In Hollywood, where glitz and glamour often overshadow personal lives, Myrna Colley-Lee, the ex wife of Morgan Freeman is a fascinating figure with her own story to tell. While she is mainly known as the ex-wife of legendary actor Morgan Freeman, Myrna Colley-Lee has forged her path as a talented costume designer, art curator, a philanthropist, arts patron and a woman of immense strength and resilience.
Early Life
Born on March 8, 1941, Myrna Colley-Lee hails from the city of Hamlet, North Carolina. Her journey into the world of arts and culture began at an early age, driven by a passion for creativity and a keen eye for aesthetics. Little did she know that her artistic talents would eventually intertwine with theglitz and glamor of Hollywood.
After completing her undergraduate study in Fine arts from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, She proceeded to Temple University,Philadelphia where she earned a master’s degree in stage and costume design.
Career
Myrna Colley-Lee started actively designing since the late 1960s, is she is credited as one of the forefront costume designers in the Black Theatre Movement. Myrna Colley-Lee made her Writers Theatre debut with Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, which was her sixth August Wilson play.Although not known as an actress, She acted herself in Season 38 Episode 13 of the TV series – 60 minutes
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Myrna Colley-Lee and Morgan Freeman
Myrna Colley-Lee’s life took a significant turn when she crossed paths with Morgan Freeman. She was introduced to Morgan through a mutual friend , and the two were married in 1984, marking the beginning of a union that would endure for over two decades. During their marriage, the couple became a prominent fixture in the entertainment industry, attending events together and supporting each other’s endeavors.The couple had no biological children together, but Freeman and Colley-Lee adopted Freeman’s step-granddaughter from his first marriage and together helped to raise her.
Divorce
In a quiet courtroom in Tallahatchie County, Mississippi, the final chapter of a 26-year-long marriage came to an end. On September 15, 2010, a judge entered the divorce decree for Morgan Freeman and his then-wife, Myrna Colley-Lee.
The divorce was finalized without a trial, according to William R. Wright, the attorney who represented Morgan Freeman. The terms of the divorce remained sealed, adding an air of mystery to the high-profile split. Wright, in a statement to The Associated Press, mentioned, “It was done without a trial. Everybody is glad it’s over.”
Artistic Achievements
While she may be recognized as Morgan Freeman’s ex-wife, Myrna Colley-Lee has carved her niche in the world of art and design. Her notable career as a costume designer includes work on Broadway productions and acclaimed films. Colley-Lee’s creative vision has left an indelible mark on the entertainment landscape, earning her respect and admiration within the industry.
Art Curation and Advocacy
Beyond her work in costume design, Myrna Colley-Lee has made significant contributions to the world of art curation. Her dedication to promoting African-American art and artists is evident in her role as a curator. Colley-Lee has been involved in various initiatives aimed at showcasing the richness and diversity of African-American artistic expression, notably her work , ‘The Myrna colley – Lee collection ‘ , which was featured at the columbus museum. Somer of her other exhibitions include: A Theatre of Color: Costume Design for the Black Theatre,debuted at Detroit’s Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in 2014. A comprehensive exhibition of Colley-Lee’s work,which highlighted over 200 original costume designs, renderings and collages as a study of her design process. Colley-Lee’s work was also featured at the 2012 exhibition Songs of Social Significance at the San Antonio Tobin Collection Gallery of The McNay Museum, at the 2006 major exhibition at the Mississippi Museum of Art and in GladRags: Sketches, Swatches, and Costume Designs, which toured over a dozen venues.
Awards
Colley has had a wonderful career in Costume and arts and has been a recipient of several awards. Including Outstanding Costume Design from the National Black Theatre Festival, the Winona Lee Fletcher Award for Outstanding Achievement as a Designer from the Black Theatre Network, Honored Artist from the National Museum of Women in the Arts, the Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters Lifetime Achievement Award and the Doctor of Creative Arts, honoris causa, from Mississippi State University.
Legacy and Continued Impact
Myrna Colley-Lee’s story goes beyond the confines of her past marriage. Her legacy is one of artistic brilliance, resilience, and a commitment to promoting cultural diversity in the arts. Today, she serves as an inspiration for aspiring artists and individuals navigating personal challenges in the public eye.
Final Note
As the ex-wife of Morgan Freeman, Myrna Colley-Lee’s life story is a captivating narrative of talent, passion, and resilience. Her journey from a small town in North Carolina to the grand stages of Broadway and Hollywood exemplifies the transformative power of art. Myrna Colley-Lee’s legacy extends far beyond her past marriage, solidifying her place as a trailblazer in the world of arts and culture.
