Myrna Colley-Lee is a name that resonates with creativity, artistry, and philanthropy. Best known as an accomplished costume designer, artist, and philanthropist, she has built an extraordinary legacy in the world of theater, film, and fine arts. Additionally, her dedication to storytelling through design has made her a respected figure in the creative industry.
Moreover, born on September 16, 1941, in Hamlet, North Carolina, Myrna Colley-Lee’s journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and talent. From her early beginnings to becoming a Tony Award-winning designer, she has consistently showcased her ability to merge history, culture, and fashion into unforgettable works of art.
Beyond her professional achievements, Myrna Colley-Lee is also known for her marriage to legendary actor Morgan Freeman, a relationship that kept her in the public eye for over two decades. However, her story goes far beyond being associated with Hollywood fame—her true impact lies in her contributions to the arts, philanthropy, and education, inspiring generations of artists to follow in her footsteps.
Bio/Wiki of myrna colley-lee:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name / Real Name | Myrna Colley-Lee |
| Birth Date | September 16, 1941 |
| Birth Place | Hamlet, North Carolina, United States |
| Age | 84 years (as of 2025) |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters) |
| Weight | Approximately 60 kg (132 lbs) |
| Family Background | Raised in a supportive family in Hamlet, NC; specific parental details not publicly known |
| Relationship | Married to Morgan Freeman from June 16, 1984, to September 15, 2010; helped raise step-granddaughter |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Education | Bachelor of Fine Arts, Women’s College of the University of North Carolina |
| Career | Costume designer, artist, philanthropist. Known for theatre, television, and film costume design. |
| Achievements | Tony Award winner for costume design |
| Notable Works | Costume design for “Radio Golf” (August Wilson play), “Frederick Douglass: An American Life” (1985) |
| Awards | Tony Award |
| Legacy / Impact | Respected artist and philanthropist, influential in costume design and arts education |
| Net Worth | Estimated around $150 million, independent of marriage to Morgan Freeman |
Early Life of myrna colley-lee:
Myrna Colley-Lee was born on September 16, 1941, in Hamlet, North Carolina, where she grew up in a nurturing and supportive family environment. From an early age, she showed a natural inclination toward the arts, creativity, and storytelling, which later shaped her career as one of the most influential costume designers in American theater.
Her passion for design and visual expression was further fueled by her educational journey. She attended the Women’s College of the University of North Carolina, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. This academic foundation gave her the technical skills and artistic vision that became the cornerstone of her professional achievements.
Also Read: margaret mcgloin
The combination of her Southern upbringing and formal education instilled in Colley-Lee a unique perspective that blended cultural heritage with artistic innovation. These formative years not only honed her craft but also laid the groundwork for her rise as a trailblazing costume designer and philanthropist in the arts industry.
Full name/Real name:
Myrna Colley-Lee
Birth date/Birth place:
September 16, 1941 in Hamlet, North Carolina, United States
Family background:
Raised in a supportive family in Hamlet, NC; specific parental details not publicly known
School/University:
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Women’s College of the University of North Carolina
Career journey of myrna colley-lee:
The career of Myrna Colley-Lee is nothing short of inspiring, marked by her dedication to the art of costume design and her influence across theater, film, and television. Her breakthrough came when her exceptional work in stage productions caught the attention of critics and audiences alike. By showcasing her ability to weave history and culture into fabric and design, she quickly became a sought-after name in the theater community.
Also Read: paul edward hospenthal
Her peak years cemented her reputation as one of the finest designers in American theater. Colley-Lee made a lasting impact through her collaborations with award-winning playwrights, including her celebrated work on August Wilson’s play “Radio Golf.” During this time, her designs were praised for their authenticity, creativity, and cultural depth, helping elevate the overall storytelling of the productions she worked on.
Among her most notable works, Colley-Lee contributed to acclaimed projects such as “Frederick Douglass: An American Life” (1985) and the iconic documentary series “60 Minutes.” These achievements, along with her recognition as a Tony Award-winning costume designer, highlight her ability to transition seamlessly between theater, television, and film, making her a true pioneer in her field.
