Myrna Colley-Lee is an American costume designer, theater artist, philanthropist, and arts advocate best known to many readers as the former wife of Morgan Freeman, the Academy Award-winning actor famous for The Shawshank Redemption, Million Dollar Baby, and Driving Miss Daisy. However, Myrna has built an impressive professional career of her own. She is recognized for her contributions to African American theater, her costume designs for numerous stage productions, and her commitment to supporting artists and cultural organizations.
Born in 1941 in Hamlet, North Carolina, Myrna developed an early interest in art and education. She later studied at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and Temple University before becoming a professional theater designer.
Her career began during the late 1960s, when African American theater was experiencing an important period of artistic growth.
Over the following decades, Myrna designed costumes for plays performed across the United States. Her work has appeared in museums, libraries, and important costume exhibitions.
She married Morgan Freeman on June 16, 1984. Their marriage ended in divorce on September 15, 2010.
Although her relationship with the famous actor attracted considerable public attention, her artistic achievements remain the most important part of her professional legacy.
In 2022, Myrna received the Mississippi Governor’s Arts Award for Excellence in Costume Design and Arts Patron.
As of October 2026, she is approximately 85 years old.
Quick Bio: Myrna Colley-Lee
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Myrna Colley-Lee |
| Also Known As | Myrna Colley-Lee Freeman |
| Birth Year | 1941 |
| Age in 2026 | Approximately 85 years |
| Birthplace | Hamlet, North Carolina, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Costume designer, artist and arts advocate |
| Education | University of North Carolina at Greensboro |
| Graduate Education | Temple University |
| Bachelor’s Degree | Fine Arts in Art Education |
| Master’s Degree | Fine Arts in Scenic and Costume Design |
| Former Husband | Morgan Freeman |
| Wedding Date | June 16, 1984 |
| Separation | December 2007 |
| Divorce Date | September 15, 2010 |
| Children Together | No publicly documented biological children |
| Business | GladRags Designs |
| Major Recognition | Mississippi Governor’s Arts Award, 2022 |
| Known For | Costume design and African American theater |
| Longtime Home | Charleston, Mississippi |
| Net Worth | Not independently verified |
Who Is Myrna Colley-Lee?
Myrna Colley-Lee is a respected American theater costume designer and arts supporter.
Her work extends far beyond her former marriage to Morgan Freeman.
She has spent decades creating costumes, working with theaters, supporting writers, and encouraging cultural education.
Myrna began her professional journey in the 1960s.
During that time, African American playwrights, performers, and theater companies were creating important opportunities for Black artists.
She became involved in this movement through costume and theatrical design.
Her work eventually included more than 70 theater productions.
She has also exhibited her designs in museums and donated an extensive collection of costumes and historical clothing to Mississippi State University.
These achievements have established her as an important figure in American performing arts.
Myrna Colley-Lee’s Early Life
Myrna Colley-Lee was born in 1941 in Hamlet, North Carolina.
Hamlet is a small city in Richmond County, situated in the southeastern part of the state.
Her childhood took place during a period of major social changes in the United States.
In a recorded 2011 oral history interview, Myrna discussed her family background and experiences.
Her Parents
Myrna identified her parents as Val Marie Colley Lee and Alvis Augustus Lee.
Her family valued education and personal development.
However, detailed information about her parents’ professional lives is not widely available in modern entertainment biographies.
Growing Up With Sisters
Myrna described herself as the eldest daughter in a family of five girls.
Growing up in a household with several sisters was part of her early experience.
Her later public interviews focus mainly on education, theater, and artistic work rather than her siblings’ private lives.
Growing Up in North Carolina
North Carolina became an important starting point in Myrna’s educational journey.
She later attended college in Greensboro.
Her connection to the American South remained important even after she began working in theaters across the country.
She eventually established a longtime home in Mississippi.
Myrna Colley-Lee’s Education
Education played an important role in Myrna’s development as an artist.
She pursued university studies in art and later completed graduate training in theater design.
