Morgan Freeman is one of the most famous actors in the world. People know him for his fantastic voice and notable roles in movies like The Shawshank Redemption and The Dark Knight. But before Morgan became the Hollywood star we know today, there was someone special in his life. Wondering who that is? It’s his ex-wife, Jeanette Adair Bradshaw. Jeanette was by his side during his early years when life wasn’t easy, and his success was still far away.
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw’s story is not as well-known as Freeman’s, but it’s inspiring. She was there for him during the struggles of building his career, providing her support and care. Though their marriage didn’t last forever, her role in Freeman’s life makes her story worth learning about.
In this article, we’ll talk about Jeanette’s early life, her marriage to Morgan Freeman, their family life, and why their marriage ended. We’ll also look at her life after the divorce and how she stayed out of the spotlight. If you’re curious to know more about the life of Jeanette Adair Bradshaw, keep reading this biography. Let’s explore her inspiring journey together!
Quick Facts About Jeanette Adair Bradshaw
🎂 Born: 1940s, United States
📍 Known For: The first wife of actor Morgan Freeman
💍 Marriage: Married Morgan Freeman in 1967; divorced in 1979
👧 Children: Two daughters, Deena Freeman (adopted by Morgan) and Morgana Freeman
❤️ Family Focus: Dedicated mother who prioritized her children
🛠️ Role in Morgan’s Life: Supported Freeman during his early acting career
📚 Private Life: Lives a quiet and private life away from the spotlight
🕊️ Granddaughter’s Tragedy: Mourned the loss of her granddaughter, E’dena Hines, in 2015
💼 Net Worth (2025): Estimated at $1–$5 million
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw’s Early Life and Education
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw was born in the 1940s in the United States. This was a time of major changes for African Americans, as they were fighting for their rights and equality. Growing up during these times helped Jeanette become strong and independent. The experiences of her early years gave her the strength to handle challenges confidently later in her life.
Not much is known about Jeanette’s early life and education because she chose to keep her life private. Some reports say that she came from a simple family. Her father may have served in World War II, and her mother likely worked as a homemaker. Jeanette probably grew up in a home where family, hard work, and determination were important values. These early lessons helped her face life’s ups and downs with dignity.
We don’t know the details of Jeanette’s schooling, but it’s clear that she worked hard to create a steady life for herself. The values she learned as a child helped her deal with personal challenges and her marriage to Morgan Freeman. Even though she was married to a famous actor, Jeanette stayed true to herself, showing simplicity and authenticity in everything she did.
How Jeanette Adair Met Morgan Freeman
In the 1960s, Jeanette Adair Bradshaw’s life changed when she met Morgan Freeman, a famous actor. At that time, Freeman was working hard to make a name for himself in the entertainment industry, taking little roles in theater and television. It is thought that the two met through mutual friends or at a social gathering, where their connection grew over time.
Morgan Freeman, known for his versatility in acting, had not yet become the acclaimed actor we recognize today. Jeanette stood by him during his early career, offering emotional support while he worked tirelessly to achieve his goals. She was there during the tough times, when rejection and financial struggles were common.
After years of dating, Jeanette and Morgan decided to marry. They got married on October 22, 1967, in a private ceremony attended by close family and friends. This was the start of a journey in which Jeanette became not only a wife but also a supportive partner to an American actor.
Jeanette’s Marriage to Morgan Freeman
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw’s marriage to Morgan Freeman lasted for 12 years. During this time, the couple experienced both love and challenges. Freeman was still building his career, taking on small roles in film and television, including his work on the children’s show The Electric Company. Jeanette played an important role by managing their home and supporting him emotionally.
The marriage was a partnership, with Jeanette providing stability while Morgan pursued his dreams. She stood by Freeman when he faced hardships, including the uncertainty of an acting career. Her efforts to keep the family grounded helped Freeman focus on his craft, which later led to his success.
However, as Morgan’s career began to take off, the pressures of fame started affecting their relationship. Balancing family life with the demands of the entertainment industry became increasingly difficult. Despite their best efforts, the marriage eventually ended in divorce in 1979.
Jeanette and Morgan’s Family Life
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw and Morgan Freeman shared a blended family. Before their marriage, Jeanette had a daughter, Deena, from a previous relationship, whom Freeman later adopted. The couple also welcomed their biological daughter, Morgana Freeman, in 1971. Jeanette always prioritised family, and she worked hard to provide a loving environment for her two children.
