Denise Gordy
Denise Gordy | |
---|---|
Born | Denise Georgette Gordy[1] Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
Occupation(s) | Actress, singer |
Years active | 1972–1991 |
Spouse | |
Children | 2, including Bianca Lawson |
Family | Gordy |
Denise Georgette Gordy[1] is an American former film and television actress and singer. She is a niece of Motown founder Berry Gordy and the mother of actress Bianca Lawson.
Family and career
[edit]Denise Georgette Gordy was born in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of George and Rosemary Gordy. She has several siblings, including a brother named George Gordy, Jr., and a sister named Patrice. Motown founder Berry Gordy is her uncle; Anna Gordy Gaye is her aunt. Gordy has appeared in numerous television and theatrical features, beginning in 1972 with her role in Lady Sings the Blues as a dancer in the nightclub chorus.[2] In 1974, Gordy appeared in Black Fist (originally titled Bogard). She contributed vocals to the soundtrack album for the film, recording the song "Let's Do It Again". Gordy retired from acting, following her role in Toy Soldiers (1991).
Personal life
[edit]Gordy was married to actor Richard Lawson from December 31, 1978[citation needed] until 1989. They share one child, actress Bianca Lawson. Gordy is also the biological mother of Marvin Gaye III, who was born on November 17, 1965, when she was 16. His biological father, singer Marvin Gaye, was 26 years old and married to Gordy's 43-year-old aunt Anna at the time. She agreed to give birth to the child because her aunt was unable to conceive. Shortly after Marvin III's birth, Anna adopted him.[3][4][5][6][7][8]
Filmography
[edit]Film and television | |||
---|---|---|---|
Year | Show | Role | Notes |
1972 | Lady Sings the Blues | Dancer | Film |
1974 | Black Fist | Bea | Film |
1975 | Mahogany | Uncredited role | Film |
1976 | Starsky & Hutch | Hooker | TV series |
1976 | Charlie's Angels | Nikki | TV series |
1977 | Little Ladies of the Night | Foxy Lady | TV film |
1977 | Scott Joplin | The Girl | Film |
1981 | Enos | Laura | TV series |
1983 | At Ease | Commando Girl | TV series |
1983 | Bare Essence | TV series | |
1983 | D.C. Cab | Denise | Film |
1984 | Fantasy Island | 1st Nurse | TV series |
1984 | Getting Physical | Video Lady No. 2 | TV film |
1985 | My Man Adam | Willette | Film |
1985 | It's a Living | Customer | TV series |
1986 | Reform School Girls | Claudie | Film |
1991 | Toy Soldiers | Parent | Film |
References
[edit]- ^ a b Lawson, Bianca. "In light of it being #womenshistorymonth and the month of my born day, I'd like to honor the most important and influential woman in my life, my mother, Denise Georgette Gordy. We both almost died giving birth to me, but she pushed us through! She's THAT powerful. Mom, you are a force to be reckoned with, my guide and my light. So grateful our souls chose each other this incarnation". Instagram.com. Archived from the original on December 24, 2021. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
- ^ "Gordy's Niece Makes Film Debut in 'Blues'". Google Books/JET Magazine. Johnson Publishing Company. February 3, 1972. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
- ^ Turner, Steve (1998). Trouble Man: The Life and Death of Marvin Gaye. London: Michael Joseph. p. 88. ISBN 0-7181-4112-1.
- ^ Never a Dull Moment: 1971 The Year That Rock Exploded – By David Hepworth
- ^ "Marvin Gaye's biological son". Archived from the original on July 8, 2012. Retrieved June 11, 2011.
- ^ Mercy, Mercy Me: The Art, Loves and Demons of Marvin Gaye – By Michael Eric Dyson
- ^ Brozan, Nadine (April 1, 1995). "Chronicle: New York Times". The New York Times. Retrieved August 29, 2008.
- ^ "Marvin Gaye III's Financial Trouble". Mycolumbusmagic.com. December 22, 2009. Retrieved February 1, 2013.
External links
[edit]- Denise Gordy at IMDb