When people hear the name Morgan Freeman, they think of a calm voice, powerful movies, and many awards. But before the fame and bright lights, there was someone standing beside him. Her name is Jeanette Adair Bradshaw.
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw was there during the early years, when life was not easy. Morgan was still trying to find success. Money was tight. Roles were small. Dreams were big. During that time, she gave him support and stability at home.
In this article, we will explore the life of Jeanette Adair Bradshaw step by step. We will talk about her early life, how she met Morgan Freeman, their marriage, and their family. Let’s begin from the very start of her story.
Who Is Jeanette Adair Bradshaw?
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw is best known as the first wife of actor Morgan Freeman. They were married from 1967 to 1979 and shared a deep bond during the early years of Freeman’s acting career. She supported him when he was still struggling to find success and stayed by his side through many hard times.
Even though she was once connected to one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, Jeanette chose a private and peaceful life. She focused on raising her daughters, Deena and Morgana, and avoided the spotlight. Her story is about love, strength, and staying true to herself — even when the world was watching someone else.
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw’s Early Life
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw was born in the 1940s in the United States. Exact records are not fully clear, but many reports say she may have been born on November 30, 1940. That would make her around 85 years old in 2026.
She grew up during a time when African-American families faced many challenges. Life was not always fair. Rights and equality were still being fought for. Growing up during those years likely made Jeanette strong and independent from a young age.
Very little is known about her school life or early dreams. She chose to live a private life. Some reports say she came from a simple family that valued hard work, faith, and family love. Those values stayed with her throughout her life.
How Jeanette Adair Bradshaw Met Morgan Freeman
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw met Morgan Freeman in the early 1960s. At that time, she was a young woman in her twenties. She was already a mother to her daughter, Deena, from a previous relationship.
Morgan had just finished serving in the United States Air Force from 1955 to 1959. After leaving the military, he moved to study acting at Los Angeles City College. He was serious about becoming an actor, but success did not come quickly.
It is believed they met through friends or social events. They dated for about five years before getting married. During those dating years, Jeanette saw Morgan’s passion for acting and stood by him while he worked hard to build his future.
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw’s marriage to Morgan Freeman
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw and Morgan Freeman got married on October 22, 1967. Their wedding was private and simple. It was attended by close family and friends, not media or cameras.
At that time, Morgan was not famous. He was taking small roles in theater and television. He worked on projects like The Electric Company, trying to make a name for himself. Acting was not steady work, and money was not always stable.
Jeanette became more than just a wife. She became a steady partner. She helped manage their home life while Morgan focused on auditions and small acting roles. Their early marriage was built on hope and shared dreams.
Jeanette’s Role During Morgan’s Struggles
It is easy to support someone after they become famous. But it takes real strength to support someone before success comes. Jeanette Adair Bradshaw stood beside Morgan Freeman during his hardest years.
Acting is not an easy career. There were many rejections. Many waiting periods. Many small roles. During that time, Jeanette helped keep life stable at home. She offered emotional support when things felt uncertain.
Morgan later spoke in interviews about how he was focused on becoming an actor in his youth. Balancing career and family was not simple. Jeanette helped create balance during those early struggles. Her support quietly played a part in his journey.
Meet Jeanette Adair Bradshaw’s children
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw already had a daughter named Deena before marrying Morgan. After the wedding, Morgan adopted Deena and accepted her as his own child. This adoption process was not simple due to laws at the time, but he made it official.
In 1971, Jeanette and Morgan welcomed their biological daughter, Morgana Freeman. Their family became a blended family with love and responsibility. Jeanette focused deeply on raising her daughters with strong values.
She worked hard to give her children a stable and caring home. Even while Morgan’s career slowly started growing, Jeanette kept family life grounded. Being a devoted mother was one of her most important roles.
Why the Marriage Ended
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw and Morgan Freeman stayed married for 12 years. But even with love and support, things didn’t last forever. Their marriage ended on November 18, 1979.
Many people have wondered why they divorced. The couple never fully shared the real reasons. But some say the growing pressure from Morgan’s career played a big part. Fame can be hard on families, especially when one person is always busy or away.
There were also rumors about possible affairs, but nothing was confirmed. What we do know is that Jeanette and Morgan ended things quietly. They showed respect to each other, even when the marriage ended.
Jeanette’s Life After the Divorce
After the divorce, Jeanette Adair Bradshaw made a clear choice. She decided to stay away from the spotlight. While Morgan Freeman’s fame kept growing, Jeanette went in the other direction.
She focused on her life, her daughters, and what made her happy. She did not do interviews, attend red carpets, or try to stay in the news. She enjoyed a quiet and simple life.
Friends say Jeanette spent time on things like art, reading, and community work. She stayed true to her values — privacy, peace, and love for her family.
The Sad Loss of Her Granddaughter
One of the hardest times in Jeanette Adair Bradshaw’s life came in 2015. Her granddaughter, E’dena Hines, was tragically killed in New York City. She was only 33 years old.
E’dena was stabbed more than 20 times by her boyfriend during a terrible incident. The news shocked many people and broke the hearts of those who loved her.
Some painful rumors appeared after her death, including false stories about Freeman. But Jeanette stayed quiet and strong. She focused on healing with her family. Her strength during this time showed her true character.
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw’s Net Worth
As of 2026, Jeanette Adair Bradshaw’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. The money likely comes from her divorce settlement and smart personal choices over the years.
She has not remarried since her divorce from Morgan Freeman. She continues to live a very quiet and private life, far away from the fame and lights of Hollywood.
Jeanette enjoys her peace, and not much is known about where she lives now. But she is believed to be doing well and staying close to the people who matter most — her family.
Final Thoughts
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw may not be a movie star, but her story is full of power and meaning. She was there when Morgan Freeman had nothing, and she helped him stay strong during his early acting days.
She raised two daughters with love and gave them a strong start in life. She faced heartbreak, divorce, and loss — but always chose peace, not fame. Her life reminds us that strength doesn’t need to be loud.
Jeanette’s story is one of quiet courage. She didn’t need fame to make a difference. She lived with honesty, kindness, and love. And that’s something we can all learn from.
(FAQs)
How old is Jeanette Adair Bradshaw?
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw was born in the 1940s, and some sources say her birthday is November 30, 1940. That means she is around 85 years old as of 2026.
Is Jeanette Adair Bradshaw married now?
No, Jeanette did not marry again after her divorce from Morgan Freeman in 1979. She stayed single and chose to live a quiet and private life with her family.
Was Jeanette Morgan Freeman’s first wife?
Yes. Jeanette was Morgan Freeman’s first wife. They got married in 1967 and were together for 12 years before they separated in 1979.
How many children does Jeanette have?
Jeanette has two daughters:
Deena Adair, her daughter from a past relationship (adopted by Morgan Freeman)
Morgana Freeman, her biological daughter with Morgan, born in 1971.
Does Jeanette Adair Bradshaw use social media?
No, Jeanette does not use social media like Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. She prefers a private life and has stayed away from online platforms.
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