Deena Freeman pursued a career in beauty and makeup and even worked on some of Morgan Freeman’s projects. Meanwhile, Morgana stayed out of the spotlight for the most part, occasionally appearing at public events with her father. Jeanette’s efforts ensured that her daughters grew up with strong values and a solid foundation.
Despite the challenges of Freeman’s growing fame, Jeanette remained focused on her role as a mother. Her dedication to her children reflects her resilience and commitment to family life.
They Divorced After Twelve Years of Marriage
After 12 years of marriage, Jeanette Adair Bradshaw and Morgan Freeman decided to part ways. Their divorce in 1979 was reportedly due to Morgan’s career’s growing demands and the pressures of living in the public eye. Although the couple never publicly shared the exact reasons, some rumors suggested an affair may have played a role.
Divorce is never easy, especially with children involved. However, Jeanette and Freeman managed to keep things respectful, working together as co-parents. Their mutual respect allowed them to prioritize their children’s well-being, even after their marriage ended.
Jeanette’s grace in navigating this challenging time shows her strength and resilience. She focused on moving forward, leaving behind the difficulties of her relationship with Morgan Freeman while continuing to support her family.
Jeanette’s Life After the Divorce
After her divorce from Morgan Freeman, Jeanette Adair Bradshaw chose to live a life away from the public eye. Unlike many who stay in the limelight after being associated with a famous actor, Jeanette preferred to lead a quiet and private life. Her main focus was on raising her daughters and building a life separate from Freeman’s fame.
Jeanette spent her post-divorce years pursuing personal interests, including art appreciation and community involvement. Friends describe her as someone who values simplicity and meaningful relationships. Her decision to stay out of the spotlight reflects her strong sense of self and commitment to living authentically.
By choosing to step away from fame, Jeanette created a peaceful and fulfilling life for herself. Her story reminds us that true happiness often comes from focusing on what matters most.
Jeanette’s Granddaughter’s Tragic Death
One of the most heartbreaking events in Jeanette Adair Bradshaw’s life was the murder of her granddaughter, E’dena Hines, in 2015. E’dena, the daughter of Deena, was tragically stabbed over 20 times by her boyfriend. This devastating incident brought immense grief to the family.
False rumors about Freeman’s involvement added to the pain, though these claims were baseless. Freeman strongly denied the allegations, focusing instead on mourning the loss of E’dena. This tragedy marked one of the darkest times in Jeanette’s life.
Despite this painful chapter, Jeanette continued to show strength and resilience, focusing on her family and healing. Her ability to endure such hardships highlights her unwavering inner strength.
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw’s Net Worth in 2025
As of 2025, Jeanette Adair Bradshaw’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. While the exact sources of her income remain unclear, it is likely a combination of personal investments and financial settlements from her marriage to Freeman.
Final Thoughts
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw’s story is about more than being the ex-wife of a famous actor. It’s about resilience, independence, and prioritizing what truly matters in life. From her marriage to Morgan Freeman to her life beyond the spotlight, Jeanette’s journey is inspiring. She chose peace and authenticity, leaving an indelible mark as a mother and individual. We hope her story inspires you to embrace your own strength and authenticity.
(FAQs)
Who is Morgan Freeman’s first wife?
Morgan Freeman’s first wife is Jeanette Adair Bradshaw. They got married on October 22, 1967, and stayed together for 12 years. Jeanette supported Morgan during the early years of his acting career when he was still working hard to become successful.
How old is Jeanette Adair Bradshaw?
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw was born in the 1940s, so she is about 85 years old as of 2025. While her exact birth date is not known, she has chosen to live a very private and peaceful life.
Why did Jeanette and Morgan Freeman divorce?
Jeanette and Morgan divorced in 1979. The main reasons were the pressures of Morgan’s growing career and the challenges of fame. Some rumors about the affair were also mentioned, but the couple kept the real reasons private.
Did Jeanette Adair Bradshaw marry again?
No, Jeanette Adair Bradshaw did not marry again after divorcing Morgan Freeman. Instead, she focused on her family and preferred living a quiet, private life away from the spotlight.
Who is Morgan Freeman’s current wife?
As of 2025, Morgan Freeman is not married. After divorcing Jeanette, he married Myrna Colley-Lee in 1984, but they ended their marriage in 2010. Freeman has not remarried since then.
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