When people hear the name Myrna Colley-Lee, most think of her as Morgan Freeman’s ex-wife. But there is so much more to her than that. She is a creative artist, a kind woman, and a person who has lived a strong and peaceful life, even when things were hard.
Myrna spent many years designing beautiful costumes, building sets for theater shows, and helping young artists find their path. She also lived a long and quiet love story with Morgan Freeman before life took them in different directions.
In this article, we will take a warm and simple look at Myrna Colley-Lee’s early life, her love for art, her education, her creative career, and her life with Morgan Freeman. We will stop halfway for now, and continue the second half later.
Myrna Colley-Lee Quick Bio
| Full Name | Myrna Colley-Lee |
| Date of Birth | January 1, 1941 |
| Age (2026) | 85 years old |
| Birthplace | Hamlet, North Carolina, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Religion | Christian |
| Height | 5 ft 5 in (165 cm) |
| Profession | Costume Designer, Set Designer, Art Director |
| Known For | Morgan Freeman’s Ex-Wife |
| Children | Raised E’Dena Hines (not biological) |
| Parents | Not publicly known |
| Net Worth | Around $180 million |
| Education | Master’s in Scenic & Costume Design (Temple University) |
| Current Home | Charleston, Mississippi |
| Other Homes | New York City, British Virgin Islands |
Myrna Colley-Lee’s Early Life
Myrna Colley-Lee was born on January 1, 1941, in Hamlet, North Carolina. She grew up in a simple and loving home where she learned to enjoy the quiet things in life. Many people who knew her as a child said she always had a calm and gentle spirit.
From a young age, she loved drawing, painting, and playing with colors. She was the kind of child who could spend hours creating something beautiful on a blank piece of paper. Maybe you knew someone like that in school—someone who always had a pencil behind the ear and little bits of paint on their hands.
Her childhood was not fancy, but it was full of imagination. This early love for art would later shape her entire future.
How Myrna Colley-Lee Found Her Love for Art
Every artist has a “spark”—that moment when they realize art is part of their soul. For Myrna Colley-Lee, this spark started early. She noticed how colors changed the mood of a room. She noticed how clothes could tell a story. She noticed how design could bring a character to life.
She also loved watching plays and reading stories. She liked seeing how costumes helped actors look stronger, sadder, happier, or older. It made her curious. She wanted to understand how a simple dress or coat could change the whole meaning of a scene.
Have you ever looked at something simple—like a piece of fabric or an old photo—and felt a story in it? That is how Myrna felt, even as a young girl. And she carried that feeling with her for the rest of her life.
Myrna Colley-Lee’s Education Journey
As she grew older, Myrna Colley-Lee wanted to learn more about the world of art and design. She started her studies at the Woman’s College of the University of North Carolina, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Art Education. She wanted to understand not just how to create beauty, but also how to teach others to create beauty.
But this was not enough for her. She wanted to explore theater. She wanted to understand how costumes and sets could bring stories to life. So she studied scene painting at Brooklyn College in New York. This was a big step. It moved her closer to the heart of the art world.
Her biggest academic moment came in 1980, when she earned her master’s degree in Scenic and Costume Design from Temple University in Philadelphia. This was the final step she needed before entering the world of professional costume design.
Her education did not just give her degrees. It gave her direction. It gave her confidence. It showed her that she had a real place in the world of art and theater.
Myrna Colley-Lee’s Start in Costume Design
After finishing school, Myrna Colley-Lee stepped into the world of theater. She became a costume designer, which means she created clothing for actors on stage. These were not everyday clothes. They were pieces of art that helped tell the story.
Her job was to listen to the director, study the script, understand the character, and then design the perfect costume. For example, if a story took place in the 1920s, she had to pick colors, fabrics, and styles that truly matched that time. If a character was shy, bold, rich, or troubled, she had to show that through clothing.
Costume design is like silent storytelling. And Myrna was very good at it. She made each costume feel real, honest, and full of meaning. People in the theater world quickly began to trust her eye and her heart.
Myrna Colley-Lee’s Best Works in Theatre and Film
Over the years, Myrna Colley-Lee worked on many important productions. Each one showed her talent and her deep respect for stories. Some of her most famous works include:
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The Piano Lesson
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Wedding Band: A Love/Hate Story in Black and White
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Forest City
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Relativity
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Frederick Douglass: An American Life
These projects allowed her to use her knowledge of history, culture, and character design. She became known for her careful attention to detail. She always wanted the costumes to feel true—not just beautiful.
