When most people hear the name Myrna Colley-Lee, they immediately think of her long marriage to legendary actor Morgan Freeman. Yet, Colley-Lee is much more than just a famous spouse. She is a celebrated costume designer, philanthropist, art enthusiast, and woman of quiet dignity who has carved out her own place in the world of theater and cultural development.
This article explores who Myrna Colley-Lee is, her background, her career achievements, her age and early life, her marriage and divorce from Morgan Freeman, her family and children, her wealth and net worth, and her enduring contributions to the arts.
Who is Myrna Colley-Lee?
Myrna Colley-Lee is an American costume designer, philanthropist, and art director whose career spans decades in the theater and cultural sectors. Born in Hamlet, North Carolina, she built her life around creativity, education, and visual storytelling.
Her passion for costume design and stagecraft took her into regional theater productions, and she became known for her dedication to telling stories through costume, fabrics, and design choices. Colley-Lee also served on arts foundations and organizations, furthering community projects and supporting emerging artists.
Despite her many achievements, her personal life—especially her long marriage to Hollywood icon Morgan Freeman—remains the most widely recognized part of her story in the public eye. But beyond that, Colley-Lee is respected as a woman of refinement, discretion, and substance.
Myrna Colley-Lee Age and Early Life
Born in 1941 in Hamlet, North Carolina, Myrna Colley-Lee is currently in her early 80s. Though she has largely remained private about her childhood, we know she grew up in a supportive family that valued education and hard work.
She pursued her love for the arts academically:
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from the Women’s College of the University of North Carolina (now UNC Greensboro).
- Further studies in scene painting and properties at Brooklyn College.
- Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in scenic and costume design from Temple University in Philadelphia.
Her solid educational background allowed her to step confidently into theater and stage work, where she established her career.
Myrna Colley-Lee Career in Arts and Design
Colley-Lee’s career is grounded in costume design and stage artistry. Over the years, she has worked on numerous productions and projects, lending her creative eye to costumes that enhance storytelling and character building.
Some of her professional highlights include:
- Contributions to productions like Frederick Douglass: An American Life (1985).
- Work on the CBS program 60 Minutes within the costume department.
- Service on various boards and arts organizations dedicated to uplifting African-American cultural expression.
Her artistic philosophy emphasized authenticity, cultural representation, and deep character study. For Colley-Lee, clothing was never just fabric—it was identity, history, and storytelling woven into one.
Myrna Colley-Lee and Morgan Freeman: Marriage and Divorce
Perhaps the most publicized chapter of Colley-Lee’s life is her marriage to Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman.
The Marriage
- Myrna Colley-Lee married Morgan Freeman on June 16, 1984.
- At the time, Freeman was a rising star in Hollywood, while Colley-Lee was establishing her creative career.
- Their partnership lasted 26 years, making her Freeman’s second wife.
The Separation and Divorce
- The couple separated in December 2007, amid rumors of Freeman’s alleged infidelities.
- Their divorce was finalized on September 15, 2010, in Mississippi.
- Reports suggest that Colley-Lee received a large settlement, though exact figures vary widely depending on the source.
Despite their split, Freeman and Colley-Lee are said to have maintained mutual respect for one another, particularly because of their shared family responsibilities.
Myrna Colley-Lee’s Children and Family
Although Myrna and Freeman never had biological children together, they were deeply involved in raising Freeman’s extended family.
- They adopted and raised E’Dena Hines, Freeman’s step-granddaughter. Tragically, Hines was killed in 2015 at the age of 33, an event that devastated both Freeman and Colley-Lee.
- Colley-Lee was also a stepmother to Freeman’s children from previous relationships: Alfonso, Saifoulaye, Deena, and Morgana.
Her role as a mother figure was central in her life, and those close to her have noted her nurturing and supportive presence.
Relationships Beyond Morgan Freeman
Before marrying Freeman, some reports suggest Myrna Colley-Lee was briefly married to jazz musician Don Pullen, although details remain unclear and somewhat speculative.
After her divorce, she has kept a low profile, though occasional sources connect her name with Leo Ernesto Vanterpool of Aruba. Still, Colley-Lee is known for her private nature and has rarely discussed her personal relationships publicly.
Myrna Colley-Lee Net Worth
The financial details of Colley-Lee’s life have been the subject of speculation, especially following her divorce from Morgan Freeman.
- Some sources claim she walked away with a settlement valued between $100 million and $400 million.
- Celebrity net worth sites often estimate her net worth around $160 million.
- Other outlets present much smaller numbers, ranging from $5 million to $20 million.
Given her private lifestyle and absence from Hollywood’s limelight, the actual figure is difficult to verify. What is certain is that the divorce settlement, combined with her professional career, left her financially secure and comfortable.
Life After the Spotlight
Since her divorce, Myrna Colley-Lee has lived a quiet, private life. Unlike many spouses of Hollywood stars, she did not seek publicity or attempt to build a media career. Instead, she returned to her passion projects in the arts and philanthropy.
She has supported initiatives promoting African-American art, heritage, and theater. Many note her dignity in maintaining privacy, even when gossip headlines attempted to draw her into public controversies involving Freeman.
Colley-Lee continues to be admired not only as Freeman’s former wife but also as a woman who made her own mark in creative and cultural circles.
Legacy and Contributions
Myrna Colley-Lee’s legacy is two-fold:
- Artistic Contribution – As a costume designer, she elevated regional theater productions and contributed to storytelling with an authentic, cultural touch.
- Personal Strength – As the spouse of one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, she endured decades of public scrutiny with grace.
She may not have chosen the spotlight, but her influence in the arts and her enduring dignity make her a figure worth celebrating.
Conclusion
Myrna Colley-Lee is more than Morgan Freeman’s ex-wife—she is an accomplished artist, educator, philanthropist, and woman of resilience. Born in 1941, she has dedicated her life to costume design, storytelling, and supporting cultural heritage. Her marriage to Freeman brought her name to international headlines, but her life beyond that relationship showcases independence, creativity, and a commitment to the arts.
Her story reminds us that even those who live adjacent to stardom have their own rich, complex narratives. Myrna Colley-Lee’s journey is one of artistry, dignity, and strength.
At digijournal, we highlight such stories—reminding readers that behind every famous name lies another tale worth telling.
