When people hear the name Myrna Colley-Lee, many immediately think of Morgan Freeman’s ex-wife. But this talented woman is so much more than just a celebrity’s former spouse. Myrna Colley-Lee is a groundbreaking costume designer, art director, and philanthropist who has left an incredible mark on American theater and the arts community. Her journey from a small town in North Carolina to becoming one of the most respected figures in the Black Theatre Movement deserves recognition in its own right.
Who is Myrna Colley-Lee?
Myrna Colley-Lee is an acclaimed American costume designer, set designer, and art director who has been actively creating stunning theatrical costumes since the late 1960s. Born in 1941 in Hamlet, North Carolina, she is now 84 years old (as of 2026). She is widely recognized as one of the foremost costume designers in the Black Theatre Movement and has designed costumes for more than 70 productions at over 50 different theaters and venues across the United States.
While many people know her as Morgan Freeman’s second ex-wife, Myrna Colley-Lee has built an impressive career that stands entirely on its own merit. Her work spans theater, television, and film, with her costume designs bringing countless characters to life on stage and screen. Beyond her professional achievements, she is deeply involved in philanthropic activities, particularly in preserving and promoting the arts in African American communities.
Early Life and Family Background
Myrna Colley-Lee was born on January 1, 1941, in Hamlet, North Carolina, a small town that would be just the first stop in her early life journey. Her childhood was marked by frequent moves as her family relocated several times during her formative years. After spending only the first six months of her life in Hamlet, her family moved to Atlanta, Georgia, then to Daytona Beach, Florida, where she began her elementary education.
The family continued their travels, eventually settling in Prairie View, Texas. This exposure to different communities and cultures across the southern United States shaped Myrna’s perspective and artistic vision from a young age. Growing up during a time when opportunities for African American women in the arts were severely limited, young Myrna developed a passion for colors, design, and creative expression that would eventually define her career.
Very little information is publicly available about Myrna’s parents or whether she has siblings. She has chosen to keep details about her family background private, preferring to let her work speak for itself. This discretion reflects her personality as someone who values privacy while dedicating herself to public artistic expression.
Age and Birthday
Myrna Colley-Lee celebrates her birthday on January 1st each year. Born in 1941, she is currently 84 years old in 2026. Her zodiac sign is Capricorn, which is often associated with ambition, discipline, and artistic sensibility—traits that certainly describe this accomplished designer. Despite her age, Myrna remains active in the costume design world and continues to contribute to theatrical productions and art exhibitions.
Education and Academic Background
Education played a crucial role in shaping Myrna Colley-Lee into the artistic powerhouse she would become. Her academic journey demonstrates her dedication to mastering her craft through formal training and continuous learning.
Myrna began her higher education at Prairie View A&M College (now Prairie View A&M University) in Texas, where she graduated in 1957. She then enrolled at the Women’s College of the University of North Carolina (now the University of North Carolina at Greensboro), where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in art education. This foundational education gave her the technical knowledge and artistic perspective she would need for her future career.
But Myrna didn’t stop there. Eager to specialize further, she moved to New York to study scene painting and properties at Brooklyn College. This experience in one of America’s cultural capitals exposed her to diverse theatrical traditions and cutting-edge design techniques.
In 1980, Myrna completed her Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in scenic and costume design from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This advanced degree solidified her expertise and prepared her for a distinguished career in theater production design. Her educational background reflects not just academic achievement but a lifelong commitment to excellence in her chosen field.
Career as Costume Designer and Art Director
Myrna Colley-Lee’s professional career spans over five decades and represents one of the most significant contributions to American theater, particularly within the Black Theatre Movement. She began her career in the late 1960s, during a pivotal time when Black theater was experiencing a resurgence despite limited funding and institutional support.
Before fully committing to costume design, Myrna worked as an art supervisor at Charlotte-Mecklenburg School in North Carolina and even served as a social worker. However, her true calling was in theatrical costume design, and she soon established herself as a creative visionary in the entertainment world.
Her notable works include costume designs for critically acclaimed theatrical productions such as “The Piano Lesson,” “Forest City,” “Wedding Band: A Love/Hate Story in Black and White,” “The Ballad of Emmett Till,” “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “Gee’s Bend,” “Two Trains Running,” “Radio Golf,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” “Fences,” and “Bus Stop.” She has worked with prestigious theaters including the Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre, Cleveland Playhouse, St. Louis Repertory Theatre, Pittsburgh Public Theatre, and Writers Theatre, among many others.