Her academic background prepared her for a career combining visual creativity with live performance.
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Myrna attended what was then the Woman’s College of the University of North Carolina, now the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Art Education.
Her studies helped establish a foundation in drawing, visual composition, and artistic techniques.
These skills would become especially useful in theatrical costume design.
Studying Scene Painting
Myrna also studied scene painting at Brooklyn College.
Scene painting involves creating visual backgrounds and surfaces for theater productions.
Artists must understand lighting, perspective, texture, and color.
This experience broadened her knowledge of theatrical design beyond clothing.
Temple University
Myrna later attended Temple University in Philadelphia.
She earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in Scenic and Costume Design.
This advanced training helped her develop the skills required for professional theater productions.
Costume designers must understand character development, historical clothing, fabric, movement, and the relationship between costumes and theatrical settings.
Myrna’s education prepared her for these responsibilities.
How Myrna Colley-Lee Started Her Career
Myrna began working professionally in theater during the late 1960s.
Her career developed during the growth of the Black Theatre Movement in the United States.
The movement created new opportunities for African American artists to tell stories through performance.
Working With Hazel J. Bryant
One important early influence was Hazel J. Bryant.
Bryant was a producer and influential figure in Black theater.
Myrna worked with her in New York during the 1960s.
Their productions included work connected to African American writers and performers.
From Posters to Costumes
Myrna initially contributed artistic materials such as posters and flyers.
She then expanded into scenery design.
Eventually, she began creating costumes.
This transition allowed her to use her artistic training to help performers express characters through clothing.
In a 2022 interview, she described costume design as the area where she found her strongest creative interest.
Building a Professional Reputation
As her experience increased, Myrna began receiving opportunities at theaters across the United States.
She worked with directors, performers, and production teams.
Her designs became associated with both historical and contemporary plays.
Over time, she became recognized as an important costume designer within African American theater.
Myrna Colley-Lee’s Costume Design Career
Costume design is the central achievement of Myrna Colley-Lee’s professional life.
She has worked on numerous productions involving different historical periods, locations, and cultural backgrounds.
Her designs help audiences understand the characters appearing on stage.
What Does a Costume Designer Do?
A costume designer creates clothing and accessories for performers.
The work begins with reading a script.
Designers consider the characters’ personalities, ages, occupations, social backgrounds, and relationships.
They then research suitable clothing styles and create drawings.
The final costumes must support the story while allowing actors to perform comfortably.
Myrna’s Design Approach
Myrna’s academic training helped her combine artistic creativity with historical research.
Her work often involved understanding how clothing communicates identity.
Fabric, color, texture, and shape can provide information about a character before the person speaks.
Her designs have appeared in productions exploring family relationships, social change, and African American history.
More Than 70 Theater Productions
By 2017, the LSU Museum of Art reported that Myrna had designed costumes for more than 70 theatrical productions.
Her work took her to theaters throughout the United States.
These included productions in New York, Chicago, Cleveland, St. Louis, Seattle, and Mississippi.
This extensive professional experience helped establish her reputation as a leading costume designer.
Famous Theater Productions Designed by Myrna Colley-Lee
Myrna has worked on plays by major American dramatists.
Her costume designs have supported productions exploring social issues, relationships, history, and cultural identity.
The Piano Lesson
One of the plays connected to her career is The Piano Lesson.
Written by August Wilson, the drama explores family heritage and the meaning of an inherited piano.
The play takes place in 1930s Pittsburgh.
Costume designers working on such a production must understand clothing from that historical period.
Myrna designed costumes for a production at the Cleveland Play House.
Fences
Myrna also designed costumes for productions of Fences, another play by August Wilson.
The story follows Troy Maxson, a working-class father in 1950s Pittsburgh.
The characters’ clothing helps establish their everyday lives and circumstances.
Myrna’s work on productions of this drama contributed to the visual presentation of Wilson’s characters.
The Ballad of Emmett Till
Myrna designed costumes for The Ballad of Emmett Till at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago.
