While Morgan Freeman’s talent and distinctive voice have made him a global icon, few know much about his first wife, Jeanette Adair Bradshaw, a woman who played a pivotal role in his life during his formative years in the entertainment industry. Their marriage, which spanned over a decade, coincided with the period when Freeman began to establish himself as a recognizable face on television and in movies. Although Bradshaw has largely remained out of the spotlight, her influence on Freeman’s early career and personal life is undeniable.
Summary:
- Name: Jeanette Adair Bradshaw
- Date of Birth: November 30, 1940 (speculated)
- Age as of 2024: 84
- Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
- Marriage to Morgan Freeman: October 22, 1967 – November 18, 1979
- Children with Morgan Freeman:
- Deena Adair (Freeman): Adopted daughter, hair and makeup artist with over 60 credits, Emmy-nominated
- Morgana Freeman: Biological daughter, born in 1971; holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics; Executive Director of the Tallahatchie River Foundation
- Previous Children of Morgan Freeman:
- Alfonso Freeman: Son from a previous relationship
- Saifoulaye Freeman: Son from a previous relationship
A Mysterious Past and an Influential Marriage
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw\’s life remains shrouded in mystery, with limited information available about her background. According to some sources, she may have been born on November 30, 1940, making her 84 years old in 2024. However, details about her early life, education, and career before meeting Freeman are sparse. What is known is that she met the future Hollywood star in the 1960s, a time when Freeman was still striving to break into the entertainment industry.
Bradshaw and Freeman were married on October 22, 1967, a period that marked the beginning of Freeman’s long and arduous journey into acting. During their marriage, Freeman appeared in several early roles, including \”The Electric Company,\” \”Who Says I Can\’t Ride a Rainbow!,\” \”Blade,\” and \”The Mighty Gents.\” Their relationship spanned a critical period in Freeman\’s life, with Bradshaw standing by his side as he worked to build his career. However, their union came to an end on November 18, 1979, after more than a decade together. The reasons behind their divorce remain private, as both Bradshaw and Freeman have chosen not to disclose details of their separation.
The Blended Family of Morgan Freeman and Jeanette Adair Bradshaw
During their marriage, Bradshaw and Freeman formed a blended family that included children from previous relationships. Before marrying Bradshaw, Freeman had two sons, Alfonso and Saifoulaye Freeman, from earlier relationships. Freeman\’s deep commitment to family became evident when he adopted Bradshaw’s first daughter, Deena Adair, soon after their marriage.
Deena Adair, who is now known as Deena Freeman, became Freeman’s stepdaughter. Despite legal hurdles at the time, Freeman adopted her and became a dedicated father figure. Deena went on to make her own mark in the entertainment industry, not as an actor but as a talented hair and makeup artist. With over 60 credits to her name, Deena has worked on several high-profile films and television projects, earning two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for her exceptional work in \”Ring of Fire\” and \”Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story.\”
The couple also had a biological daughter, Morgana Freeman, born in 1971. Morgana pursued higher education, attending Spelman College from 1990 to 1993, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Economics. She later studied cosmetology at the Atlanta Area Technical Institute. Today, Morgana is actively involved in civic and social initiatives as the executive director of the Tallahatchie River Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on improving early childhood education in Mississippi.
A Quiet Yet Significant Influence
Although Jeanette Adair Bradshaw chose to live a life away from the public eye, her presence in Freeman’s early years undoubtedly provided him with a foundation of support. While their marriage ended decades ago, their shared experiences and the family they built together have left a lasting impact on Freeman’s life. Bradshaw’s contributions, while not often in the limelight, remain a part of the narrative that shaped one of Hollywood’s most respected actors.