Myrna has particularly distinguished herself by designing costumes for several August Wilson plays, becoming one of the go-to designers for bringing his powerful African American stories to life on stage. Her work on shows like “Radio Golf” at the Pittsburgh Public Theatre and “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” at Writers Theatre showcases her ability to capture both historical authenticity and emotional depth through costume.
In film and television, Myrna designed costumes for the short film “Frederick Douglass: An American Life” (1985) and made an appearance as herself on the acclaimed CBS news program “60 Minutes” in 2005, in an episode titled “The Bridge to Gretna,” which examined Hurricane Katrina refugees.
Beyond creating costumes, Myrna Colley-Lee has also worked extensively as an art director and set designer, bringing her comprehensive understanding of visual storytelling to complete theatrical productions. Her designs are known for their meticulous attention to detail, historical accuracy, and ability to enhance character development through wardrobe choices.
Awards and Recognition
Myrna Colley-Lee’s exceptional contributions to costume design and the arts have earned her numerous prestigious awards and honors throughout her career:
- Outstanding Costume Design Award from the National Black Theatre Festival
- Winona Lee Fletcher Award for Outstanding Achievement as a Designer from the Black Theatre Network
- Honored Artist Award from the National Museum of Women in the Arts
- Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters Lifetime Achievement Award
- Doctor of Creative Arts (DCA), honoris causa from Mississippi State University
- Mississippi Governor’s Award for Excellence in Costume Design (2022)
- Tony Award nomination for Best Costume Design for the Broadway production of “Eubie!” (1978)
Her work has been featured in major exhibitions, including “A Theatre of Color: Costume Design for the Black Theatre,” which debuted at Detroit’s Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in 2014. This comprehensive exhibition highlighted over 200 original costume designs, renderings, and collages, providing an in-depth study of her creative process.
Other notable exhibitions featuring her work include “Songs of Social Significance” at the San Antonio Tobin Collection Gallery of The McNay Museum (2012), a major exhibition at the Mississippi Museum of Art (2006), and “GladRags: Sketches, Swatches, and Costume Designs,” which toured over a dozen venues throughout Mississippi and beyond.
Height and Physical Appearance
Myrna Colley-Lee stands at a height of 5 feet 5 inches (165 centimeters or 1.65 meters), which is considered average height. She maintains a healthy weight of approximately 60 kilograms (132 pounds). Her body measurements are reported to be 35-27-34 inches, reflecting an hourglass figure. She wears a size 6 shoe.
Myrna has captivating black eyes and black hair. Even at 84 years old, she has maintained good health and carries herself with grace and elegance. Those who know her describe her as having a commanding presence that reflects both her artistic sensibility and her strength of character. Her personal style reflects her lifelong love of colors and design, and she often wears clothing that showcases her creative aesthetic.
Personal Life and Relationships
Marriage to Morgan Freeman
Myrna Colley-Lee’s personal life gained significant public attention through her marriage to legendary Hollywood actor Morgan Freeman. The couple met through a mutual friend who worked in the entertainment industry. Given that both worked in film and theater, it wasn’t surprising they had connections in common.
Myrna and Morgan dated for some time before deciding to marry in a small, intimate ceremony on June 16, 1984. For Myrna, this was her second marriage (she was previously briefly married to jazz musician Don Pullen in 1964), while Morgan was entering his second marriage after divorcing his first wife, Jeanette Adair Bradshaw, in 1979.
At the time of their marriage, Myrna was already an established and successful costume designer, while Morgan was building his acting career. The couple chose to live a relatively quiet life away from Hollywood’s glitz and glamour, settling in Tallahatchie County in northern Mississippi, where Freeman owned property. This peaceful rural setting allowed both to focus on their respective careers while maintaining some privacy.
Children and Family Life
Myrna Colley-Lee and Morgan Freeman never had biological children together. However, Myrna became very close to Freeman’s children from his previous relationships, including his daughter Morgana from his marriage to Jeanette Adair Bradshaw.
Most significantly, the couple adopted and raised Freeman’s step-granddaughter, E’dena Hines. Myrna developed a particularly strong bond with E’dena, who tragically passed away in 2015 when she was stabbed multiple times by her boyfriend, Lamar Davenport, who was reportedly under the influence of drugs at the time. This devastating loss deeply affected both Myrna and Morgan.
