Myrna Colley-Lee, though often recognized as the former wife of renowned actor Morgan Freeman, has carved out her own impressive career in the entertainment industry. She is a distinguished costume designer and theatrical producer, contributing to a variety of television series and films. Her exceptional work can be seen in productions such as “Wedding Ring: A Love/Hate Story in Black and White,” “The Piano Lesson,” “Relativity,” and “Forest City.”
Beyond her costume design expertise, Myrna Colley-Lee is also an accomplished set designer and art director. She has been involved in several notable art installations and has designed commercial interiors for leading companies and organizations. Additionally, she serves as a commissioner for the Mississippi Arts Commission, further showcasing her dedication to the arts.
Who Is Myrna Colley-Lee?
Myrna Colley-Lee was born in February 1941 in Hamlet, North Carolina, to her parents. Despite her status as a celebrity spouse and her successful career as a designer, she prefers to keep her private life out of the media spotlight. As a result, details about her parents and her exact birth date remain undisclosed.
Nevertheless, she is an American citizen. Information regarding her elementary and high school education is not readily available in the media. However, after completing high school, Colley-Lee pursued her academic journey at the Women’s College of the University of North Carolina, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in art education.
Following her undergraduate studies, Colley-Lee furthered her education at Brooklyn College in New York, focusing on scene painting and properties. Later, she continued her academic pursuits at Temple University in Philadelphia, where she obtained a master’s degree in scenic and costume design in 1980.
Myrna Colley-Lee’s Biography
Myrna Colley-Lee was born in Hamlet, North Carolina, in 1941. She earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, followed by a master’s degree in stage and costume design from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She later pursued a career in the entertainment industry as a costume designer, set designer, and art director.
Although she is not primarily an actress, Myrna Colley-Lee appeared in a single episode of the television show “60 Minutes” titled “Bridge to Gretna,” which depicted victims of Hurricane Katrina being prevented from crossing a bridge by armed police officers.
As the ex-wife of Morgan Freeman, Myrna Colley-Lee has deep roots in philanthropy. She supports various organizations, including the Rock River Foundation, an arts charity, and Charleston Arts and Revitalization Effort Inc., a local community arts organization. Additionally, she is involved with the Arts Department of Mississippi State University and has performed at the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Mississippi.
Myrna Colley-Lee Height
Myrna Colley-Lee stands at an average height of 5 feet 5 inches and maintains a healthy weight of around 60 kilograms. Her balanced physique complements her dynamic presence in both her professional and personal life. Despite her average stature, her contributions to the fields of costume design, set design, and art direction have made her a towering figure in the entertainment industry. Her dedication to her craft and her involvement in various philanthropic efforts demonstrate that her impact extends far beyond her physical attributes.
Myrna Colley-Lee Personal Life
Myrna Colley-Lee was born in 1941 in Hamlet, North Carolina. When she was six months old, her family moved to Atlanta, Georgia, and later to Daytona Beach, Florida, where she began her elementary education. The family eventually settled in Prairie View, Texas, where Myrna attended Prairie View A&M College, graduating in 1957.
She then pursued further education at Bennett College in Greensboro, North Carolina, for two years. Myrna continued her studies at the Women’s College of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG), where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in art education in 1962.
In the 1970s, Myrna expanded her expertise by studying scene painting and properties at Brooklyn College. She went on to earn a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in costume and scenic design from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1980.
Myrna Colley-Lee Married Life
In 1964, Myrna Colley-Lee married her first husband, American jazz musician Don Pullen. However, their marriage lasted only about a year and a half before they filed for divorce.
Today, Myrna Colley-Lee is a renowned and well-established film and theater costume designer. For many years, she was primarily known as the wife of Morgan Freeman. Colley-Lee and Freeman married on June 16, 1984, and enjoyed a long marriage until they decided to separate in December 2007. After 26 years together, their divorce was finalized and filed under seal in July 2008. The reasons for their separation were never publicly disclosed, though rumors often attributed the split to alleged extramarital affairs by Freeman.
While Freeman and Colley-Lee did not have any children together, she maintained a close relationship with Freeman’s children from his previous marriage. The couple also adopted Freeman’s step-granddaughter, E’dena Hines. Tragically, E’dena was murdered by her boyfriend in 2015.
The Private Reasons Behind Myrna Colley-Lee and Morgan Freeman’s Divorce
In December 2007, after 26 years of marriage, Morgan Freeman and Myrna Colley-Lee decided to separate, a decision that made headlines following Freeman’s car accident in August 2008. Despite widespread speculation, neither party publicly disclosed the reasons behind their separation. While rumors of Freeman’s infidelity circulated, the actor vehemently denied these allegations.
The divorce proceedings stretched out over nearly three years before the former couple finalized their divorce in Mississippi in 2010. Freeman’s attorney remarked that the separation concluded without a trial, expressing relief that the paperwork had been resolved. However, reports indicated that Freeman incurred significant financial losses, estimated at around $100 million, as a result of the divorce settlement.