The 2008 production explored the life and death of Emmett Till, whose murder in 1955 became a major event in American civil rights history.
The production required careful attention to its historical setting.
Costumes helped create a believable presentation of the period.
Gee’s Bend
Another important production was Gee’s Bend.
The play explores the lives of African American women associated with the quilting traditions of Gee’s Bend, Alabama.
Clothing and textiles play an important role in the story.
Myrna’s background in fabric, design, and historical research was particularly relevant to this production.
Other Productions
Her theater credits also include The Wedding Band, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Two Trains Running, Radio Golf, Becoming Adele, and Bus Stop.
These productions demonstrate her ability to work across different theatrical styles and historical settings.
Myrna Colley-Lee and the Black Theatre Movement
The Black Theatre Movement helped create professional opportunities for African American playwrights, actors, directors, and designers.
Myrna entered the theater industry during this important period.
Her professional experiences connected her with artists who wanted to present stories that had historically received limited attention.
Supporting African American Stories
Black theater productions often explore history, culture, identity, and family relationships.
Costume design contributes to these stories by helping establish time, place, and character.
Myrna’s work has supported productions by respected Black playwrights.
Her long career also helped demonstrate the importance of technical and design professionals within theater.
Her Contribution to Theater History
Myrna is recognized as one of the important costume designers associated with the Black Theatre Movement.
Her work has been preserved through exhibitions and academic collections.
This recognition reflects her influence beyond any single stage production.
Myrna Colley-Lee’s GladRags Designs
Myrna established GladRags Designs, a business associated with costume design and related artistic work.
The company reflects her long professional experience with clothing, visual design, and theater.
What Is GladRags Designs?
GladRags Designs is associated with Myrna’s costume and interior design activities.
Its work reflects her artistic interests and professional training.
She has also collected historical garments and costumes throughout her career.
These materials became important for both practical theater use and historical research.
The GladRags Collection
Myrna’s collection includes vintage clothing, costumes, design drawings, and related materials.
Some garments date back many decades.
The collection provides examples of how clothing styles and construction methods have changed over time.
It also offers useful educational material for costume design students.
The Myrna Colley-Lee Costume Collection
One of Myrna’s most lasting contributions is the collection she donated to Mississippi State University.
In November 2006, the university celebrated the donation and opened an exhibition of her work.
The collection included costumes, sketches, historical clothing, and professional materials.
Why the Collection Matters
Costumes are important historical objects.
They reveal how designers interpret characters and historical periods.
They can also demonstrate changes in fabric, fashion, and theatrical production.
By donating her collection, Myrna made these materials available for education and research.
Supporting Theater Students
The collection has also supported theater productions at Mississippi State University.
Students and community theater organizations have been able to use selected garments for performances.
This means Myrna’s work continues to support new generations of performers and designers.
Preserving Her Professional Records
Mississippi State University also maintains papers associated with Myrna’s career.
These include scripts, photographs, sketches, correspondence, and production materials.
The archive provides a record of her contributions to American theater.
Myrna Colley-Lee’s Art Exhibitions
Myrna’s designs have appeared in exhibitions across the United States.
These exhibitions allowed visitors to see theatrical costumes outside their original stage productions.
GladRags: Sketches, Swatches and Costume Designs
The Mississippi Museum of Art presented an exhibition titled GladRags: Sketches, Swatches and Costume Designs by Myrna Colley-Lee.
The exhibition featured examples of her creative process.
Visitors could examine drawings, fabric selections, and completed designs.
A Theatre of Color
Another important exhibition was A Theatre of Color: Costume Design for the Black Theatre by Myrna Colley-Lee.
The exhibition explored her contribution to Black theater.
It featured costumes and designs from productions addressing African American experiences.
Museum Recognition
Her work has been displayed at institutions including the McNay Art Museum in San Antonio, the Mississippi Museum of Art, and other cultural venues.
These exhibitions helped introduce her career to audiences beyond theater.
Myrna Colley-Lee’s Marriage to Morgan Freeman
Myrna Colley-Lee married Morgan Freeman on June 16, 1984.
