Jeanette Adair Bradshaw may not be as famous as her ex-husband, Morgan Freeman, but her story is closely tied to an important chapter of his life and career. As Freeman’s first wife, she shared over a decade with him during the years when he was still struggling to make a name for himself in Hollywood, offering stability, love, and support as he pursued his dreams. While Freeman’s fame eventually spread across the globe, Jeanette chose a quieter path, living with dignity and resilience away from the spotlight.
She is remembered not just for her connection to Freeman but also for her role as a devoted mother and partner, a woman who valued her privacy and family life over the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.
Profile Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jeanette Adair Bradshaw |
| Date of Birth | February 21, 1940 (Age: 85) |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Unknown (Primarily a homemaker) |
| Ex-Husband | Morgan Freeman (married 1967–1979) |
| Children | 1 child (a daughter) |
| Height | Approximately 5’6″ (167 cm) |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Relationship Status | Divorced from Morgan Freeman, remarried to another man |
| Place of Residence | United States |
| Notable Associations | Former wife of actor Morgan Freeman |
| Known For | Marriage to Morgan Freeman |
Early Life and Background
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw was born on February 21, 1940, in the United States, but unlike her famous ex-husband, Morgan Freeman, she chose to live most of her life outside the public eye, which is why little is known about her childhood, education, or family background. Growing up during the 1940s, a period marked by major social and cultural changes in America, she lived a quiet life before stepping into the spotlight through her marriage to Freeman.
Unlike many who become linked to celebrities, Jeanette never shared personal details about her upbringing, preferring instead to maintain her privacy. What is clear, however, is that her early years shaped her into a strong and grounded woman who later played a supportive role in Freeman’s life during his difficult years as a struggling actor.
Age, Height, and Physical Attributes
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw was born in 1940, which makes her 85 years old in 2025. She is described as standing about 5 feet 6 inches tall, with a graceful presence that reflected her dignified personality. Even though she did not spend much of her life in front of cameras, those who knew her have said she carried herself with elegance and quiet confidence. Unlike many connected to Hollywood, she did not chase fame, appearances, or glamour. Instead, she maintained her presence in a way that showed strength and composure.
Meeting Morgan Freeman
The story of Jeanette and Morgan Freeman began in the early 1960s, long before the world knew Freeman as a Hollywood legend. At that time, Freeman was still an aspiring actor performing in small theater productions and searching for opportunities in the entertainment industry. He was far from wealthy and certainly not famous, but Jeanette saw something deeper in him. Their relationship was built on mutual respect and connection rather than fame or fortune.
They eventually married on October 22, 1967, in a private ceremony, marking the beginning of a marriage that would last for more than a decade. Jeanette’s role as Freeman’s partner was especially important during this stage of his life, as she provided him with encouragement and stability at a time when success was not guaranteed.
Marriage to Morgan Freeman
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw and Morgan Freeman married on October 22, 1967, at a time when Freeman was still an unknown actor working hard to build his career, and their marriage became a foundation of support and stability during his early struggles in the entertainment industry. Together they raised two daughters—Morgana, their biological child, and Deena, Jeanette’s daughter from a previous relationship, whom Freeman adopted—creating a close-knit blended family.
For twelve years, Jeanette stood by Freeman’s side, providing encouragement and managing family life while he pursued acting opportunities, but as his career began to gain momentum and the challenges of fame grew, their relationship began to falter, ultimately leading to their divorce in November 1979 after more than a decade together.
Who Is Morgan Freeman?
Morgan Freeman is a legendary American actor, director, and narrator, born on June 1, 1937, in Memphis, Tennessee, and admired worldwide for his deep, iconic voice and versatile acting. He began his career on stage and television before rising to fame in films such as Driving Miss Daisy, The Shawshank Redemption, Se7en, and The Dark Knight Trilogy.
In 2005, he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Million Dollar Baby, cementing his place as one of Hollywood’s greatest performers. With a career spanning more than five decades, Freeman has also worked as a filmmaker and narrator, becoming a cultural icon recognized not only for his acting talent but also for his wisdom and influence in the entertainment industry.
