Denise Gordy was a popular face on TV screens in the US in the late 1990s. It did not take long for her to become a fan favorite, and now, she continues to inspire the new generation of actors in the industry.
Denise was born into a family known for their commercial excellence on the entertainment scene, and she also boasted great talents in acting. However, she is perhaps best known for welcoming a child with late superstar Marvin Gaye.
So, who is Denise Gordy? Keep reading to find out more.
Who Is Denise Gordy?
Denise Georgette Gordy was born in Detroit, Michigan, on November 11, 1949. Her father was George Gordy, and her mother Rosemary Gordy.
Denise grew up in a family of entertainers. Almost every member of her family made a living off the show business in one way or the other.
Denise was once married and has two children: Marvin Gaye III and actress Bianca Lawson. She lost her mother, Rosemary, in 1980, and her father died in his sleep at 85 in 2011.
Is Denise Gordy Related to Berry Gordy?
Yes, she is. Denise is the niece of Motown Records founder Berry Gordy. Her family is a famous African-American family notable for being in the entertainment industry, and Denise also followed that path and found success.
Marvin Gaye and Denise Gordy’s Relationship
While she was much younger, Denise Gordy and Marvin Gaye had a controversial relationship that led to the birth of a boy they named Marvin Gaye III. However, they never married.
Marvin Gaye’s wife, Anna Gaye, who was also Denise’s aunt, had consented to have a child together because she could not bear kids. They kept it all secret, and it was a well-planned affair, with Anna Gaye playing her part flawlessly by flaunting a fake baby bump weeks before Denise gave birth to Marvin Gaye III.
After his birth, Marvin and Anna Gaye claimed they were the child’s biological parents, choosing to keep the truth from their fans for a long time. Denise and Marvin reportedly had nothing more to do with one another after the child was born.
Denise Gordy and Richard Lawson
Richard Lawson is the only man that Denise has been married to. They tied the knot on December 31, 1978.
Lawson is an actor, but before he pursued a career in acting, he served in the military by participating in the Vietnam War. As an established actor, Lawson appeared in several movies and TV series after his career was launched in the 1970s.
His marriage to Denise led to the birth of their daughter, Bianca Lawson, who also became an actress. Denise Gordy and Lawson divorced in 1989 after 11 years of marriage. Following their split, the actor welcomed a son named Ricky Lawson, born in 1992.
On March 22, 1992, he made headlines for surviving the US Air Flight 405 plane crash after take-off from La Guardia Airport in Queens, New York City.
Denise Gordy Spouse
The actress does not currently have a husband. She once married Richard Lawson but has not remarried since their divorce.
Denise Gordy Siblings
Denise has several siblings, including Patrice and George Gordy Jr.
Anna Gordy Gaye, who married Marvin Gaye, was also her aunt. Aside from Berry Gordy, her other cousins include Redfoo, Rhonda Ross, Rockwell, Hazel Gordy, and Kerry Gordy.
Denise Gordy Movies
The talented woman launched her acting career in 1972. She debuted in her early 20s, starring in the “Lady Sing,” “The Blues,” a biopic focused on the life of legendary Jazz musician Billie Holiday.
Denise showcased her vocal talent, performing as a chorister and dancer at a nightclub. Two years later, she appeared in the movie “Black Fist.” She also contributed vocals to the soundtrack CD for the film and recorded the song “Let’s Do It Again” for the film.
From there, she got an uncredited feature in the Motown-produced comedy movie, “Mahogany.” Denise made her TV debut in 1976 on an episode of “Starsky and Hutch” and had an impressive run of TV shows in the 1980s.
Some of the shows she starred in include “Naked Essence,” “Enos,” “At Ease,” “That’s a Life,” and ABC’s “Fantasy Island.” “Toy Soldiers” was the last movie Denise was in. She retired from acting early in her career because of intolerable stress and problems in her personal life.
Denise Gordy Nationality
She is a native of Detroit, Michigan, of African-American origin.
Denise Gordy’s Net Worth
According to reports, Denise’s estimated net worth is $10 million, thanks to her brief career as an actress.
Denise Gordy Son
Denise’s son is Mavin Gaye III, the product of her secret plan with Marvin Gaye and his wife, Anna Gaye. Denise gave birth to him at the age of 16 in 1966.
Her aunt, the late Anna Gordy Gaye, who had been unable to conceive, had convinced her to bear a child for her. They kept the secret well until 1998 when Denise publicly revealed it.
Where Is Denise Gordy Now?
Denise remains inactive as an actress, but the trade-off is that she lives her best life. She has not remarried since her last divorce and has chosen to continue flying under the radar as she enjoys retirement.
Another actress like her who retired from the acting scene early is Cameron Diaz. She stepped back in 2014 and then announced in 2018 that she was retired.