Divorce from Morgan Freeman
After more than two decades together, Myrna Colley-Lee and Morgan Freeman’s marriage began to unravel. News of their separation first surfaced in December 2007, shortly after Freeman was injured in a car accident in Mississippi in August 2008. Myrna filed for divorce in July 2008, citing irreconcilable differences.
The reasons behind their divorce were never officially disclosed, but numerous reports and rumors have attributed the split to Morgan Freeman’s alleged extramarital affairs. During their marriage, Freeman reportedly had relationships with other women, including a school teacher named Mary Joyce Hays. These infidelities reportedly became too much for Myrna to endure, leading to her decision to end the marriage.
The divorce proceedings continued for nearly three years before being finalized on September 15, 2010, in Mississippi. The divorce was settled privately, with the terms sealed from public records. Freeman’s attorney, William R. Wright, stated at the time: “It was done without a trial. Everybody is glad it’s over.”
Divorce Settlement and Net Worth
The financial details of Myrna Colley-Lee’s divorce settlement from Morgan Freeman have been the subject of much speculation, with various sources reporting dramatically different figures. Some reports claim that Myrna received one of the largest divorce settlements in Hollywood history, with estimates ranging from $160 million to as high as $400 million, along with a $7 million villa in the British Virgin Islands and other undisclosed assets.
However, these figures remain unverified, as the divorce was finalized under seal. More conservative estimates of Myrna’s personal net worth place it between $5 million and $10 million, based on her decades-long professional career, real estate holdings, and divorce settlement combined.
What is clear is that Myrna Colley-Lee’s attorney, Kay Farese Turner, stated after the settlement that “Both parties were relieved and pleased with the terms of the settlement.” Turner also noted that her client would continue residing in Mississippi, where she has deep roots in the arts community.
Current Relationship Status
Following her divorce from Morgan Freeman, Myrna Colley-Lee has maintained a private personal life. There is no public information about any romantic relationships since her marriage ended. Now in her mid-80s, Myrna appears focused on her work, philanthropic efforts, and enjoying a quieter life dedicated to the arts rather than pursuing new relationships.
Boyfriend and Dating Life
As of 2026, there is no public information indicating that Myrna Colley-Lee is dating anyone or has a boyfriend. Since her divorce from Morgan Freeman was finalized in 2010, she has kept her romantic life completely private. At 84 years old, Myrna seems content focusing on her career legacy, art advocacy, and philanthropic work rather than publicizing any personal relationships.
Philanthropic Work and Community Involvement
Beyond her professional achievements as a costume designer, Myrna Colley-Lee has dedicated significant time and resources to supporting the arts through philanthropic work. Her commitment to preserving African American cultural heritage and promoting artistic opportunities has made her a respected figure in arts advocacy.
Myrna serves as a commissioner for the Mississippi Arts Commission, where she plays a crucial role in providing financial aid and support to art programs throughout the state. She sits on several important boards, including:
- Charleston Arts and Revitalization Effort, Inc., a local civic arts organization
- The Rock River Foundation, a philanthropic organization supporting the arts
- Mississippi State University Department of Art
- The Gertrude C. Ford Center at the University of Mississippi
In 2006, Myrna co-founded the SonEdna Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and celebrating literary arts and writers of all genres and settings in the Mississippi Delta. The foundation supports emerging writers and preserves the rich literary tradition of the region.
In 2017, Myrna helped organize “Reflections: African American Life from the Myrna Colley-Lee Collection,” an art gallery exhibition at the Columbus Museum in Georgia. This exhibition, which ran for approximately three months, showcased her personal art collection focusing on African American life and culture. According to the museum, “Colley-Lee is herself a transplant to rural Mississippi, and her collection reflects in part her personal appreciation of the two traditions and the way in which she sees them intertwine.”
Her art collection and exhibitions demonstrate her deep appreciation for diverse cultures and her commitment to highlighting African American artistic contributions. Through her philanthropy, Myrna continues to open doors for future generations of artists, particularly women and minorities in theater and costume design.
Net Worth and Financial Status
Determining Myrna Colley-Lee’s exact net worth is challenging due to conflicting reports and the private nature of her divorce settlement. Various sources provide estimates ranging from $5 million to $400 million, though most of the higher figures appear to be speculation rather than verified information.
More realistic estimates place Myrna Colley-Lee’s net worth at approximately $5 million to $10 million. This wealth comes from multiple sources:
- Professional Career: Over five decades as a costume designer, art director, and set designer for prestigious theaters, films, and television productions
- Divorce Settlement: An undisclosed but presumably substantial settlement from her divorce from Morgan Freeman
- Real Estate Holdings: Property in Mississippi and potentially other locations
- Art Collection: A significant collection of African American art and cultural artifacts
Despite her wealth, Myrna has chosen a lifestyle focused on artistic and philanthropic pursuits rather than public displays of affluence. She continues to reside in Mississippi, where she remains deeply involved in the local arts community.
