Jeanette Adair Bradshaw is best known as the first wife of legendary actor Morgan Freeman, a connection that has sparked curiosity about her life. Born in the 1940s in the United States, she’s now in her early 80s as of 2024.
Her net worth is estimated to range between $1 million and $5 million, possibly influenced by her divorce settlement from Freeman, though exact details are private. While little is confirmed about her career—some speculate she worked in entertainment—Jeanette’s story is one of quiet support during Freeman’s early struggles, followed by a deliberate choice to step away from the spotlight after their 1979 divorce. This article dives into her biography, age, net worth, career, and other key details, answering common questions while keeping things friendly and straightforward.
Below is a comprehensive table summarizing all available information about Jeanette Adair Bradshaw, including her biography, age, net worth, career, social media presence, and other relevant details.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jeanette Adair Bradshaw |
| Birth Decade | 1940s |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Marital Status | Divorced (from Morgan Freeman, 1979) |
| Children | Morgana Freeman (biological), Deena Adair (adopted by Morgan Freeman) |
| Grandchildren | E’dena Hines (deceased 2015) |
| Age (as of 2024) | Early 80s |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1 million – $5 million |
| Career | Unknown; possibly worked in entertainment (theater, TV, film) |
| Social Media | Not active on social media |
| Height | 5’6″ (168 cm) |
| Weight | 132 lbs (60 kg) |
| Physical Description | Medium-length curly black hair, brown eyes, healthy and fit body shape |
| Current Status | Lives privately, whereabouts unknown |
| Additional Notes | – Was a single mother before marrying Freeman (had daughter Deena Adair) – Supported Freeman during his early career struggles |
Early Life and Meeting Morgan Freeman
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw entered the world in the 1940s, a time of big changes in America—think post-war vibes and the stirrings of the civil rights movement. As an African-American woman, she grew up during a pivotal era, but details about her childhood, like her exact birth date, parents, or siblings, remain under wraps. She’s always kept her personal background private, which isn’t surprising given how she’s lived her life since.
In the early 1960s, Jeanette met Morgan Freeman, who was then a young dreamer chasing an acting career. Fresh out of the U.S. Air Force and studying at Los Angeles City College, Freeman was still years away from fame. Jeanette, in her 20s, was already a single mom to her daughter Deena from a previous relationship. Their paths crossed, sparks flew, and after about five years of dating, they said “I do” on October 22, 1967. How did they meet? Likely through shared circles or chance in the bustling creative scene of the time—details are scarce, but their bond was real.
Marriage and Supporting Freeman’s Career
Jeanette and Morgan’s marriage lasted 12 years, from 1967 to 1979, a stretch that wasn’t always easy for Freeman. Back then, he was hustling for gigs, landing small theater roles and bit parts in films—nothing like the Oscar-winning star we know today. Jeanette was his rock, offering emotional support and keeping things steady at home so he could focus on his craft. Freeman himself has tipped his hat to her, saying she believed in him when success felt like a long shot.
Her role wasn’t just cheerleading; it was practical too. While Freeman pounded the pavement for auditions, Jeanette likely handled the day-to-day, giving him space to grow into the actor he’d become. Their partnership set the stage for his later hits like Street Smart (1987) and Driving Miss Daisy (1989), even though those came after they parted ways. It’s a classic tale of standing by someone before the world knows their name.
Family Life and Children
Jeanette and Morgan built a family that blended love with a bit of complexity. They welcomed their daughter Morgana Freeman in 1971, a bright spot in their marriage. Freeman also adopted Jeanette’s daughter Deena Adair, born February 11, 1956, folding her into the family with open arms. Freeman brought two sons—Alfonso (1959) and Saifoulaye (1960)—from earlier relationships into the mix, though they didn’t live with Jeanette day-to-day.
Morgana’s popped up publicly with her dad, like at the Academy Awards, showing off their tight bond. Deena’s kept a lower profile but has joined Freeman at events too. Does Jeanette have children? Yep, Morgana and Deena are her daughters, and they’ve carried on her legacy in their own ways. Sadly, the family faced heartbreak in 2015 when Deena’s daughter, E’dena Hines—Jeanette’s granddaughter—was tragically murdered. Raised partly by Freeman and his second wife, E’dena’s loss hit hard, casting a shadow over their story.
Divorce and Life After
By November 18, 1979, Jeanette and Morgan’s marriage had run its course, ending in divorce after 12 years. Why did they split? That’s stayed between them—no public drama or tell-alls here. Some whisper about Freeman’s growing career or rumored infidelity, but without hard facts, it’s just noise. They’ve both kept it classy and quiet.
Post-divorce, Freeman remarried Myrna Colley-Lee in 1984 (until 2010) and stayed in the public eye. Jeanette? She went the opposite way, choosing a life off the radar. Did she remarry? There’s no evidence she did—she seems content solo. Last spotted in 2015 at E’dena’s funeral, she’s since vanished from view. No social media, no interviews—where is she now? Likely living quietly, location unknown, savoring the peace she’s carved out for herself.
Net Worth and Career Information
So, what’s Jeanette Adair Bradshaw’s net worth? Estimates peg it between $1 million and $5 million in 2024, but it’s a guessing game without solid data. Part of that might come from her divorce settlement with Freeman, whose own fortune is massive by comparison. Beyond that, maybe she’s dabbled in investments or other ventures—details are fuzzy.
What does she do for a living? That’s trickier. Some say she might’ve worked in entertainment—think theater, TV, or film—maybe crossing paths with Freeman that way. But there’s no proof, no resume to point to. Most likely, she poured her energy into family life during their marriage, supporting Freeman’s grind over chasing her own spotlight. Her career, whatever it was, stays a mystery, fitting her private persona.
Conclusion
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw’s life is a quiet counterpoint to Morgan Freeman’s dazzling career. In her early 80s now, she’s the unsung hero who stood by him when he was just a dreamer, helping him climb toward stardom. Her net worth might hover between $1 million and $5 million, and while her career remains vague, her impact doesn’t. She raised Morgana and Deena, weathered a high-profile divorce, and faced family tragedy with grace.
Yet, Jeanette’s chosen privacy over fame, stepping back after 1979 to live on her terms. No glitzy updates or red-carpet cameos—just a woman who valued family and peace over headlines. Her story reminds us that behind every big name, there’s often someone like Jeanette—steady, strong, and content to let their legacy speak softly.