People loved working with her because she never rushed. She listened. She observed. She tried to understand every character deeply. Many people in the Black theatre world praised her for helping show African American stories with honesty and pride.
More Than Costumes, Myrna Colley-Lee’s Work in Art and Design
As time went on, Myrna Colley-Lee expanded her creative work. She was not only a costume designer. She also became a set designer, an art director, and even an interior designer for companies and organizations.
She also loved curating art exhibitions. One of her well-known exhibits was called GladRags, which showed her costume sketches and designs. Another was Reflections: The Theatre of Color, which celebrated Black theater costumes and history.
These exhibits were more than displays of art. They were reminders that costume design is a real and powerful part of storytelling. They were also a way for Myrna to share her quiet gift with the world.
At this point in her life, Myrna was not just part of the art world—she was helping build it.
Myrna Colley-Lee and Morgan Freeman, How Their Love Story Began
Like many love stories, the story of Myrna Colley-Lee and Morgan Freeman began with a simple introduction from mutual friends. They met, they talked, and they quickly felt a connection. They both enjoyed quiet moments, deep conversations, and a simple life away from Hollywood noise.
They got married on June 16, 1984, in a private ceremony. It was not flashy or loud. It was peaceful—just like the way they lived. They moved to Tallahatchie County, Mississippi, where life was slow and calm. They enjoyed gardening, reading, and spending time at home.
For many years, they were seen as a strong and happy couple. They supported each other’s work and kept their private life quiet. Myrna especially enjoyed staying out of the spotlight.
This peaceful chapter of her life lasted for more than two decades.
Raising E’Dena Hines, A Special Part of Myrna’s Life
One of the most meaningful parts of Myrna Colley-Lee’s life was raising E’Dena Hines, Morgan Freeman’s step-granddaughter. When Deena, E’Dena’s mother, was struggling, Myrna lovingly asked if E’Dena could live with them.
Myrna raised E’Dena as her own daughter. They shared a deep and close bond. E’Dena grew up in a home filled with art, learning, and love. Myrna supported her dreams and encouraged her to explore acting and storytelling.
Sadly, years later, E’Dena’s life ended in a tragic way. Her passing deeply affected Myrna. But even after the tragedy, Myrna honored her memory and continued supporting the people E’Dena loved.
For Myrna, motherhood was not about biology. It was about love, care, and heart.
Why Myrna Colley-Lee and Morgan Freeman Divorced
After 26 years of marriage, Myrna Colley-Lee and Morgan Freeman reached a painful point in their relationship. In 2007, Myrna filed for divorce, and in 2010, it became final.
There were many reports and rumors about the reasons. Many said Freeman was unfaithful, and that these affairs created distance in the marriage. There were stories in the news about a car accident Freeman had in 2008 with another woman in the car. Both denied the rumors, but the marriage had already become strained.
Through all of this, Myrna stayed calm and private. She did not seek attention or media drama. She simply walked away with grace.
This chapter was painful, but it also showed Myrna’s quiet strength. She chose peace over chaos. And she chose to start again.
Below is Part 2 (the second half) of your article. It continues smoothly from the first half, uses the same tone, simple words, and clear structure. The keyword “Myrna Colley-Lee” is used naturally.
Myrna Colley-Lee’s Divorce Settlement and Net Worth
When the divorce between Myrna Colley-Lee and Morgan Freeman was finalized in 2010, it became one of the most talked-about settlements in Hollywood. Many people were surprised by how large the settlement was. Reports said Myrna received between $100 million and $400 million. This made it one of the highest divorce payouts in the industry at the time.
Along with the money, Myrna also received several beautiful homes. She got a lovely property in the British Virgin Islands, a home in Los Angeles, and an apartment near Central Park in New York City. These homes became her peaceful places where she could relax and rebuild her life.
Even before the divorce, Myrna had earned good money from her years of work in costume design, art direction, and set design. But the settlement changed her financial life forever. Today, many sources estimate her net worth to be around $180 million, though some think it may be even higher.
Myrna Colley-Lee’s Quiet Life After Divorce
After the divorce, Myrna Colley-Lee chose peace over noise. She did not give interviews. She did not appear on talk shows. She did not share private details with the media. Instead, she walked away quietly and began to build a calm and gentle life for herself.
She moved back to Charleston, Mississippi, a place she always loved. She enjoyed the slower pace, the open spaces, and the comfort of familiar surroundings. Some people say she still visits her homes in New York and the islands when she wants a change of scenery.