Physical appearance of myrna colley-lee:
Age:
84 years (as of 2025)
Height:
5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters)
Weight:
Approximately 60 kg (132 lbs)
Major Achievements of myrna colley-lee:
One of the most remarkable achievements of Myrna Colley-Lee is her recognition as a Tony Award-winning costume designer, a distinction that places her among the most celebrated names in theater. Her designs were not just costumes but artistic expressions that enriched the characters and narratives on stage, making her work unforgettable in the world of performing arts.
In addition, her notable contribution to August Wilson’s play “Radio Golf” stands out as a defining moment in her career. The production showcased Colley-Lee’s ability to merge cultural authenticity with artistic brilliance, setting a benchmark for excellence in costume design. Consequently, her work has been studied and admired by aspiring designers across generations.
Also Read: amirah dyme
Furthermore, Colley-Lee extended her influence into film and television, with projects like “Frederick Douglass: An American Life” (1985) and “60 Minutes.” These works highlighted her versatility and adaptability, proving that her creative genius was not confined to theater alone. Through these achievements, she solidified her status as a trailblazer in costume design and the arts industry.
Personal Life of myrna colley-lee:
Family:
Married to Morgan Freeman from June 16, 1984, to September 15, 2010; helped raise step-granddaughter
Nationality:
American
Religion:
Christianity
Ethnicity:
African-American
Marital status/Relationship:
Married to Morgan Freeman from June 16, 1984, to September 15, 2010; helped raise step-granddaughter
Net worth:
Estimated around $150 million, independent of marriage to Morgan Freeman
Social media presence:
She is present on instagram and facebook.
Interesting facts about myrna colley-lee:
- She is a Tony Award-winning costume designer recognized for her work in theater and film.
- She was married to Morgan Freeman from 1984 to 2010 and helped raise his step-granddaughter.
- Colley-Lee is also an art collector and philanthropist, supporting African-American artists and cultural initiatives.
- She designed costumes for August Wilson’s acclaimed play “Radio Golf”, blending history and style.
- Beyond her career, she is passionate about mentoring young artists and teaching the next generation.
Conclusion
Myrna Colley-Lee stands as a shining example of talent, dedication, and creativity in the world of arts and costume design. To begin with, her work has not only transformed theatrical storytelling but also left a lasting imprint on film, television, and art communities. Through her innovative designs, she has inspired countless artists and designers to push the boundaries of creativity.
Moreover, beyond her professional accomplishments, Colley-Lee’s commitment to philanthropy, education, and mentorship highlights her enduring impact offstage. By supporting African-American artists and nurturing emerging talent, she has created a legacy that goes far beyond awards and accolades, proving that true influence lies in empowering others.
Overall, today, Myrna Colley-Lee’s life and career serve as a powerful reminder of how passion, vision, and perseverance can shape both art and culture. In conclusion, from her Tony Award-winning designs to her philanthropic efforts, she continues to inspire generations, ensuring that her contributions to the arts will be celebrated for years to come.
FAQs
What are the most notable achievements of Myrna Colley-Lee in her career?
Myrna Colley-Lee’s most notable achievements include winning a Tony Award for costume design, her work on August Wilson’s ‘Radio Golf,’ and her contributions to theater, film, and television that have significantly influenced the arts industry.
How did Myrna Colley-Lee begin her career in costume design?
Myrna Colley-Lee began her career in costume design after earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Women’s College of the University of North Carolina, which provided her with the technical skills and artistic foundation to succeed in theater, film, and television.
What is the significance of Myrna Colley-Lee’s work on ‘Radio Golf’?
Her work on ‘Radio Golf’ is significant because it exemplifies her ability to merge cultural authenticity with artistic excellence, setting a high standard in costume design and elevating the storytelling of the production.
What influence has Myrna Colley-Lee had beyond her costume design career?
Beyond her costume design career, Myrna Colley-Lee has influenced the arts through philanthropy, supporting African-American artists and cultural initiatives, mentoring young artists, and promoting arts education.
What is known about Myrna Colley-Lee’s personal life and background?
Myrna Colley-Lee was born in Hamlet, North Carolina, in 1941, married actor Morgan Freeman from 1984 to 2010, and is recognized for her contributions to the arts, philanthropy, and her role as a pioneering costume designer.
