When people hear the name Myrna Colley-Lee, many quickly think of her as Morgan Freeman’s ex-wife. And yes, she was married to one of the most famous actors in the world. But her story is much deeper than that.
She is a creative artist, a kind woman, and someone who built a peaceful life through both happy and hard times. She spent years working in theater, designing costumes, and helping stories come alive on stage. She also lived a long love story before life slowly changed its direction.
In this article, we will take a warm and simple look at Myrna Colley-Lee’s life. We will explore her early years, her love for art, her education, and her creative career. We will also talk about her life with Morgan Freeman and the important moments that shaped her journey.
Myrna Colley-Lee’s Early Life
Myrna Colley-Lee was born on January 1, 1941, in a small town called Hamlet in North Carolina. Life there was simple and quiet. She did not grow up in a rich or famous family, but she had something very special—a calm and creative spirit.
As a child, she enjoyed the little things. She liked drawing, coloring, and spending time alone with her ideas. People who knew her said she was gentle, thoughtful, and always focused on creating something beautiful. Have you ever met someone who just loves to sit quietly and make art? That was Myrna.
Her early life may not have been full of big events, but it was full of imagination. And sometimes, that is where the strongest dreams begin.
How Myrna Colley-Lee Fell in Love with Art
From a young age, Myrna Colley-Lee felt something special when she looked at colors and designs. She noticed how a simple dress could tell a story. She noticed how a room could feel warm or cold just by changing colors.
She also loved stories and plays. When she watched actors on stage, she didn’t just watch the acting. She looked at their clothes, the stage, and the small details. She wondered, “Who created this?” That curiosity slowly turned into passion.
Think about it—have you ever looked at a movie or a play and noticed how the clothes match the story? That is what Myrna loved. She did not just see fashion. She saw meaning behind every piece.
Myrna Colley-Lee’s Education Journey
As she grew older, Myrna Colley-Lee decided to follow her passion seriously. She began her studies at the Woman’s College of the University of North Carolina, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Art Education. This helped her understand both art and teaching.
But she did not stop there. She wanted to learn more about theater and design. So she moved to New York and studied scene painting at Brooklyn College. This was a big step. It took her closer to the real world of art and performance.
Later, in 1980, she earned her master’s degree in Scenic and Costume Design from Temple University. This was a major achievement. It gave her the skills and confidence to start her professional journey. Her education helped her turn her passion into a real career.
Myrna Colley-Lee’s Career in Costume Design
After finishing her studies, Myrna Colley-Lee began working in theater. She became a costume designer. This means she created clothes for actors that matched their roles and stories.
Her work was not just about making clothes look nice. It was about telling a story without using words. For example, if a character was shy, rich, or strong, she showed that through the costume. She studied every detail before designing.
She worked in theater, television, and even film. In some projects, she also led the costume and wardrobe departments. This showed her leadership and talent. People trusted her because she always paid attention to small details.
Myrna Colley-Lee’s Best Works and Projects
Over the years, Myrna Colley-Lee worked on many powerful productions. Each project gave her a chance to show her creativity and deep understanding of stories.
Some of her well-known works include The Piano Lesson, Wedding Band: A Love/Hate Story in Black and White, Forest City, and Frederick Douglass: An American Life. These projects were important, especially in telling African American stories.
People in the theater world respected her work. They loved how she made costumes feel real and meaningful. She never rushed her work. She listened, studied, and created with care. That is what made her stand out.
Myrna Colley-Lee’s Work Beyond Costume Design
As time passed, Myrna Colley-Lee did not limit herself to just costume design. She explored other creative areas too. She worked as a set designer and art director, helping shape the full look of a production.
She also became involved in art exhibitions. One of her known exhibits, GladRags, showed her costume designs and sketches. Another, Reflections: The Theatre of Color, focused on Black theater and its history.
These exhibitions were not just about showing art. They were about sharing stories and culture. Through this work, Myrna helped people understand how powerful design can be in storytelling.
Myrna Colley-Lee and Morgan Freeman’s Love Story
The love story of Myrna Colley-Lee and Morgan Freeman began in a simple way. They met through mutual friends. At first, it was just a normal meeting. But soon, they found a connection.
They both liked quiet moments. They enjoyed deep talks and simple living. This made their bond strong. In 1984, they got married in a private ceremony. It was not a big Hollywood wedding. It was calm and meaningful.
They moved to Mississippi and lived a peaceful life. They enjoyed their home, nature, and time together. For many years, they were seen as a strong and loving couple who stayed away from too much public attention.
Myrna Colley-Lee as a Mother Figure to E’Dena Hines
One of the most special parts of Myrna Colley-Lee’s life was her bond with E’Dena Hines. When E’Dena’s mother was facing struggles, Myrna stepped in with love and care.
She raised E’Dena as her own child. Their bond was strong and full of trust. Myrna supported her dreams and gave her a stable home. She created a space filled with love, art, and learning.
For Myrna, being a mother was not about blood. It was about heart. And she gave that fully to E’Dena.
The Tragic Loss of E’Dena Hines
Life does not always stay peaceful. Sadly, Myrna Colley-Lee faced a heartbreaking moment when E’Dena Hines passed away in a tragic way.
Her death shocked many people and left a deep pain in Myrna’s life. It was one of the hardest moments she had to face. Losing someone you raised and loved so deeply is never easy.
Even through this pain, Myrna stayed strong. She honored E’Dena’s memory and kept moving forward with quiet courage.
