Some actors choose to shine on screen, while others prefer a life away from the limelight. Jeanette Adair Bradshaw, the first wife of actor Morgan Freeman, belongs to the latter group. Despite her relationship with Freeman, Bradshaw’s life remained largely outside the public eye. Today, we’ll explore her journey in Hollywood and her personal life.
Her Early Life and Marriage With Freeman
Born in the United States in the 1940s, Bradshaw rose to fame through her relationship with Morgan Freeman. The couple wed on October 22, 1967, at a time when Freeman was taking his steps in the entertainment industry. Their marriage, spanning over a decade, ended in a divorce finalized on November 19, 1979.
Throughout their marriage, Bradshaw saw Freeman’s ascent from a dancer in the Opera musical theater group to a celebrated actor. However, the reasons behind their separation remain unknown, with some speculation pointing towards Freeman’s alleged infidelity.
The couple shared one biological child, Morgana Freeman, and Jeanette also had another child from a previous relationship. Morgan Freeman, who had two children prior to their marriage, went on to adopt Bradshaw’s daughter, Deena Adair. The family dynamic extended to include four children: Alfonso Rene Freeman, Saifoulaye, Morgana, and Deena.
Alfonso has acted in films like ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ and ‘The Bucket List.’ Saifoulaye, on the other hand, is a flight instructor by profession.
The Tragedy About Jeanette’s Granddaughter
Tragedy struck the family when Jeanette’s granddaughter, E’dena Hines, was murdered by her boyfriend, Lamar Davenport, in 2015. Davenport, convicted of the crime, claimed during the trial that E’dena had a relationship with Freeman, a claim both denied. The perpetrator then received a 20-year prison sentence for the crime.
Jeanette was seen in public in August 2015 during the funeral of her granddaughter.
Jeanette’s Personal Life After Her Marriage
Post-divorce, Freeman’s stardom rose meteorically, while Bradshaw chose a life away from the public. After his marriage to Bradshaw, the actor married Myrna Colley-Lee. The pair remained together for 26 years before their relationship ended in 2010.
Bradshaw’s estimated net worth stands at $4 million, a modest figure in comparison to Freeman’s reported $250 million fortune amassed through his acting career.
Despite the end of their marriage, Bradshaw and Freeman remained friends for their children’s sake. It’s reported that Bradshaw, to this date, has not remarried or engaged in public romantic relationships.
Today, details about Bradshaw’s current life are shrouded in privacy as she has avoided the spotlight.
