Myrna Colley-Lee, born in Hamlet, North Carolina, is a renowned American costume designer and arts advocate. She has significantly impacted theater since the late 1960s. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Women’s College of the University of North Carolina and a Master of Fine Arts from Temple University.
Notably, she is recognized as a key figure in the Black Theatre Movement. Besides her illustrious career, she co-founded the SonEdna Foundation, supporting literary arts in the Mississippi Delta.
Myrna Colley-Lee Bio/Wiki
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Myrna Colley-Lee |
| Born | 1941, Hamlet, North Carolina, USA |
| Education | Bachelor of Fine Arts, Women’s College of the University of North Carolina; Master of Fine Arts, Temple University |
| Profession | Costume Designer, Arts Advocate |
| Notable Contributions | Key figure in the Black Theatre Movement; co-founder of the SonEdna Foundation, which supports literary arts in the Mississippi Delta |
| Spouse | Morgan Freeman (married 1984-2010) |
| Career | Known for her impactful work in theater and as a costume designer, Myrna Colley-Lee has designed for many renowned productions and continues to be influential in the arts. |
Who is Myrna Colley-Lee?
Myrna Colley-Lee, born in 1941 in Hamlet, North Carolina, is a celebrated American costume designer. Her contributions to theater have earned her a distinguished reputation, especially in the Black Theatre Movement.

With a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master of Fine Arts, Myrna Colley-Lee’s educational background laid a solid foundation for her career. Beyond her design work, she co-founded the SonEdna Foundation, which promotes literary arts in the Mississippi Delta. Her marriage to Morgan Freeman brought her additional public attention, but her professional achievements stand on their own.
Myrna Colley-Lee Early Life and Background
Myrna Colley-Lee was born in Hamlet, North Carolina, in 1941. Growing up, she developed a deep love for the arts. This passion led her to pursue higher education, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Women’s College of the University of North Carolina.
Eager to advance her skills, she went on to obtain a Master of Fine Arts from Temple University in Philadelphia. These educational milestones laid the groundwork for her future accomplishments in the field of costume design and arts advocacy.
Myrna Colley-Lee Amazing Career
Myrna Colley-Lee’s career in costume design began in the late 1960s. Her work has significantly influenced the Black Theatre Movement. She collaborated with various theater companies across the U.S., creating notable designs.

Her work includes “The Ballad of Emmett Till” at Goodman Theatre and “Wedding Band” at Steppenwolf Theatre Company. Additionally, her designs have been featured in exhibitions like “GladRags” and “Reflections: African American Life.” Colley-Lee’s commitment to preserving African American culture shines through her impressive body of work, making her a respected figure in the arts community.
Myrna Colley-Lee Height, Weight, and Physical Appearance
| Category | Details |
| Height | Information not publicly available |
| Weight | Information not publicly available |
| Physical Appearance | Myrna Colley-Lee has a graceful and elegant appearance, often seen in sophisticated attire that reflects her career as a costume designer. She has an elegant, mature look, with her style often characterized as classic and timeless. |
Myrna Colley-Lee Relationship Status
Myrna Colley-Lee was married to actor Morgan Freeman from 1984 to 2010. Their relationship gained public attention, especially because they adopted and raised Freeman’s step-granddaughter. The couple divorced after 26 years of marriage.
Despite the end of their relationship, Myrna Colley-Lee continued her successful career in the arts. Her professional achievements and advocacy work have defined her legacy beyond her marriage to Freeman. She remains a prominent figure in costume design and arts advocacy.
Myrna Colley-Lee Net Worth
Myrna Colley-Lee, a distinguished American costume designer and arts advocate, has an estimated net worth of around $160 million as of 2023. Her impressive wealth stems from her successful career in the arts and a significant divorce settlement from her former husband, actor Morgan Freeman.
Following their 2010 divorce, Freeman reportedly provided Colley-Lee with a settlement ranging from $100 million to $200 million in property and cash. These financial arrangements have greatly contributed to her current net worth, making her one of the wealthiest figures in her field.
Myrna Colley-Lee Plans and Goals
Myrna Colley-Lee is focused on furthering her contributions to costume design and arts advocacy. She is planning to launch new exhibitions that celebrate African American culture. Additionally, she aims to expand the reach of the SonEdna Foundation to support more literary artists in the Mississippi Delta.

