Morgan Freeman is a luminary in the cinematic realm, acclaimed for his exceptional acting talent and rich family life. As a father of four, his relationships with his children—Alfonso, Saifoulaye, Deena, and Morgana—paint a portrait of a man dedicated to both his craft and his family. This article delves into the lives of Freeman’s children and grandchildren, showcasing the impact of their father’s legacy on their personal and professional pursuits.
The Children of Morgan Freeman
Alfonso Freeman
Alfonso Freeman, born in 1959, is Morgan Freeman’s eldest son. Raised by his mother, Loletha Adkins, Alfonso initially lived without knowing about his father’s fame. “I grew up watching The Electric Company and Easy Reader,” he recalled in a 2007 interview, reflecting on his early ignorance of their familial connection. Their relationship blossomed when Alfonso turned 19, leading to a heartfelt reunion that bridged years of absence and emotional turmoil. Alfonso has pursued a career in acting, appearing in notable films similar to The Shawshank Redemption and The Bucket List, where he shared the screen with his father.
Saifoulaye Freeman
The enigmatic Saifoulaye Freeman, born in 1960, remains largely out of the public eye, with minimal information about his life. He was notably absent from significant family events, including the 2018 Screen Actors Guild Awards, where Morgan received a Lifetime Achievement Award, underscoring the complexity of familial bonds in the Freeman clan.
Deena Adair
When Morgan Freeman married Jeanette Adair Bradshaw in 1967, she had a daughter named Deena from a previous relationship. Freeman adopted Deena despite challenges due to strict adoption laws at the time. He expressed his eagerness to adopt her as soon as possible.
As an adult, Deena found her place in Hollywood, but instead of acting, she became a hair and makeup artist, often working on set with her father. She contributed to major films like Amistad, Bruce Almighty, and The Dark Knight and was part of teams nominated for two Emmy Awards for her work.
In 1982, Deena had a daughter, E’dena Hines, raised by Freeman and his second wife, Myrna Colley-Lee. Tragically, E’dena was murdered by her boyfriend in 2015.
Morgana Freeman
In 1971, Morgan Freeman and his first wife, Jeanette Adair Bradshaw, welcomed their daughter, Morgana. This milestone was particularly emotional for Freeman, who reflected on the significance of being a hands-on father. He stated in a 2014 interview, “Changing my daughters’ diapers made a difference in their lives.”
Morgana, whose name honors her father, has often accompanied him at various high-profile events. She attended the 1990 Academy Awards when Freeman was nominated for Best Actor for Driving Miss Daisy and returned for the 2010 Oscars when he was nominated again for Invictus. She has also supported him at the premieres of Batman Begins and Oblivion, as well as during the 2018 SAG Awards, where he received a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Academically, Morgana studied economics at Spelman College in Atlanta and also pursued cosmetology, eventually opening two salons in Georgia. Currently, she serves as the executive director of the Tallahatchie River Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by her father. The foundation aims to enhance early childhood education in Mississippi. Morgana emphasizes her father’s commitment to giving back to the community that shaped him, stating, “Education is the core of everything that needs to happen in Mississippi.”
The Next Generation: Freeman’s Grandchildren
Morgan Freeman is also a proud grandfather to 14 grandchildren, a role he cherishes deeply. His granddaughter, Alexis Freeman, has spoken fondly of him, emphasizing the values he instills in his family, including humility and the importance of hard work. This generational continuity of values showcases Freeman’s profound influence on his family.
A Tribute to E’dena Hines
In 1984, Morgan Freeman married Myrna Colley-Lee, who eagerly embraced the opportunity to nurture children. When Freeman’s daughter Deena faced challenges, Colley-Lee invited Deena’s daughter, E’dena Hines, to live with them. “Morgan Freeman functions more like a grandfather, but he’s happy I got this chance at parenting,” Colley-Lee shared in a 1988 interview.
E’dena, born on March 4, 1982, was raised in a loving environment. After completing her studies at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts from 2008 to 2011, she began her acting career, securing minor roles in A Minority Report and the short film Cohab. Her most notable performance was in the film Landing Up, which tragically premiered posthumously.
On August 16, 2015, E’dena was brutally murdered by her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Lamar Davenport. He was arrested and later convicted of manslaughter in May 2018, receiving a 20-year prison sentence for the crime.
In a heartfelt statement to PEOPLE, Freeman expressed his sorrow, stating, “The world will never know her artistry and talent, and how much she had to offer. Her friends and family were fortunate enough to have known what she meant as a person. Her star will continue to shine bright in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers. May she rest in peace.”