Former American actress and singer, Denise Gordy,(75), was famous in the 1970s for appearing in numerous television and theatrical features including Lady Sings the Blues(1972) and Black Fist (1974). She also comes from the famous Gordy family. Denise is related to Motown founder Berry Gordy and Anna Gordy Gaye. Also, she is the biological mother of Marvin Gaye III, her son’s father was singer Marvin Gaye.
The former actress was formerly married to Richard Lawson and they shared one child, actress Bianca Lawson.
Denise Gordy Comes from a Famous Family
Denise Georgette Gordy was born on November 11, 1949, to George and Rosemary Gordy in Detroit, Michigan. Among her siblings are Patrice and George Gordy Jr. She is the niece of Motown founder Berry Gordy. Also, Anna Gordy Gaye is her aunt.
The Gordys are known as businesspeople and music executives. The family patriarch Berry Pops Gordy and his wife Bertha Fuller Gordy raised theirs in Georgia and Detroit. The family played an important role in the international acceptance of rhythm and blues music in the 1960s.
Other members of the family include Esther Gordy Edwards, Gwen Gordy Fuqua, Robert Gordy, and Kennedy William Gordy.
Denise Gordy Appeared in Several Television and Theatrical Productions in the 1970s
Just like almost everybody in her family, Denise tried to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. She was featured in numerous television and theatrical productions from 1972 to 1991.
She appeared in Lady Sings the Blues as a dancer. In 1974, she appeared in Black Fist, and then in 1991, she starred in Toy Soldiers as a parent. She also contributed to his vocals on the soundtrack album for Black Fist.
She was Allegedly Impregnated by Marvin Gaye As a Teenager
At the age of 16, Denise Gordy got impregnated by her aunt’s husband, Marvin Gaye, who was 26 years old. At that time, Gaye was married to Ana Gordon and they had no children. After the former actress gave birth to Marvin Gaye III (born November 17, 1965), Anna, who reportedly faked a pregnancy to keep up appearances, her then-husband adopted him.
While Marvin Gaye later confirmed the child’s birth, the famous Gordy family kept it a secret. Gordy would later confirm that her aunt was unable to have children so she helped her. However, it was not confirmed or denied that Marvin Gaye was the father.
Reports say it was kept under wraps for PR and legal reasons. Nevertheless, the Mercy Mercy Me singer admitted Gaye III was adopted before he died in 1984.
Denise’s aunt would later part ways with the Motown prince in June 1963. Their divorce was finalized in November 1975. As for her son, he grew up to become a musician just like his father.
Besides following in his father’s footsteps, Gaye III alongside his two siblings receives millions of dollars in royalties based on his father’s most popular songs. Also, he has been a defender of his father’s music and copyrights. Despite that, it was reported in the early 2000s that he was wanted by the IRS. Reports claim that the tax agency filed a $184,997 lien against him.
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The Former American Actress was Previously Married to Richard Lawson
Denise Gordy married actor Richard Lawson on December 31, 1978. Before the marriage crashed in 1989, the duo had a child, actress Bianca Lawson.
Gordy’s ex-husband Lawson has featured in several American movies including the 1982 film Poltergeist and also Chicago Story. He also made many guest appearances on television shows like The Bernie Mac Show and Soul Food.
Moving on with his love life, Lawson started dating Boyence’s mother, Tina Knowles. Reports say they have known each other for over 30 years. On April 12, 2015, they tied the knot.
Denise Gordy’s daughter, Bianca Lawson is also a television and film actress. She is known for roles in the television series Saved by the Bell: The New Class (1993), Goode Behaviour(1996), and Rogue (2013-2017).
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Where is Denise Gordy Now?
After she retired from acting, the former wife of Richard Lawson went off the radar. Nevertheless, through her daughter’s post on Instagram, it became known that she now spends most of her time in her garden.
Meanwhile, her daughter, Bianca has continued to gain more recognition in her acting career. Regardless of the family name and background, Denise Gordy’s daughter would soon become a household name in the entertainment industry. Part of her achievements winning the Teen Choice Awards for her role in Save the Last Dance in 2001. She was recently nominated for an NAACP Image Award for her role in Queen Sugar.
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