One interesting rumor is that Myrna may be working on an anthology—a book that shares her memories, lessons, and life stories. If this is true, it would give people a deeper look into her world. But like everything else in her life, she keeps this project private too.
Her simple lifestyle shows that she never wanted fame. She only wanted peace, art, and a life that felt true to her heart.
Myrna Colley-Lee’s Love for Charity and Community Work
Even after leaving the spotlight, Myrna stayed deeply involved in charity work. She loves helping young artists and supporting creative communities. Her giving heart is one of the things people admire the most about her.
She has worked with the Rock River Foundation, a group that supports arts and education in Mississippi. She has also been part of the Charleston Arts and Revitalization Effort (CARE), which helps bring creative programs to local families.
Myrna also gives her time and energy to the Mississippi State University Department of Art. She helps students learn, grow, and discover their own voices in the art world. She once served as a commissioner for the Mississippi Arts Commission, where she helped protect and promote art across the state.
These efforts show that Myrna never stopped caring. Even after the hardest chapters of her life, she kept giving love, support, and creativity to others.
Myrna Colley-Lee’s Hobbies and Favorite Things
When she is not working on art or helping her community, Myrna Colley-Lee enjoys quiet hobbies that fill her days with peace. One of her favorite things is gardening. She loves planting flowers, watching them grow, and caring for her garden with patience and joy.
She also loves reading. She enjoys simple books about travel, history, and personal stories. Reading helps her relax and learn new things at the same time. Museums also play a big role in her life. She loves walking slowly through art exhibits and letting the colors and shapes speak to her heart.
Travel has always been a passion for Myrna too. Whether she visits a big city or a quiet island, she likes learning from new places. And in everything she does, she loves bright colors. You can see them in her clothes, her home décor, and even in her artwork. Her world is full of gentle beauty.
How Old Is Myrna Colley-Lee Today?
As of 2026, Myrna Colley-Lee is 85 years old. She was born on January 1, 1941, which makes her a New Year’s baby. Even at this age, she still looks full of life. She carries herself with calm confidence and quiet grace.
She follows the Christian faith, keeps a simple lifestyle, and focuses on her health and happiness. Many people admire how she stays active, balanced, and positive as she grows older. She is a wonderful example of how peace and purpose can keep someone strong.
Where Is Myrna Colley-Lee Now?
Today, Myrna lives a peaceful life in Charleston, Mississippi. She enjoys her quiet home, spends time in her garden, and supports local art whenever she can. She is not active on social media, and she rarely appears in public events, which makes her life even more private.
She still travels from time to time, especially to New York or the British Virgin Islands. These places hold memories and meaning for her. She stays close to the people she cares about, including some members of Morgan Freeman’s family, whom she has known for many years.
Even though she is no longer in the spotlight, Myrna’s life is full of meaning. She spends her days doing the things she loves and living life at her own gentle pace.
Final Thoughts
The story of Myrna Colley-Lee is not about drama or fame. It is about strength, kindness, and quiet courage. She built a long and beautiful career in art and theater. She raised a child with love. She walked through heartbreak with grace. And she created a peaceful life for herself far away from the noise of Hollywood.
Her story reminds us that a good life does not always need attention. Sometimes the strongest people are the quietest. Sometimes the most powerful stories are the ones told softly.
Myrna Colley-Lee continues to inspire others with her art, her heart, and her simple, gentle way of living.
(FAQs)
Who are Myrna Colley-Lee’s parents?
No one knows the names of Myrna Colley-Lee’s parents. She never shared them, and they were never in the news. Many people are shocked that someone so well-known kept her family fully private.
Did Myrna Colley-Lee have any children?
Myrna Colley-Lee never had her own biological children. But she raised Morgan Freeman’s step-granddaughter, E’Dena Hines, like her own daughter. They had a very close and loving bond.
How old is Myrna Colley-Lee and when was she born?
Myrna Colley-Lee was born on January 1, 1941. That means she is 85 years old in 2026. Yes, she was born on New Year’s Day.
What happened to Myrna Colley-Lee’s daughter, E’Dena Hines?
E’Dena Hines, the young woman Myrna raised as a daughter, sadly died in a very tragic and shocking way at age 33. This was one of the hardest moments of Myrna’s life.
How much money did Myrna Colley-Lee get in the divorce, and what is her net worth now?
Myrna Colley-Lee’s divorce from Morgan Freeman was huge. Reports say she received $100 million to $400 million. Because of this, her net worth is now believed to be around $180 million or even more.
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