With a career spanning decades, Myrna Colley-Lee is committed to mentoring young designers and fostering the next generation of talent in theater. Her future projects are set to highlight underrepresented voices and continue her legacy in the arts.
Myrna Colley-Lee on Social Media
| Platform | Username | Followers | Notes |
| N/A | N/A | No known active Instagram account | |
| N/A | N/A | No known active Twitter account | |
| N/A | N/A | No known active Facebook account | |
| N/A | N/A | No known active LinkedIn account |
Fun Facts about Myrna Colley-Lee
- Early Start in Arts: Myrna Colley-Lee discovered her passion for the arts at a young age, inspiring her lifelong career.
- Educational Pursuits: She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master of Fine Arts, showcasing her dedication to her craft.
- Adopted Step-Granddaughter: Alongside Morgan Freeman, Myrna Colley-Lee helped raise Freeman’s step-granddaughter, highlighting her commitment to family.
- Exhibition Success: Her work has been featured in prominent exhibitions like GladRags and Reflections: African American Life, celebrating African American culture.
- Philanthropic Efforts: Co-founding the SonEdna Foundation, Myrna Colley-Lee supports literary arts in the Mississippi Delta.
- Award-Winning Designs: She has received numerous accolades, including the Outstanding Costume Design Award from the National Black Theatre Festival.
- Significant Wealth: As of 2023, Myrna Colley-Lee has an estimated net worth of around $160 million, thanks to her successful career and a substantial divorce settlement.
Myrna Colley-Lee Video and Images

Frequently Asked Questions about Myrna Colley-Lee
Who is Myrna Colley-Lee?
Myrna Colley is a renowned American costume designer and arts advocate.
What is Myrna Colley known for?
She is known for her significant contributions to theater, especially in the Black Theatre Movement.
What are some notable works by Myrna Colley?
Some of her notable works include The Ballad of Emmett Till at Goodman Theatre and Wedding Band at Steppenwolf Theatre Company.
What educational background does Myrna Colley have?
Myrna Colley-Lee holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Women’s College of the University of North Carolina and a Master of Fine Arts from Temple University.
Did Myrna Colley co-found any organizations?
Yes, she co-founded the SonEdna Foundation, which supports literary arts in the Mississippi Delta.
Was Myrna Colley married to Morgan Freeman?
Yes, she was married to actor Morgan Freeman from 1984 to 2010.
What is Myrna Colley net worth?
As of 2023, Myrna Colley estimated net worth is around $160 million.
What exhibitions have featured Myrna Colley designs?
Her designs have been showcased in exhibitions like GladRags and Reflections: African American Life.
Has Myrna Colley received any awards?
Yes, she has received numerous accolades, including the Outstanding Costume Design Award from the National Black Theatre Festival.
What are Myrna Colley future plans?
She plans to launch new exhibitions celebrating African American culture and expand the reach of the SonEdna Foundation.
How has Myrna Colley contributed to the arts community?
Besides her design work, she has significantly impacted the arts through advocacy and mentoring young designers.
Conclusion of Myrna Colley-Lee
Myrna remarkable career in costume design and arts advocacy cements her legacy. She has left an indelible mark on the Black Theatre Movement, collaborating with top theater companies across the U.S.
Beyond her professional achievements, Colley-Lee’s co-founding of the SonEdna Foundation demonstrates her commitment to the literary arts. With a net worth of approximately $160 million, she has become a prominent figure in the arts community. Colley-Lee continues to inspire through her exhibitions and dedication to mentoring young designers. Her influence in theater and advocacy for African American culture remains impactful and enduring.
