Morgan Freeman 72, Apparently Marrying E’Dena Hines 27; May/December Romance

Morgan was married to his second wife Myrna at the time the alleged affair started, and E’Dena was only seventeen. She is now 27 years old.  E’Dena and Morgan have no biological connection: she is the granddaughter of Morgan’s first wife, but Morgan and his second wife helped raise E’Dena.  The two apparently have an open relationship and are planning to marry.  The total age difference between the two is 45 years.  45 years!

This is reminiscent of Woody Allen’s affair with his stepdaughter, (now wife) Soon Yi which allegedly started when she was 14 years old and he 49.  His then wife Mia Farrow alleged that she found explicit photos of her daughter Soon Yi in Woody Allen’s apartment.  Additionally, Mia stated that she once caught Allen in the most inopportune, embarrassing moment; except he was not looking at pornography but at pictures of their 7 yr old daughter Dylan.  Woody Allen was accused of molesting all his biological and adopted children but was cleared of all charges.  He currently lives with his stepdaughter/wife, Soon Yi and the two adopted two daughters, Bechet Allen and Manzie Tio Allen.

There are other seemingly healthy May/December relationships in Hollywood which are not as scandalous or headline grabbing as the two discussed above, and they include;

Calista Flockhart and Harrison Ford; 22 Year Age Difference

Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones; 25 YAD

Adrianne Curry and Christopher Knight; 25 YAD

So what is a May/December romance?  It is generally agreed that a 20 + year age difference classifies the relationship as being May/December.  

While there are serious disadvantages to age gap relationships including but not limited to, differing tastes, standing in life, energy level and future aspirations, there are also many advantages.  The primary advantage being that each involved party opens themselves up to a plethora of new experiences and obstacles which promote growth.  A May/December romance demands understanding of one’s needs, desires and expectations as well as those of the other party.  If that is, the lovers want to have a long term relationship or marriage.  

I hardly think that is the case with Morgan Freeman and his step-granddaughter.  It may be the case with Woody Allen and Soon Yi since they are actually raising a family together.  Imagine though the amount of work it took Soon Yi to find common ground with her stepdad who is 35 years her senior, not to mention accused of molesting her siblings…  The common misconception is that May/December romances are based on sex and/or monetary interest.  The reality is however, that for the majority of people who are involved in such a relationship it requires thick skin, a lot of hard, work, excellent communication skills and patience.   

The Difficulties of a May/December Romance - A Man's Perspective