Why Myrna Colley-Lee and Morgan Freeman Divorced
After many years of marriage, things began to change between Myrna Colley-Lee and Morgan Freeman. Their relationship slowly became strained.
They separated in 2007, after 26 years together. The divorce took a few years and was finalized in 2010. There were many reports and rumors about the reasons, including claims of unfaithfulness. However, these were never fully confirmed.
Myrna handled everything in a calm and private way. She did not speak much in public. She chose peace over drama. Walking away was not easy, but it showed her strength.
Myrna Colley-Lee’s Divorce Settlement and Net Worth
After the divorce was finalized in 2010, many people became curious about Myrna Colley-Lee’s financial life. Reports said that the settlement was very large. Some sources claimed it could be in the range of millions. However, the exact number was never fully confirmed in public.
Along with money, it was also reported that Myrna Colley-Lee received access to beautiful properties. These included homes in places like New York and the Caribbean. These homes gave her space to relax and start a new chapter of her life in peace.
It is also important to remember that Myrna had her own career. She worked for many years in theater and design. Because of this, she had already built her own income. Today, her net worth is believed to be quite high, but exact numbers are not clearly known.
Myrna Colley-Lee’s Life After Divorce
After her divorce, Myrna Colley-Lee made a very clear choice. She chose peace. She stepped away from the spotlight and started living a quiet and simple life.
She returned to Mississippi, a place she always loved. Life there is slow and calm. There are no big crowds or loud events. Just nature, quiet streets, and time to think. This is the kind of life she always enjoyed.
Have you ever wanted to take a break from noise and just live simply? That is exactly what Myrna did. She focused on her own happiness and stayed away from media attention.
Myrna Colley-Lee’s Charity and Community Work
Even after stepping away from public life, Myrna Colley-Lee did not stop helping others. She has always had a kind heart. Giving back has always been an important part of her life.
She worked with groups like the Rock River Foundation. This group supports art, education, and community programs. She also supported the Mississippi State University Department of Art, helping young students learn and grow.
Myrna also served as a commissioner for the Mississippi Arts Commission. In this role, she helped protect and promote art in her state. She believed that art can change lives. And she worked hard to make sure others could follow their creative dreams.
Myrna Colley-Lee’s Hobbies and Personal Life
When she is not working or helping others, Myrna Colley-Lee enjoys simple and peaceful hobbies. One of her favorite things is gardening. She loves planting flowers and watching them grow slowly over time.
She also enjoys reading. Books about life, travel, and history keep her mind active. Reading gives her both peace and knowledge. It is a quiet way to explore the world without leaving home.
Myrna also loves visiting museums and art galleries. She enjoys looking at different styles of art and learning new ideas. Travel is another passion. Whether it is a busy city or a quiet island, she enjoys seeing new places and cultures.
How Old Is Myrna Colley-Lee Today?
As of 2026, Myrna Colley-Lee is 85 years old. She was born on January 1, 1941. That means she celebrates her birthday on New Year’s Day, which is quite special.
Even at this age, she carries herself with grace and calm energy. People who see her often say she looks peaceful and balanced. Her lifestyle plays a big role in this.
She follows her faith, eats well, and stays active in her own way. Her life shows that growing older can still be full of beauty and strength.
Where Is Myrna Colley-Lee Now?
Today, Myrna Colley-Lee lives a quiet life in Charleston, Mississippi. She enjoys her home, her garden, and the calm environment around her. She is not active on social media and rarely appears in public.
From time to time, she may visit other homes she owns, like in New York or the Caribbean. These places hold memories from her past life. But her main focus is her peaceful life in Mississippi.
She also stays connected to people she cares about. Even after the divorce, she is still close to some members of Morgan Freeman’s family. This shows her kind and loyal nature.
Final Thoughts
The story of Myrna Colley-Lee is not just about being Morgan Freeman’s ex-wife. It is about a woman who built her own path with art, patience, and strength.
She created a successful career in design. She loved deeply and cared for others like family. She faced hard times but stayed calm and strong. And most importantly, she chose peace when life became difficult.
Her story teaches us something simple but powerful. You do not need fame or noise to live a meaningful life. Sometimes, a quiet life filled with love and purpose is the most beautiful one of all.
(FAQs)
What is Myrna Colley-Lee’s net worth?
Myrna Colley-Lee’s net worth is not officially confirmed, but many reports say she may have millions after her divorce from Morgan Freeman. Some claims even suggest a very large settlement, which surprised many people.
Did Myrna Colley-Lee have any children?
Myrna Colley-Lee did not have biological children. However, she raised E’Dena Hines like her own daughter, and they shared a very close and loving bond.
How old is Myrna Colley-Lee and when is her birthday?
Myrna Colley-Lee was born on January 1, 1941. As of 2026, she is 85 years old. Yes, she was born on New Year’s Day, which many people find surprising.
Who are Myrna Colley-Lee’s parents?
The names of Myrna Colley-Lee’s parents are not publicly known. She has kept her family background very private, which is rare for someone connected to Hollywood.
Why did Myrna Colley-Lee divorce Morgan Freeman, and is she still alive?
Myrna Colley-Lee and Morgan Freeman divorced after 26 years of marriage. Reports suggested personal issues, but nothing was fully confirmed. As of 2026, Myrna Colley-Lee is alive and living a quiet, peaceful life away from the spotlight.
You might also like: Who Is Carrie James? The Full Story of Sean Murray’s Ex-Wife and Her Life Today