Legacy and Impact on Theater
Myrna Colley-Lee’s impact on American theater, particularly the Black Theatre Movement, cannot be overstated. She began her career during a crucial period in the late 1960s and 1970s when Black theater was experiencing a cultural resurgence despite facing significant financial and institutional challenges.
As one of the foremost costume designers in the Black Theatre Movement, Myrna helped bring important African American stories to life through her designs. Her work on plays by August Wilson and other prominent Black playwrights has been instrumental in visually representing the Black experience on stage with authenticity, dignity, and artistic excellence.
Her legacy extends beyond her individual productions. Myrna Colley-Lee has paved the way for future generations of costume designers, particularly women and minorities in the entertainment industry. Through her teaching, mentorship, and public exhibitions, she has shared her knowledge and inspired countless aspiring designers to pursue careers in theatrical arts.
Her recognition through major awards and exhibitions has also elevated the status of costume design as an essential art form, rather than merely a technical craft. By showcasing her creative process through exhibitions featuring her original costume designs, renderings, and collages, Myrna has helped audiences understand the artistic vision and meticulous work that goes into creating memorable theatrical costumes.
Current Activities and Projects
Even in her 80s, Myrna Colley-Lee remains active in the theater world and arts community. She continues to design costumes for select theatrical productions, bringing her decades of experience to new projects. Recent works include costume designs for “Trouble in Mind” at Utah Shakespeare Festival and various August Wilson plays at regional theaters.
Myrna stays engaged with her philanthropic work through the Mississippi Arts Commission and the SonEdna Foundation. She continues to advocate for arts funding, particularly for programs serving underrepresented communities in Mississippi and throughout the South.
Her art collection continues to grow, and she regularly loans pieces for exhibitions at museums and galleries. Through these exhibitions, she shares her passion for African American art and culture with broader audiences.
While she maintains a relatively low public profile compared to her years as Morgan Freeman’s wife, Myrna Colley-Lee remains a respected and influential figure in American theater. She is frequently consulted for her expertise on costume design for period productions, particularly those depicting African American history.
Interesting Facts About Myrna Colley-Lee
Here are some fascinating facts about this remarkable woman:
- Pioneer in Black Theater: Myrna is recognized as one of the key figures who helped establish costume design as an art form within the Black Theatre Movement of the 1960s-1980s.
- Extensive Portfolio: She has designed costumes for more than 70 theatrical productions at over 50 different venues across the United States.
- Exhibition Record: Her 2014 exhibition “A Theatre of Color” featured over 200 original costume designs, making it one of the most comprehensive exhibitions ever devoted to a single costume designer.
- Academic Honor: She received an honorary Doctor of Creative Arts degree from Mississippi State University, recognizing her contributions to the arts.
- Versatile Artist: Beyond costume design, Myrna has worked as an art supervisor, social worker, set designer, and art director, showcasing her diverse talents.
- Private Person: Despite being married to one of Hollywood’s biggest stars for 26 years, Myrna has always maintained a relatively private life, focusing on her work rather than celebrity status.
- Art Collector: Her personal collection of African American art is considered significant and has been featured in multiple museum exhibitions.
- Literary Advocate: Through the SonEdna Foundation, she supports writers and literary arts in the Mississippi Delta, showing her commitment extends beyond visual arts.
- Long Career: She has been actively designing costumes since the late 1960s, giving her over 55 years of professional experience in the field.
- Mississippi Roots: Although born in North Carolina, Myrna has made Mississippi her home for decades and is deeply involved in the state’s arts community.
Conclusion
Myrna Colley-Lee’s story is one of artistic passion, professional excellence, and quiet strength. While many people initially learned her name through her association with Morgan Freeman, her own accomplishments deserve recognition and celebration. From her groundbreaking work in the Black Theatre Movement to her ongoing philanthropic efforts, Myrna has made lasting contributions to American culture.
At 84 years old, with a career spanning over five decades, Myrna Colley-Lee stands as a testament to the power of dedication, creativity, and resilience. Her costume designs have helped bring countless stories to life on stage, her advocacy has supported emerging artists, and her exhibitions have educated audiences about the importance of costume design as an art form.