Morgan Freeman, born June 1, 1937, is a celebrated actor, director, and producer whose career spans over five decades. At 87 years old, Freeman has a remarkable net worth of $250 million, built through iconic roles in films like The Shawshank Redemption, Driving Miss Daisy, and Million Dollar Baby. Beyond his illustrious career, Freeman is a proud father of four children: Alfonso, Saifoulaye, Deena, and Morgana. His journey as a parent reflects his commitment to family and his ability to balance personal growth with professional success.
Key Takeaways
- Age and Legacy: At 87, Morgan Freeman continues to be a Hollywood icon with a net worth of $250 million and an enduring commitment to his family.
- Family Bonds: Freeman’s relationships with his children—Alfonso, Saifoulaye, Deena, and Morgana—highlight the importance of reconciliation, support, and love.
- Philanthropy: Through the Tallahatchie River Foundation, Freeman and his family focus on improving early childhood education in Mississippi.
- Resilience: Despite personal tragedies, including the loss of E’dena Hines, Freeman remains a source of strength and inspiration for his family.
Alfonso Freeman
Freeman’s eldest son, Alfonso Freeman, was born in 1959 and raised by his mother, Loletha Adkins. During Alfonso’s childhood, he did not know that Morgan Freeman was his father. They reconnected when Alfonso was 19, leading to a heartfelt reunion.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Alfonso pursued an acting career, appearing in minor roles in Freeman’s films like The Shawshank Redemption and Seven. His most notable role was in The Bucket List, where he played Freeman’s on-screen son. Despite their late start as a family, Alfonso and Morgan share a strong bond. Alfonso, now 66, is married to Larcenia Letice and has three children: Alfonso II, Joshua, and Donovan.
Saifoulaye Freeman
Born in 1960, Saifoulaye Freeman is Morgan Freeman’s second child. While his mother’s identity remains private, Saifoulaye has chosen to maintain a low profile, living outside the spotlight.
Saifoulaye, now 65, has occasionally appeared at family gatherings but prefers to keep his life private. Notably absent at some public events, including the 2018 Screen Actors Guild Awards, Saifoulaye’s choice to remain out of the public eye speaks to Freeman’s respect for his children’s boundaries.
Deena Adair
Freeman adopted Deena Adair, born in 1964, after marrying her mother, Jeanette Adair Bradshaw, in 1967. Deena chose a behind-the-scenes career in Hollywood, working as a hairstylist on films such as Million Dollar Baby and Bruce Almighty.
Deena’s career includes two Emmy nominations for hairstyling. Despite her professional success, her personal life faced tragedy when her daughter, E’dena Hines, was murdered in 2015. Freeman and his second wife, Myrna Colley-Lee, helped raise E’dena, emphasizing Freeman’s commitment to family. Deena, now 61, continues to honor her daughter’s legacy while supporting her father’s philanthropic efforts.
Morgana Freeman
Morgan Freeman’s youngest child, Morgana Freeman, was born in 1971 during his marriage to Bradshaw. A graduate of Spelman College, Morgana majored in economics and later pursued cosmetology, eventually owning two salons in Georgia.
Morgana currently serves as the executive director of the Tallahatchie River Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by Freeman to improve early childhood education in Mississippi. Her role reflects her dedication to giving back to her community, a value instilled by her father. Morgana, 54, remains an active presence in Freeman’s public and philanthropic life, often accompanying him to major events.
The Tragic Loss of E’dena Hines
One of Freeman’s greatest personal tragedies was the loss of his granddaughter, E’dena Hines, in 2015. Raised by Freeman and Colley-Lee, E’dena pursued acting, attending NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and appearing in films like Landing Up.
Her life was tragically cut short when she was murdered by her boyfriend, Lamar Davenport, in 2015. Davenport was later convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 20 years in prison. Freeman described E’dena as a talented and vibrant individual, stating, “Her star will continue to shine bright in our hearts.”
Freeman’s Parenting Journey
Freeman has been candid about the challenges of fatherhood, particularly during his early years. In a 2014 interview, he admitted that his focus on acting left little room for parenting. However, he became more involved as his daughters grew older, emphasizing the importance of being “hands-on” with their upbringing.
Freeman has also expressed immense pride in his role as a grandfather and great-grandfather. With 14 grandchildren, Freeman takes great joy in his extended family, often speaking about how their presence enriches his life.
Morgan Freeman’s life is a testament to perseverance, talent, and the enduring power of family. His ability to navigate the complexities of parenthood while achieving unparalleled professional success ensures his legacy as both a cinematic legend and a devoted father.