Myrna Colley-Lee is a multifaceted talent whose life story transcends her identity as the ex-wife of legendary actor Morgan Freeman. Born in 1941 in Hamlet, North Carolina, Myrna has carved out a successful career as a costume designer, artist, and philanthropist, showcasing her remarkable skills in the entertainment industry.
With a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and advanced studies in scenic and costume design, she has left an indelible mark on theater and film, contributing her artistic vision to acclaimed productions like August Wilson’s “Radio Golf” and notable films such as “The Piano Lesson.”
Despite her ties to a Hollywood icon, Myrna has maintained a low profile, preferring to let her work speak for itself. Her journey reflects not only her professional accomplishments but also her resilience in the face of personal challenges, particularly during her high-profile marriage and subsequent divorce from Freeman. This blog post delves into the life and career of Myrna Colley-Lee, shedding light on her artistic contributions and the lessons learned from her experiences.
Myrna Colley-Lee Bio/Wiki
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Myrna Colley-Lee |
| Date of Birth | 1941 |
| Place of Birth | Hamlet, North Carolina, USA |
| Education | Bachelor of Fine Arts, Women’s College of the University of North Carolina; Further studies at Brooklyn College and Temple University |
| Profession | Costume Designer, Artist |
| Known For | Costume design in theater and film |
| Spouse | Morgan Freeman (m. 1984; div. 2010) |
| Years Active | Primarily 1980s – Present |
| Philanthropy | Active in various artistic and philanthropic endeavors |
| Notable Achievement | Contributed to numerous theater productions and films |
| Marital Status | Divorced (Morgan Freeman) |
Who is Myrna Colley-Lee?
Myrna Colley-Lee is a distinguished African-American costume designer, artist, philanthropist, and theater producer. With roots in Hamlet, North Carolina, Myrna has built a prolific career in the arts. She has a strong educational background, having studied at the Women’s College of the University of North Carolina, Brooklyn College, and Temple University. Her expertise in costume and scenic design has been showcased in numerous theater productions and films, making her a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Myrna is known for her marriage to Hollywood actor Morgan Freeman, which lasted nearly three decades before ending in a high-profile divorce in 2010. Despite the public interest surrounding her relationship with Freeman, Myrna has chosen to lead a life away from the limelight, focusing on her artistic pursuits and philanthropic efforts. Her work and dedication continue to inspire many in the fields of theater and design.
Myrna Colley-Lee Education/Early Life
Myrna Colley-Lee’s early years in Hamlet, North Carolina remain shrouded in mystery, as she has kept much of her personal history private. Details about her parents and siblings are largely unknown, though it’s believed she spent a significant part of her childhood in Hamlet. What is clear, however, is her commitment to education.
Myrna pursued higher learning at the Women’s College of the University of North Carolina, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. She then attended Brooklyn College in New York to study scene painting and properties. Her academic journey continued at Temple University in Philadelphia, where she obtained a master’s degree in scenic and costume design.
Myrna Colley-Lee Amazing Career
Myrna Colley-Lee’s career is a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication to the arts. She began her journey as a costume designer and quickly made a name for herself in the entertainment industry. Her expertise in costume and scenic design has been showcased in numerous theater productions, including August Wilson’s “Radio Golf” at the Public Theater in Pittsburgh.
In addition to her work in theater, Myrna has contributed to acclaimed films and television shows such as “The Piano Lesson,” “Forest City,” and “Relativity and Wedding Band: A Love/Hate Story in Black and White.” Beyond costume design, Myrna has also excelled as an art director and set designer, demonstrating her versatility and creative vision.
Recently, she has expanded her repertoire to include interior design, applying her artistic skills to various brands and projects. Throughout her career, Myrna has consistently pushed the boundaries of her craft, earning recognition and respect within the industry. Her ability to blend creativity with technical expertise has made her a sought-after talent in multiple fields, solidifying her status as a distinguished figure in the world of design and the arts.
Myrna Colley-Lee Net Worth
Myrna Colley-Lee’s net worth has been a topic of interest, especially following her high-profile divorce from Morgan Freeman. After their legal separation in 2010, Myrna received a substantial divorce settlement estimated to be worth $400 million, one of the largest payouts recorded in celebrity divorces. This significant financial compensation included ownership of a $7 million house in the British Virgin Islands and an apartment near New York’s Central Park.
Despite the financial windfall, Myrna has continued to focus on her artistic and philanthropic endeavors rather than seeking the limelight. Her work as a costume designer, art director, and interior designer has also contributed to her financial stability, allowing her to maintain a comfortable lifestyle while continuing her passion for the arts.
Myrna Colley-Lee Husband & Current Status
Myrna Colley-Lee and Morgan Freeman’s marriage, which began on June 16, 1984, was characterized by its privacy and lasted almost three decades before ending in a highly publicized divorce in 2010. Since their separation, Myrna has not remarried nor has she been rumored to be in any romantic relationship.
She has chosen to focus on her artistic and philanthropic endeavors, maintaining a low profile away from the public eye. Her life today revolves around her passions in costume design, art direction, and interior design, demonstrating her resilience and dedication to her craft despite past personal challenges.
Myrna Colley Lee Age: How Old is Myrna Colley-Lee?
Myrna Colley-Lee was born in 1941, making her currently 82 years old. Her birth year places her within a generation that witnessed significant cultural and social changes in the United States, which may have influenced her artistic pursuits and philanthropic efforts. Despite her age, Myrna continues to contribute to the arts and remains active in her professional endeavors.
Myrna Colley-Lee Height, Weight & Physical Appearence
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) |
| Weight | 60 kg (132 lbs) |
Fun Facts about Myrna Colley Lee
- Myrna is an avid art collector, with a particular interest in African-American art.
- She has served on the board of several arts organizations, including the Mississippi Arts Commission.
- Myrna’s work in theater has earned her several awards, highlighting her contributions to the arts.
- She enjoys interior design and has used her skills to create beautiful spaces for various clients.
- Myrna prefers to stay out of the public eye, maintaining a private lifestyle despite her high-profile divorce.
Myrna Colley Lee Videos & Images
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Myrna Colley-Lee known for?
She is known for her work as a costume designer, artist, philanthropist, and theater producer.
Where was Myrna Colley-Lee born?
She was born in Hamlet, North Carolina.
Did Myrna Colley-Lee remarry after her divorce from Morgan Freeman?
No, she has not remarried and there are no reports of her dating anyone.
What did Myrna Colley-Lee study in college?
She studied at the Women’s College of the University of North Carolina, Brooklyn College, and Temple University, focusing on fine arts, scene painting, and costume design.
Overall Conclusion
Myrna Colley-Lee’s life and career are a testament to her talent, resilience, and dedication to the arts. From her early education to her significant contributions in costume and scenic design, Myrna has consistently showcased her creativity and expertise.
Despite the high-profile nature of her marriage and divorce from Morgan Freeman, she has chosen to maintain a low profile, allowing her work to speak for itself. Her impressive career spans theater, film, and interior design, demonstrating her versatility and commitment to her craft.
Through her philanthropic efforts and involvement in arts organizations, Myrna continues to inspire and support the artistic community. Her journey serves as an empowering example of pursuing one’s passion and staying true to oneself amid personal and professional challenges.