Their relationship lasted more than two decades.
During much of that time, Freeman’s acting career became increasingly successful.
How Did They Meet?
Published entertainment accounts suggest Myrna and Morgan became acquainted through theatrical connections during the 1970s.
Both were involved in the performing arts.
However, the precise circumstances of their first meeting are not consistently documented.
Their Wedding
The couple married in June 1984.
At the time, Morgan was already working professionally as an actor.
He later gained major international recognition through films released in the late 1980s and 1990s.
Myrna continued pursuing her own creative career during the marriage.
Life in Mississippi
The couple developed strong connections to Mississippi.
Morgan maintained a ranch near Charleston, while Myrna became closely involved with arts organizations in the region.
She supported local cultural projects and developed professional relationships with Mississippi universities and museums.
Her connection to the state continued beyond their marriage.
Who Is Morgan Freeman?
Morgan Freeman is an American actor, producer, and narrator.
He was born on June 1, 1937, in Memphis, Tennessee.
He became famous for his distinctive voice, calm screen presence, and performances in numerous acclaimed films.
Morgan Freeman’s Early Career
Morgan began pursuing acting professionally long before becoming a major Hollywood star.
His early career included theater and television.
He gained recognition through The Electric Company and later performed in films and stage productions.
His Most Famous Movies
Morgan’s best-known films include Driving Miss Daisy, Glory, The Shawshank Redemption, Se7en, Bruce Almighty, and Million Dollar Baby.
He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Million Dollar Baby.
His performance in The Shawshank Redemption remains one of his most recognizable roles.
His Career During Their Marriage
Morgan’s professional success grew considerably after he married Myrna.
Major films brought him international recognition.
Meanwhile, Myrna continued working in theater and developing her independent career.
Their relationship therefore connected two successful professionals working in different parts of the entertainment industry.
Did Myrna Colley-Lee and Morgan Freeman Have Children?
There are no publicly documented biological children from Myrna and Morgan Freeman’s marriage.
Morgan has children from previous relationships.
His children include Alfonso, Saifoulaye, Deena, and Morgana.
Morgan Freeman’s Children
Morgan became a father before marrying Myrna.
His family history includes children from earlier relationships and his first marriage.
Myrna became connected to this extended family through her marriage.
Their Family Life
Myrna and Morgan also helped raise E’dena Hines, Morgan’s step-granddaughter from his first marriage.
E’dena remained part of the family’s life after Myrna and Morgan married.
She later pursued acting before her death in 2015.
However, the details of private family relationships should not be assumed beyond what has been publicly documented.
Why Did Myrna Colley-Lee and Morgan Freeman Divorce?
Myrna and Morgan separated in December 2007.
Their divorce proceedings began in 2008.
The divorce was finalized on September 15, 2010, in Mississippi.
A Marriage of More Than 26 Years
By the time their divorce became final, the couple had been married for approximately 26 years.
Their separation attracted widespread media attention because of Morgan’s celebrity status.
However, the legal terms of their divorce remained private.
Divorce Proceedings
The divorce was handled in Tallahatchie County, Mississippi.
Morgan’s attorney confirmed that the court entered the final divorce decree on September 15, 2010.
The proceedings ended without a trial.
Did Myrna Receive a Large Settlement?
Several celebrity gossip websites claim Myrna received a financial settlement worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
However, these claims are not supported by public court documents.
The actual terms of the divorce were sealed.
Therefore, it is not possible to independently confirm a particular settlement amount.
Myrna Colley-Lee’s Life After Divorce
After her divorce, Myrna continued concentrating on her artistic career and community activities.
She remained associated with Mississippi’s cultural organizations.
Her work included theater costume design, art exhibitions, and nonprofit activities.
Continuing Her Independent Career
Myrna did not retire from artistic work following the divorce.
She continued participating in theater productions and cultural initiatives.
Her professional recognition also continued to grow.
Supporting Cultural Organizations
She served on the boards and committees of several arts institutions.
