee returned to school, this time at Brooklyn College in New York, where she studied scene painting and properties. By 1980, Myrna Colley-Lee had earned a master’s degree in set design and costume design from Philadelphia’s Temple University.
Everything you need to know about Morgan Freeman’s ex-wife
1. Myrna Colley-Lee and Morgan Freeman were introduced by a mutual friend
Having an active career in Hollywood, it was very possible that Morgan and Myrna could be friends with the same people and that was the case for the two who had a mutual friend who brought them together. Myrna and Freeman dated before their romance blossomed. Their wedding took place on June 16, 1984.
Although both had careers in Hollywood, they chose to start their lives in Tallahatchie County, in northern Mississippi, rather than the glitz and glam of Hollywood.
2. Myrna filed for divorce in 2007
After exactly 23 years of marriage, MrynaColley-Lee filed for divorce from Morgan. News of their separation only came after it was learned that Morgan had been injured in a car accident in Mississippi. Morgan’s attorney, Bill Luckett, told The Clarion-Ledger newspaper that the two men were separated.
After three years of divorce proceedings, Myrna’s divorce from Morgan was finalized in 2010. Morgan’s attorney, William R. Wright, would later tell the press that both parties were happy with the final terms of the divorce. As part of the ownership split, Myrna Colley-Lee bought her $7 million home in the British Virgin Islands, along with two other apartments, one in Central Park, New York, and the other in Los Angeles.
3. Morgan Freeman allegedly cheated on Myrna multiple times
Although the reason for the couple’s divorce was made public, rumors swirled that it was Morgan’s infidelity. He reportedly had an extramarital affair with a teacher named Mary Joyce Hays.
Morgan was also accused of having an inappropriate sexual relationship with his step-granddaughter, E’ Dina Hines. The accusation was made by Hines’ boyfriend who allegedly murdered her in cold blood. Morgan has denied all charges.
4. Myrna was Morgan’s second wife and they had no children
Myrna Colley-Lee was Morgan Freeman’s second wife. The Oscar winner was previously married to one Jeanette Adair Bradshaw from 1967 to 1979. Despite being married for over two decades, Myrna and Morgan never had a child of their own. Instead, they adopted his stepdaughter, step-granddaughter, E’Dina Hines. Myrna was quite close to E’Dina Hines and Morgan’s other grandchildren.
5. Myrna Colley-Lee is a philanthropist
Myrna Colley-Lee’s work as an artist has also involved her in philanthropic activities. She is a curator of the Rock River Foundation, a philanthropic arts organization.