Morgan Freeman is one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed and iconic actors.
But little is known about his first wife, Jeanette Adair Bradshaw, who helped support him during his early career struggles before their divorce in 1979.
This article dives into Bradshaw’s enigmatic life story and her marriage to Freeman as he rose to fame.
Early Life and Background
Born in 1940 in the United States, Jeanette Adair Bradshaw is now 83 years old. Very few details are available about her childhood or early life before meeting Morgan Freeman.
She has kept a low profile away from the media spotlight. Her life prior to her relationship with Freeman remains a mystery.
Marriage to Morgan Freeman
Bradshaw met Morgan Freeman when he was still an aspiring actor in New York City in the 1960s. At the time, Freeman was taking small theatre roles and struggling to get his big break. The two married in 1967.
Freeman credits Bradshaw for supporting him during the tough early years when he wasn’t yet successful. In interviews, Freeman has stated:
“She helped me when I was trying to be become an actor, and she believed in me. It really helped just having someone believe in me back then.”
Though married in 1967, Freeman’s career did not take off until over a decade later when he landed his breakthrough role in Driving Miss Daisy in 1989 at age 52. But Bradshaw was his wife throughout the long struggling period leading up to his fame.
Morgan Freeman’s Rise to Fame
After small theatre roles and parts in soap operas and TV shows in the 1970s, Morgan Freeman first gained attention with his role in the film Street Smart in 1987. This launched his movie career at age 50.
Just two years later, Freeman’s performance as Hoke Colburn in Driving Miss Daisy made him a bona fide star and earned him his first Oscar nomination.
From there, his fame steadily rose through acclaimed performances in movies like Glory (1989), The Shawshank Redemption (1994), and Million Dollar Baby (2004), which won him a Best Supporting Actor Oscar.
Other major hits include Se7en (1995), Bruce Almighty (2003), The Dark Knight (2008), and Invictus (2009). Freeman is renowned for his gravitas, commanding voice, and ability to portray wise mentor figures.
Now age 85, Freeman’s acting career spans over five decades with nearly 120 acting credits. He has an estimated net worth of $300 million, making him one of the richest actors in Hollywood.
End of Their Marriage
Despite being married to Freeman as he struggled through the first two decades of his career, Bradshaw and Freeman ended up divorcing in November 1979 after 12 years of marriage.
Very little information is available publicly about what caused their marriage to unravel. Freeman has rarely spoken about Bradshaw since their split over four decades ago.
Bradshaw herself has purposely avoided publicity and interviews. The circumstances that led to their divorce in 1979, while Freeman was still several years away from stardom, remain unclear. Bradshaw retreated from the spotlight following the end of her marriage to Freeman.
Freeman’s Subsequent Marriages
After divorcing Jeanette Adair Bradshaw in 1979, Freeman did not remarry until 1984, when he wed costume designer Myrna Colley-Lee. That marriage lasted over twice as long as his first, ending in divorce in 2010.
Since then, Freeman has been in high-profile relationships with E’Dena Hines and Step-granddaughter who raised when young and more recently with actress Denise Woodard.
But he has not been remarried now for over a decade since his amicable divorce from Colley-Lee.
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw Today
Very little is known publicly about Jeanette Adair Bradshaw’s life after splitting from Morgan Freeman.
Despite playing an important early role supporting Freeman’s career, she has intentionally avoided publicity and interviews for over four decades.
Bradshaw is not active on any social media platforms. She maintains a very private personal life. Online sources estimate Bradshaw’s net worth to be around $5 million, although the sources of her wealth and income are not publicly known.
Now in her 80s, Bradshaw lives far from the glare of the Hollywood spotlight. She had two daughters with Freeman named Deena and Morgana Freeman, who also keep very low public profiles.
Notable Facts About Jeanette Adair Bradshaw
- Helped support Morgan Freeman’s acting ambitions in the 1960s and 1970s when his career was still struggling.
- Divorced Freeman in 1979 before the launch of his movie stardom and Oscar recognition.
- Freeman did not marry again until 1984 when he wed Myrna Colley-Lee.
- She has an estimated $5 million net worth but her income sources are unclear.
- Bradshaw has stayed out of the public eye for over forty years since her divorce.
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FAQ’s
How much is Morgan Freeman’s net worth?
Morgan Freeman’s net worth is estimated to be $250 million.
Who is Morgan Freeman’s partner?
While Morgan Freeman has been seen with film producer Lori McCreary in recent years, his marital status is not publicly confirmed.
Does Morgan Freeman have a child?
Yes, Morgan Freeman has four children: Alfonso, Deena, Morgana, and Saifoulaye.
Final Thoughts
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw played an important part in Morgan Freeman’s early life and rise to fame as his first wife for over a decade.
She supported his acting career when it was still in its early stages of struggle. Their reasons for ultimately divorcing in 1979 remain shrouded in mystery since Bradshaw never spoke publicly about their marriage.
While Freeman achieved massive Hollywood success and wealth after their split, Bradshaw purposefully avoided the limelight and interviews.
Her fascinating untold story provides insight into Freeman’s background before he became a revered star and Academy Award winner. But much about his enigmatic first wife’s life remains unknown to the public.
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