Jeanette Adair Bradshaw is best known as the first wife of the actor Morgan Freeman. She chose a quiet life, far from cameras and headlines. Because of this, there is not much public information about her early years or her work. Still, we can tell an honest story about her role in Freeman’s life, their family, and why privacy matters to her.
Personal Information
Fact | Detail |
---|---|
Full name | Jeanette Adair Bradshaw |
Known for | First wife of actor Morgan Freeman |
Marriage | Married Morgan Freeman on October 22, 1967; divorced on November 18, 1979 |
Children | One daughter with Freeman (Morgana). Freeman also adopted Jeanette’s daughter from a previous relationship (Deena). |
Public life | Very private; avoids the media |
Current status | Lives a low-key life out of the spotlight; few public details available |
Early life and meeting Morgan Freeman
There is no confirmed public record about Jeanette’s birth year, place of birth, or education. Most big media outlets do not publish these details, and she has not shared them. What we do know begins when she met Morgan Freeman, who was a young actor then, working to build his career on stage and television. The two formed a strong bond and married in 1967.
Marriage and family

Jeanette and Morgan Freeman married on October 22, 1967. During their marriage, they welcomed a daughter, Morgana. Freeman also adopted Deena, Jeanette’s daughter from a previous relationship, and helped raise her as part of their family. These are the most important and confirmed family facts about Jeanette’s life with Freeman.
Their marriage lasted for more than a decade. They divorced on November 18, 1979. After the divorce, both moved on with their own lives. Freeman later married Myrna Colley-Lee in 1984. Jeanette, however, stayed private and did not speak to the press.
A private person in a very public world
Many spouses of famous people become public figures. Jeanette made a different choice. She did not give interviews. She did not live on red carpets. Over the years, media stories about her remained short, careful, and based only on what could be confirmed. This is why solid sources say very little: it reflects her wish to stay out of the spotlight.
Because of this privacy, you may see websites guessing about her birthday, job, or where she lives now. Reliable outlets do not confirm those claims. When information is not in trusted sources, it is best to say “unknown” instead of guessing. This protects her privacy and keeps the story true.
Jeanette’s role in Morgan Freeman’s life story
Morgan Freeman’s personal life is better documented than Jeanette’s, and those records help us understand her place in his story. Public biographies and profiles list his marriages and children. They note that he was married to Jeanette Adair Bradshaw from 1967 to 1979, and that he has four children: Alfonso, Deena, Morgana, and Saifoulaye. Deena is Jeanette’s daughter from before the marriage, whom Freeman adopted, and Morgana is their daughter together. These facts are widely reported.
Family connections and care
Freeman has spoken more often about his wider family, including grandchildren. These reports also show how the family, including people connected through Jeanette, stayed important in his life. For example, Deena worked for many years as a hair and makeup artist on film sets. The family also helped raise E’Dena Hines, Deena’s daughter, who was sadly killed in 2015. While this part of the story is painful, it is part of the public record and shows the close bonds inside the family.
Life after divorce
After the divorce, Jeanette kept the same quiet path. There are no major interviews or public projects linked to her. This is not a sign of a small life; it is a personal choice. Many people prefer privacy, even when someone they once married becomes world-famous. Respecting that choice is important. When news is not confirmed by serious outlets, it is better not to repeat it.
Handling rumors with care
From time to time, the internet spreads bold claims about famous families. Some rumors link to Jeanette’s side of the family, and some involve dramatic stories that get clicks but lack proof. A good rule is to trust only well-known sources that check facts. For example, when a rumor spread about a scandal in Morgan Freeman’s family life, fact-checking sites reviewed it and explained that the claim lacked evidence. This kind of careful review helps readers separate truth from gossip.
Why her story still matters

You may ask, “If Jeanette lives quietly, why write about her?” The answer is simple. She is part of a well-known life story, but she is also a person who chose a normal, private life. Her story shows that not everyone near fame wants to be famous. It reminds us that privacy has value. It also shows that families can be blended and loving, with adopted children and step-grandchildren, and that these ties can last even after a marriage ends.
What we can say with confidence
When we look only at reliable information, we can say these things clearly:
- Jeanette Adair Bradshaw married Morgan Freeman on October 22, 1967.
- They divorced on November 18, 1979.
- They share a daughter, Morgana, and Freeman adopted Jeanette’s daughter, Deena.
- Jeanette has stayed out of public view and has not shared personal details.
These points are solid and come from records that check facts.
Final thoughts
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw is not a celebrity in her own right, and that is by choice. She supported a young actor at the start of his journey, raised a family with him, and then stepped away from fame. Today, her life remains private. In a world where many personal stories become content, her quiet path is powerful. It shows that dignity and privacy can stand beside public success.
Frequently asked questions
1. Who is Jeanette Adair Bradshaw?
She is the first wife of actor Morgan Freeman. They were married from 1967 to 1979.
2. When did she marry Morgan Freeman?
They married on October 22, 1967.
3. When did they divorce?
They divorced on November 18, 1979.
4. Do they have children together?
Yes. They have a daughter named Morgana. Freeman also adopted Deena, Jeanette’s daughter from a previous relationship.
5. What does Jeanette do now?
She keeps a private life and does not appear in the media.
6. Why is there so little information about her?
She avoids publicity and has not shared personal details.
7. Are there verified interviews with her?
No public interviews are verified by major outlets. Most information about her comes from records of Freeman’s life and family.
8. Did she attend many Hollywood events?
There are few, if any, confirmed public appearances. She chose a quiet life.
9. Is there proof of rumors about the family?
Many dramatic rumors online lack strong evidence. Some fact-checking reviews have explained that the claims had no proof.
10. Where can I read reliable facts about her?
The most dependable facts appear in careful profiles of Morgan Freeman and family summaries from reputable outlets.
Relatable Topics
Who Is Melina Gallo The Woman Married To John Rzeznik
The Life of Judy Stewart-Merrill: Daughter of Movie Star James Stewart