Children and Family Life
During her twelve-year marriage to Morgan Freeman, Jeanette Adair Bradshaw built a close family life centered on her two daughters, Morgana, her biological child with Freeman, and Deena, her daughter from a previous relationship whom Freeman adopted as his own. Morgana has lived quietly away from the public eye, appearing only rarely alongside her father, while Deena became the mother of E’dena Hines, Jeanette’s granddaughter, who was tragically killed in 2015, an event that brought great sorrow to the family.
Jeanette’s role as a mother and grandmother has always been at the heart of her life, and even though she has chosen to remain private, her dedication to her family has defined her story more than any public recognition ever could.
Life After Divorce
After divorcing Morgan Freeman in 1979, Jeanette completely stepped away from the spotlight. Unlike many former spouses of celebrities who remain in the public eye, Jeanette chose to keep her life private. She rarely made public appearances and avoided interviews, preferring instead to live quietly in the United States. It is believed that she eventually remarried, but details about her second marriage remain undisclosed.
This choice to live privately highlights her lifelong preference for staying away from fame. Even as Freeman became one of the most recognizable actors in the world, Jeanette maintained her independence and built a life that was separate from the constant attention surrounding her ex-husband.
Career and Professional Life
Unlike Morgan Freeman, Jeanette never pursued a career in the entertainment industry that would have brought her public attention. Her professional background remains largely unknown, though some reports suggest she may have had involvement in theater or related arts at some point. However, what is clear is that she spent much of her time as a homemaker, especially during her marriage to Freeman, focusing on raising her children and supporting her husband in the early stages of his acting career. While this may not have been a career path that attracted headlines, it was an essential part of the life she built and the foundation she provided for her family.
Where Does Jeanette Adair Bradshaw Live?
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw has always valued her privacy, and after her divorce from Morgan Freeman in 1979, she chose to live a quiet life away from the media spotlight. She continues to reside in the United States, but specific details about her exact location have never been publicly shared, as she has intentionally kept her personal life private. Unlike many connected to Hollywood fame, she avoids publicity and social media, preferring a simple and peaceful lifestyle in her later years.
Net Worth and Financial Status
As with much of her personal life, Jeanette’s financial details have never been made public. However, it is often estimated that her net worth falls somewhere between $1 million and $5 million. This likely comes from the divorce settlement she received from Freeman, along with her own personal financial decisions over the years. Despite these estimates, she has never openly discussed money or wealth, remaining consistent in her choice to keep her life private. For Jeanette, financial privacy is just one more way she has kept her life away from the glare of Hollywood.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw’s legacy is not one of fame or public achievements but of quiet strength, resilience, and support. She was a crucial figure in Morgan Freeman’s life during the years when he was still an aspiring actor, and her support played a role in shaping the man who would later become a Hollywood legend. While Freeman is remembered for his countless performances and distinctive voice, Jeanette is remembered for the quieter influence she had on his personal story. Her impact is also seen in her children and grandchildren, with her dedication to family leaving an imprint that extends beyond her marriage to Freeman.
Conclusion
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw may not be famous in her own right, but her story is deeply connected to one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors. She stood beside Morgan Freeman during the most challenging period of his life and career, offering him stability and support when he needed it most. After their divorce, she lived the rest of her life privately, showing that dignity and peace meant more to her than public attention. Today, her life is remembered as one of quiet strength, resilience, and dedication to family, and while she may not have sought recognition, her influence on Freeman’s journey and her role as a mother ensure that her legacy remains significant.
FAQs About Jeanette Adair Bradshaw
Who is Jeanette Adair Bradshaw?
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw is best known as the first wife of Hollywood actor Morgan Freeman, with whom she was married from 1967 to 1979.
How many children does Jeanette Adair Bradshaw have?
She has one biological daughter with Freeman, named Morgana, and Freeman also adopted her daughter Deena from a previous relationship.
When did Jeanette Adair Bradshaw and Morgan Freeman divorce?
The couple divorced in November 1979 after twelve years of marriage.
What is Jeanette Adair Bradshaw’s age?
She was born on February 21, 1940, which makes her 85 years old as of 2025.
What is Jeanette Adair Bradshaw’s net worth?
Her net worth is not publicly confirmed, but estimates suggest it falls between $1 million and $5 million.