Myrna Colley-Lee: Life, Career, Net Worth, and Her Journey With Morgan Freeman
When the name Myrna Colley-Lee is mentioned, it often comes attached to her former husband, the legendary actor Morgan Freeman. However, Myrna Colley-Lee is far more than an ex-spouse of a Hollywood icon. She is a respected costume designer, philanthropist, and creative visionary with a long career in the arts. Despite her private nature, her life story—her marriage, her professional achievements, and her enduring contributions to culture—continues to intrigue people worldwide.
This article dives into the life of Myrna Colley-Lee, exploring who she is, her age and background, net worth, relations, her marriage to Morgan Freeman, and her family life, while also celebrating her personal achievements.
Who Is Myrna Colley-Lee?
Myrna Colley-Lee is best recognized as an American costume designer and philanthropist. Her contributions to theater and film extend far beyond what is typically acknowledged in public discussions. She has worked in costume and scenic design, bringing characters to life on stage and screen with authenticity and creativity.
She is also widely respected for her commitment to philanthropy. Over the years, Colley-Lee has contributed to causes related to the arts, education, and community development. In Mississippi, where she spent much of her career, her influence can still be seen in programs and initiatives that support young artists and promote cultural heritage.
Though her marriage to Freeman drew media attention, Myrna Colley-Lee deliberately kept a low profile. Unlike many connected to Hollywood fame, she valued privacy over celebrity, preferring to focus on her craft and charitable efforts.
Myrna Colley-Lee Age and Birth
Myrna Colley-Lee was born in 1941 in Hamlet, North Carolina, USA. That makes her currently around 82 years old (as of 2023–2024). She grew up in a time when opportunities for African-American women in the arts were limited, yet she pursued her passion with determination.
Her educational background reflects her lifelong dedication to art and design. She studied fine arts and costume design, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) at the University of North Carolina (now UNC Greensboro). She later advanced her studies at Brooklyn College in New York, focusing on scenic design and scene painting. Eventually, she earned a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in costume design from Temple University in Philadelphia.
This solid academic foundation laid the groundwork for her career in theater and her reputation as a meticulous and creative costume designer.
Professional Career and Contributions
Colley-Lee’s career has spanned theater, television, and film. She is best known for her work in productions such as:
- “Frederick Douglass: An American Life” (1985) – where her costume design helped authentically portray the historical period.
- Contributions to “60 Minutes” (in the costume department), where her behind-the-scenes work ensured credibility and accuracy.
Her reputation in the Mississippi arts community is particularly strong. She became a leading figure in promoting Black stories, traditions, and history through costume and stage design.
Beyond the stage, she has been involved in arts councils and foundations, helping fund scholarships and community programs. Her ability to merge art with education has left a legacy that reaches far beyond the entertainment industry.
Myrna Colley-Lee and Morgan Freeman
One of the central aspects of Myrna Colley-Lee’s public identity is her marriage to Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman.
- The couple married on June 16, 1984.
- They separated in 2007, and their divorce was finalized on September 15, 2010.
- Their union lasted over two decades, making it one of Freeman’s longest and most high-profile relationships.
During their marriage, Colley-Lee and Freeman were often described as a power couple—with Freeman at the height of his acting career and Colley-Lee making quiet yet impactful contributions in the arts.
However, their marriage ended amid reports of personal differences. The divorce settlement reportedly granted Colley-Lee significant assets, leading to speculation about her wealth.
Was Myrna Colley-Lee Married Before?
There are claims, though less verified, that Myrna Colley-Lee had been married before—possibly to jazz musician Don Pullen. However, this remains uncertain and less documented than her marriage to Freeman.
Following her divorce, some reports connected her romantically to Leo Ernesto Vanterpool of Aruba, though details remain private. Colley-Lee has not sought public attention regarding her relationships since her divorce from Freeman, reinforcing her preference for privacy.
Myrna Colley-Lee Kids and Family
Myrna Colley-Lee and Morgan Freeman did not have biological children together. However, they raised Freeman’s step-granddaughter, E’Dena Hines, as their own child.
- E’Dena Hines was the granddaughter of Freeman’s first wife. Colley-Lee and Freeman adopted and raised her, offering her stability and love.
- Tragically, E’Dena was killed in 2015 in New York City at the age of 33. Her death shocked both Freeman and Colley-Lee, leaving an emotional scar on the family.
Aside from this, Colley-Lee has kept details of her extended family life private. She appears not to have other publicized children.
Myrna Colley-Lee Net Worth
One of the most searched questions about her is: What is Myrna Colley-Lee’s net worth?
Estimates vary dramatically:
- Some celebrity biography sites suggest her net worth could be $160 million, largely due to her divorce settlement from Freeman.
- Other reports claim it might be as high as $400 million, though this figure is unconfirmed and likely exaggerated.
- More conservative estimates place her wealth at $5–10 million, factoring in her professional work, philanthropy, and assets.
The exact figure remains unverified, but there is no doubt she acquired substantial wealth after her divorce. Despite this, Colley-Lee has chosen a quiet, non-flashy lifestyle, focusing on philanthropy and the arts instead of public displays of affluence.
Myrna Colley-Lee’s Relations and Social Impact
Myrna Colley-Lee’s relationships are not limited to family or marriage. She has built strong ties within the artistic and cultural community.
- In Mississippi, she became a respected advocate for African-American culture.
- She has worked with nonprofit organizations, art centers, and university programs to uplift young creatives.
- Her designs often reflect cultural storytelling, highlighting heritage and history.
These relationships demonstrate that her influence extends beyond personal connections—she has become a pillar in cultural preservation.
Life After Divorce From Freeman
After the divorce, Colley-Lee largely retreated from the public spotlight. Unlike many ex-spouses of celebrities, she did not write memoirs, give extensive interviews, or seek publicity. Instead, she returned to her roots in philanthropy and artistic support.
Her life choices suggest that she values privacy, culture, and contribution over fame.
Legacy and Influence
Myrna Colley-Lee’s legacy lies in three areas:
- Costume and Scenic Design – her artistic vision brought authenticity to productions.
- Philanthropy – her donations and involvement supported young artists and education.
- Cultural Preservation – she used her influence to highlight African-American stories in the arts.
Even though she is often remembered as Morgan Freeman’s ex-wife, her identity is not defined by him. Myrna Colley-Lee is an accomplished woman in her own right.
Conclusion
Myrna Colley-Lee’s story combines the glamour of Hollywood association with the quiet dignity of an artist and philanthropist. From her birth in 1941, her education in fine arts, and her career as a costume designer, to her marriage and eventual divorce from Morgan Freeman, her life has been full of both triumphs and trials.
Her dedication to the arts and community development ensures that her legacy will endure. Though her net worth and relationships often spark curiosity, the most remarkable part of her journey is her unwavering commitment to creativity and philanthropy.
At the end of the day, Myrna Colley-Lee’s life proves that true influence is not about constant visibility but about lasting impact.
Article prepared for publication on fanzineblog