Her work helped support museums, writers, and community arts programs.
These activities strengthened her professional identity beyond her previous marriage.
Myrna Colley-Lee’s Philanthropy and Community Work
Myrna has contributed to several nonprofit organizations.
Her interests include literature, performing arts, cultural preservation, and community development.
The SonEdna Foundation
Myrna helped establish the SonEdna Foundation in 2006.
The organization supports literature and creative writing, particularly in the Mississippi Delta.
Its activities have included programs designed to encourage writers and artistic expression.
Charleston Arts and Revitalization Effort
Myrna also became involved in the Charleston Arts and Revitalization Effort.
The organization focused on supporting cultural activities in her Mississippi community.
Projects of this kind can help promote local creativity and preserve regional heritage.
Mississippi Arts Commission
Myrna served on the Mississippi Arts Commission for many years.
Her work involved supporting artistic development and cultural programs within the state.
She became one of the organization’s longest-serving commissioners.
Mississippi Museum of Art
She has also served on committees associated with the Mississippi Museum of Art.
Her participation reflects an interest in preserving art and improving access to cultural opportunities.
Myrna Colley-Lee’s Awards and Achievements
Myrna has received several honors recognizing her achievements in costume design and community arts.
Mississippi Governor’s Arts Award 2022
In February 2022, Myrna received the Governor’s Arts Award for Excellence in Costume Design and Arts Patron.
The award recognized her professional achievements and support for cultural organizations.
The Mississippi Legislature also adopted a resolution honoring her contributions.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Myrna received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters.
This recognition celebrated her long artistic career.
National Black Theatre Festival
She also received recognition for outstanding costume design from the National Black Theatre Festival.
The honor reflected her important work in African American theater.
Honorary Doctorate
Mississippi State University awarded Myrna an honorary Doctor of Creative Arts degree.
The recognition acknowledged her professional achievements and contributions to education.
Myrna Colley-Lee’s Net Worth in 2026
Myrna Colley-Lee’s personal net worth has not been independently verified.
Some online biographies estimate that she is worth millions of dollars.
However, these figures often rely on unsupported assumptions about her divorce settlement.
Her Professional Income
Myrna has earned income through theatrical design, artistic work, and related professional activities.
Her career has lasted for decades.
However, her exact earnings from individual productions have not been publicly documented.
Divorce Settlement Claims
Because her divorce settlement was sealed, its value cannot be verified through available public records.
It would therefore be inaccurate to assign her a specific personal fortune based on rumors.
Her Independent Achievements
Regardless of financial estimates, Myrna has established a significant professional reputation through her own work.
Her costume collections, awards, and cultural contributions offer a clearer measure of her public achievements.
Where Is Myrna Colley-Lee Now in 2026?
As of October 2026, Myrna Colley-Lee is approximately 85 years old.
She remains known as a costume designer, arts advocate, and former wife of Morgan Freeman.
Her longstanding connections to Charleston, Mississippi, are documented through her professional and philanthropic work.
However, her current daily activities and precise residential arrangements are not widely reported.
Is Myrna Colley-Lee Still Working?
Official arts profiles have described her as continuing to work through GladRags Designs in recent years.
However, a specific new costume production for 2026 has not been independently confirmed.
Did Myrna Remarry?
There is no widely verified public announcement establishing a later marriage following her divorce from Morgan Freeman.
Her current relationship status remains private.
What Is Her Biggest Legacy?
Myrna’s most lasting professional contribution is her work in costume design and American theater.
Her influence can also be seen in the arts organizations she has supported and the historical materials she donated.