Prior to their divorce, Myrna Colley-Lee and Morgan Freeman were seen as an inseparable couple. Unfortunately, their bond was shattered amidst allegations of infidelity. Despite the public scrutiny, the exact details surrounding their marital issues remain private, highlighting the couple’s desire to maintain their personal matters away from the public eye.
Myrna Colley-Lee Children
No, Myrna Colley-Lee did not have any children during her marriage to Morgan Freeman. However, she had a close relationship with Freeman’s children from his previous marriage to Jeannette Adair Bradshaw and from other relationships.
One particular bond she shared was with Freeman’s step-granddaughter, E’dena Hines, whom both she and Freeman adopted and cared for. Tragically, Hines was fatally stabbed multiple times by her boyfriend, Lamar Davenport, while he was reportedly under the influence of drugs. During Davenport’s trial, his mother claimed his actions were unintentional.
Furthermore, in a shocking turn of events, Davenport’s mother shouted accusations at Morgan Freeman during the trial, alleging that he had molested Hines and was partially responsible for her death. However, Freeman vehemently denied these allegations, stating that they were completely untrue.
Myrna Colley-Lee Professional Life
In 1964, Myrna Colley-Lee married her first husband, American jazz musician Don Pullen. However, their marriage lasted only about a year and a half before they filed for divorce. Today, Myrna Colley-Lee is a renowned and well-established film and theater costume designer. For many years, she was primarily known as the wife of Morgan Freeman. Colley-Lee and Freeman married on June 16, 1984, and enjoyed a long marriage until they decided to separate in December 2007. After 26 years together, their divorce was finalized and filed under seal in July 2008. The reasons for their separation were never publicly disclosed, though rumors often attributed the split to alleged extramarital affairs by Freeman.
While Freeman and Colley-Lee did not have any children together, she maintained a close relationship with Freeman’s children from his previous marriage. The couple also adopted Freeman’s step-granddaughter, E’dena Hines. Tragically, E’dena was murdered by her boyfriend in 2015.
Myrna Colley-Lee Net Worth
Myrna Colley-Lee has built a successful career as a costume and set designer, earning her own income through her work. However, her wealth is significantly defined by the substantial divorce settlement she received from her marriage to Morgan Freeman. Initially set to receive $170 million, Myrna ultimately secured an impressive $400 million, making it the fifth largest divorce settlement in history. In addition to the financial settlement, she retained ownership of a $7 million home in the British Virgin Islands, her home in Los Angeles, and an apartment just off New York’s Central Park.
Where Is Morgan Freeman’s Ex-Wife Now?
Since her divorce from the Academy Award-winning actor, Myrna Colley-Lee has chosen to live a low-profile life, away from the public eye. In contrast, Morgan Freeman has frequently made headlines for various reasons, including a sexual harassment allegation that has since been retracted. Similar to Opal Stone Perlman, the ex-wife of actor Ron Perlman, Myrna Colley-Lee prefers to maintain her privacy, and as a result, there is little information available about her current whereabouts.
FAQS
Q. Where was Myrna Colley-Lee born?
Myrna Colley-Lee was born in Hamlet, North Carolina, in 1941.
Q. What is Myrna Colley-Lee’s educational background?
She graduated from Prairie View A&M College in 1957, attended Bennett College for two years, earned a BFA from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1962, studied at Brooklyn College in the 1970s, and received an MFA from Temple University in 1980.
Q. What is Myrna Colley-Lee known for in her career?
She is known for her work as a costume and set designer and has also served as an art director in film and theater.
Q. Who were Myrna Colley-Lee’s spouses?
She was first married to American jazz musician Don Pullen and later to actor Morgan Freeman.
Q. How long were Myrna Colley-Lee and Morgan Freeman married?
They were married for 26 years, from June 16, 1984, until their separation in December 2007, with the divorce finalized in July 2008.
Q. What was the value of the divorce settlement Myrna Colley-Lee received from Morgan Freeman?
She received a $400 million settlement, making it the fifth largest divorce settlement in history.
Q. What properties did Myrna Colley-Lee retain after her divorce from Morgan Freeman?
She retained a $7 million home in the British Virgin Islands, a home in Los Angeles, and an apartment off New York’s Central Park.
Q. Did Myrna Colley-Lee and Morgan Freeman have any children together?
No, they did not have any children together, but Myrna remained close to Freeman’s children from his previous marriage, and they adopted Freeman’s step-granddaughter, E’dena Hines.
Conclusion
Myrna Colley-Lee has had a distinguished career as a costume and set designer, earning a reputation for her contributions to film and theater. While she was well-known as Morgan Freeman’s wife for many years, her professional accomplishments stand on their own. The significant divorce settlement from Freeman not only brought her financial gains but also highlighted her ability to maintain strong personal and professional relationships. Her life is marked by educational achievements, creative contributions, and a resilient spirit in the face of personal challenges.
