When we think of Morgan Freeman, the first things that come to mind are his iconic voice, his legendary roles in Hollywood classics, and his long-lasting presence as one of the greatest actors of all time. From The Shawshank Redemption to Bruce Almighty, Freeman has built a career spanning decades. Yet behind every great star lies a story of relationships, family, and personal struggles. One name that continues to spark curiosity is Jeanette Adair Bradshaw—Morgan Freeman’s first wife. Unlike Freeman, who has lived in the spotlight for decades, Jeanette has always chosen to remain private. Still, her role in Freeman’s early life and career cannot be overlooked. https://wislay.net/
This detailed biography explores everything known about Jeanette Adair Bradshaw—from her early life and marriage to her role as a mother and her life after separating from Morgan Freeman.
Profile Summary
- Full name: Jeanette Adair Bradshaw
- Gender: Female
- Year of birth: Allegedly November 30, 1940
- Age (as of 2024): 83–84 years old
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: African-American
- Religion: Christianity
- Hair color: Black
- Eye color: Dark brown
- Marital status: Divorced
- Ex-husband: Morgan Freeman (married 1967–1979)
- Children: Deena Adair (adopted by Freeman) and Morgana Freeman
Early Life of Jeanette Adair Bradshaw
Very little is publicly documented about Jeanette Adair Bradshaw’s early life. She was reportedly born in the 1940s, with some sources suggesting her exact date of birth as November 30, 1940. Growing up in the United States during the mid-20th century, Jeanette lived through an era of social change, civil rights movements, and shifting cultural values. Unlike Morgan Freeman, who has often spoken publicly about his childhood in Mississippi, Jeanette has chosen to keep her background private. This mystery has only increased curiosity around her.
What is clear, however, is that Jeanette lived a quiet life before her relationship with Freeman thrust her into the public eye.
How Did Jeanette Meet Morgan Freeman?
Jeanette and Morgan Freeman’s love story began in the 1960s. At the time, Freeman was still struggling to establish himself in Hollywood. Before becoming an Oscar-winning actor, he worked small roles and appeared on TV shows like The Electric Company. Despite the difficulties of chasing fame, Jeanette stood by his side.
On October 22, 1967, the couple got married. For Freeman, this was his first marriage. During their union, Jeanette became a stabilizing force in his life as he worked tirelessly to make a name for himself in the entertainment industry. The marriage lasted for 12 years, until they divorced on November 18, 1979.
The reasons behind their separation remain private. Neither Morgan nor Jeanette ever publicly shared the details, but some speculations suggest that the pressures of Hollywood and Freeman’s career struggles may have taken a toll on their marriage. Freeman himself admitted in an interview that balancing marriage and the pursuit of acting was difficult for him during his younger years.
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw’s Children
1. Deena Adair
Before marrying Freeman, Jeanette already had a daughter, Deena Adair. Morgan legally adopted her, becoming her father figure. Deena later grew into a successful professional in Hollywood—not as an actress, but as a hair and makeup artist. She has worked on major productions, including Marvel’s Loki, Oblivion, Thunder Force, and Civil War.
Her work earned her recognition, including two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for outstanding hairstyling in Ring of Fire and Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story. Deena’s career behind the camera proves that talent runs deep in the family, even if she chose a different path than her famous father.
2. Morgana Freeman
Jeanette and Morgan’s biological daughter, Morgana Freeman, was born in 1971. Unlike her father, Morgana chose a life outside of acting. She studied Economics at Spelman College and also pursued cosmetology at Atlanta Area Technical School. Today, she serves as the Executive Director of the Tallahatchie River Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to improving childhood education in Mississippi. Her work demonstrates a strong commitment to community service and education.
Life After Divorce
When Jeanette and Morgan Freeman divorced in 1979, Freeman’s career was just beginning to gain traction. In the years following, he rose to superstardom, while Jeanette stepped back from the spotlight. Unlike many ex-spouses of celebrities who remain entangled in fame, Jeanette chose privacy. She has avoided interviews, red carpets, and Hollywood events, instead living a quiet life away from the media.
Unlike Freeman, who later married costume designer Myrna Colley-Lee in 1984, Jeanette never remarried publicly. This has fueled curiosity about her personal life post-divorce. Yet her decision to remain out of the public eye reflects her preference for privacy and a normal life beyond Hollywood.
Relationship With Morgan Freeman
Although their marriage ended decades ago, Jeanette’s influence on Freeman’s life was significant. She was with him during his most uncertain years, supporting him as he pursued acting roles that would eventually lead to his big break. In many ways, she laid the foundation for his family life and helped shape the man who would later become one of Hollywood’s most respected figures.
Morgan Freeman himself has acknowledged the difficulties he faced as a husband and father during his early career. In one interview, he admitted:
“I was busy trying to be an actor, and the two did not go together in my youth. I am not sure fatherhood changed me… You have to be married to be a father. I sired a couple of kids without being married, but that does not make you a father. It took me a while to become a father.”
These words reflect not only Freeman’s struggles but also the strain that his marriage to Jeanette may have endured.
Where is Jeanette Adair Bradshaw Now?
As of 2024, Jeanette is in her early 80s. While she avoids public appearances, reports suggest that she still resides in the United States. Her net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $4 million, although much of this figure is speculative. Unlike other Hollywood ex-wives, Jeanette has never capitalized on her connection to Freeman, nor has she sought fame or media attention. This alone sets her apart as someone truly committed to privacy.
Quick Facts About Jeanette Adair Bradshaw
- She was Morgan Freeman’s first wife. They married in 1967 and divorced in 1979.
- She is a mother of two. Deena (adopted by Freeman) and Morgana (biological daughter with Freeman).
- She became a grandmother. Her granddaughter was the late E’Dena Hines, who tragically passed away in 2015.
- She lived through Freeman’s struggling years. Jeanette supported Freeman before he became a household name.
- She chose privacy. After her divorce, she completely stepped away from Hollywood’s limelight.
Jeanette’s Legacy
While Jeanette Adair Bradshaw may not be a celebrity in her own right, her story is deeply tied to Morgan Freeman’s journey. She represents the quieter, often overlooked side of fame—the spouses who supported their partners before the glitz and glamour of Hollywood took over. Without Jeanette, Freeman’s personal story would be incomplete.
Her legacy lives on through her daughters, especially Morgana, who dedicates her life to education, and Deena, who thrives in the creative world of film and television production.
Conclusion
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw may not be a household name, but her story matters. As the first wife of Morgan Freeman, she witnessed his early struggles and sacrifices before the world recognized his greatness. Their marriage may have ended in divorce, but Jeanette’s presence in Freeman’s life played a role in shaping both his personal and professional journey.
Today, she remains a symbol of strength, resilience, and privacy in an age where celebrity culture often thrives on oversharing. By choosing a life outside of Hollywood, Jeanette has preserved her dignity and created her own legacy away from the cameras.
For fans of Morgan Freeman, learning about Jeanette Adair Bradshaw provides a fuller picture of the man behind the legend—and reminds us that even the brightest stars are shaped by the people who stood with them in their earliest, most uncertain days.