E’Dena Hines: Remembering Morgan Freeman’s Granddaughter

E’Dena Hines was an American actress whose life held both extraordinary promise and deep personal connection to one of Hollywood’s most respected figures. As the step-granddaughter and goddaughter of Morgan Freeman, she grew up in close proximity to the entertainment world — but she was determined to build something of her own. Her death in August 2015, at just 33 years old, left a void in the lives of everyone who knew her and cut short an artistic career that was still unfolding.

Early Life

E’Dena Hines was born on March 4, 1982. She was the granddaughter of Jeanette Adair Bradshaw, Morgan Freeman’s first wife, making her Freeman’s step-granddaughter. Freeman also served as her godfather, and the two shared a close bond throughout her life.

From an early age, Hines gravitated toward the performing arts. She was drawn to storytelling and found her voice through acting — a passion that would define both her education and her professional ambitions. Those who knew her described her as vibrant, thoughtful, and fiercely committed to her craft.

She pursued formal training at New York University, enrolling in a graduate acting program. NYU’s rigorous curriculum helped sharpen her skills and connected her with a community of like-minded artists in New York City, a place she would call home for the rest of her life.

Connection to Morgan Freeman

The relationship between E’Dena Hines and Jeanette Adair Bradshaw — her grandmother and Freeman’s first wife — placed her squarely within one of the most prominent families in American film. Freeman married Bradshaw in 1967, and although they divorced in 1979, the family ties remained strong across generations.

Freeman took on the role of godfather to E’Dena and was, by all accounts, a steady presence in her upbringing. He publicly expressed pride in her ambitions and supported her interest in acting. Their bond went beyond the step-grandparent label; those close to the family described it as genuinely paternal.

Despite the famous last name attached to her family, Hines was intent on earning recognition through her own work. She did not trade on Freeman’s celebrity. Instead, she enrolled in a competitive graduate program, auditioned like any other young actress, and built her career from the ground up.

Career

Hines was still in the early stages of what many believed would be a meaningful acting career. She took on roles that reflected her range and willingness to tackle complex material.

Her film credits included Landing Up, a drama directed by Stacey Maltin, in which she played a character named Cece. The role required emotional depth and nuance, and Hines delivered a performance that stood out among the ensemble cast. The film screened at the Dances with Films Festival in Los Angeles, an event known for spotlighting independent voices and emerging talent.

She also appeared in 5 Flights Up (2014), a film starring Morgan Freeman and Diane Keaton. In it, she played Lily, a street-smart New Yorker — a small but notable part that allowed her to share the screen with her godfather.

Beyond these credits, Hines was actively developing her skills and pursuing new opportunities. She was a working actress in New York City, a notoriously difficult market, and her peers and mentors spoke highly of her dedication and raw talent.

Personal Life and Tragic Death

E’Dena Hines lived in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan. She was in a relationship with Lamar Davenport at the time of her death.

On August 16, 2015, Hines was fatally stabbed outside her New York City apartment. She was 33 years old. Lamar Davenport was arrested at the scene and later charged in connection with her killing. During the trial, it was revealed that Davenport had been under the influence of PCP at the time of the attack.

The case was heard at the New York State Supreme Court. Davenport was convicted of first-degree manslaughter — the court citing a state of drug-induced psychosis — and sentenced to 20 years in prison. Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance issued a statement upon sentencing.

Morgan Freeman responded publicly through a statement on his Facebook page, writing that her star would continue to shine bright in the hearts of those who loved her. The loss was devastating for the entire family and for the many friends and colleagues who had watched her grow as an artist and a person.

Legacy

E’Dena Hines left behind a body of work that, while modest in size, reflected genuine talent and artistic commitment. Her performances in Landing Up and 5 Flights Up remain available for audiences to discover, and those who worked alongside her have continued to speak about her warmth, intelligence, and dedication to her craft.

Her death also brought renewed attention to the intersecting issues of domestic violence and substance abuse. While no public awareness campaign can undo the loss her family endured, her story has served as a sobering reminder of how quickly violence can shatter lives and communities.

Hines was a woman who worked hard, studied seriously, and loved the art of performance. She deserved more time. The people who knew her — family, friends, fellow actors, and mentors — carry her memory forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was E’Dena Hines?

E’Dena Hines was an American actress and the step-granddaughter and goddaughter of actor Morgan Freeman. She was born on March 4, 1982, and studied acting at New York University. She appeared in films including Landing Up and 5 Flights Up.

How was E’Dena Hines related to Morgan Freeman?

Hines was the granddaughter of Jeanette Adair Bradshaw, Morgan Freeman’s first wife. That made her Freeman’s step-granddaughter. Freeman also served as her godfather and maintained a close relationship with her throughout her life.

What happened to E’Dena Hines?

E’Dena Hines was killed on August 16, 2015, at the age of 33. She was fatally stabbed outside her apartment in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan. Her boyfriend, Lamar Davenport, was convicted of first-degree manslaughter and sentenced to 20 years in prison.

What films did E’Dena Hines appear in?

She appeared in Landing Up, directed by Stacey Maltin, and 5 Flights Up (2014), which starred Morgan Freeman and Diane Keaton. Her work in Landing Up was featured at the Dances with Films Festival.

Related Celebrities

• Jeanette Adair Bradshaw — Morgan Freeman’s first wife and E’Dena Hines’ grandmother
• Lexie Bigham — another talent in film whose life was cut short