Interesting Facts About Myrna Colley-Lee
1. She was born in 1941. Her birthplace is Hamlet, North Carolina.
2. She studied art education. She attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
3. She earned a master’s degree. She studied scenic and costume design at Temple University.
4. She began working in theater during the 1960s. Her career became associated with the Black Theatre Movement.
5. She designed costumes for more than 70 productions. Her work includes plays by August Wilson.
6. She married Morgan Freeman in 1984. Their marriage ended in September 2010.
7. She created GladRags Designs. The business reflects her professional interests in costume and interior design.
8. She donated costumes to Mississippi State University. The collection supports education and historical research.
9. She helped establish the SonEdna Foundation. The organization supports literary arts.
10. She received a Governor’s Arts Award in 2022. The honor recognized her costume design and arts patronage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Myrna Colley-Lee
1. Who is Myrna Colley-Lee?
Myrna Colley-Lee is an American costume designer, artist, and arts advocate who was previously married to Morgan Freeman.
2. How old is Myrna Colley-Lee in 2026?
She is approximately 85 years old.
3. When was Myrna Colley-Lee born?
She was born in 1941.
4. Where was Myrna Colley-Lee born?
She was born in Hamlet, North Carolina.
5. What is Myrna Colley-Lee famous for?
She is known for her theater costume designs, artistic contributions, and former marriage to Morgan Freeman.
6. Who was Myrna Colley-Lee’s husband?
Her former husband was actor Morgan Freeman.
7. When did Myrna marry Morgan Freeman?
They married on June 16, 1984.
8. When did Myrna and Morgan separate?
They separated in December 2007.
9. When was their divorce finalized?
Their divorce became final on September 15, 2010.
10. How long were Myrna and Morgan Freeman married?
They were legally married for approximately 26 years.
11. Did Myrna Colley-Lee have children with Morgan Freeman?
There are no publicly documented biological children from their marriage.
12. Is Myrna Colley-Lee a costume designer?
Yes. She has worked as a professional costume designer since the late 1960s.
13. Where did Myrna Colley-Lee attend college?
She attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and Temple University.
14. What degree did Myrna earn?
She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education and a Master of Fine Arts in Scenic and Costume Design.
15. What is GladRags Designs?
GladRags Designs is Myrna’s design business associated with theatrical costumes and related artistic work.
16. What famous plays has Myrna worked on?
Her credits include The Piano Lesson, Fences, Gee’s Bend, and The Ballad of Emmett Till.
17. What is the Myrna Colley-Lee Costume Collection?
It is a collection of theatrical costumes, historical garments, sketches, and related materials preserved at Mississippi State University.
18. Did Myrna receive an arts award?
Yes. She received the Mississippi Governor’s Arts Award in 2022.
19. What is the SonEdna Foundation?
It is a nonprofit organization that supports literature and writers, particularly in the Mississippi Delta.
20. Does Myrna Colley-Lee live in Mississippi?
She has been a longtime resident of Charleston, Mississippi, although her exact current arrangements are private.
21. What is Myrna Colley-Lee’s net worth?
Her personal net worth has not been independently verified.
22. How much money did Myrna receive in her divorce?
The divorce settlement terms were sealed, so the amount has not been publicly confirmed.
23. Did Myrna Colley-Lee remarry?
There is no widely verified public announcement of a later marriage.
24. Is Myrna Colley-Lee still alive in 2026?
The available public records do not establish that she has died. However, her current personal activities are not regularly reported.
25. Why is Myrna Colley-Lee important to theater?
She is recognized for decades of costume design, her contribution to African American theater, and her work preserving theatrical history.
Final Thoughts
Myrna Colley-Lee has lived an extraordinary life connected to art, theater, education, and community service.
Born in North Carolina in 1941, she pursued a strong academic foundation before becoming a professional costume designer.
Her work began during the Black Theatre Movement and eventually included more than 70 productions across the United States.
Although her marriage to Morgan Freeman made her familiar to many celebrity readers, her independent achievements deserve equal recognition.
She created costume designs, supported literary organizations, served on arts boards, and donated valuable historical materials to Mississippi State University.
Her professional accomplishments earned her several major honors, including the Mississippi Governor’s Arts Award in 2022.
In 2026, Myrna Colley-Lee remains an important name in American theatrical costume design and arts advocacy.
Her legacy demonstrates how creativity, education, and a commitment to community can produce lasting cultural contributions.
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