Denise Gordy reportedly gave birth to Marvin Gaye's eldest son, Marvin Gaye III, in the mid-1960s. Marvin III was initially assumed to be Marvin and his wife, Anna Gordy's biological child before the singer revealed he was their adopted son.
Marvin Gaye remains one of the most celebrated musical artists of the 20th century. The singer left old and new fans with classic tunes like "Let's Get It On" and "Sexual Healing." But beyond his music, he also allowed the world a glimpse into his personal life.
During his marriage to his first wife, Anna Gordy, he welcomed his first child, Marvin Gaye III; however, there were speculations surrounding Marvin III's biological parents. It was later revealed that Marvin III's biological mother was Denise Gordy, Anna's niece.
Marvin Gaye poses for a portrait circa 1964 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Denise Gordy Was an Actress
Denise broke into the film and television industry in the mid-1970s, with her first onscreen appearance being in the crime series "Toma." She received her first starring role in the 1975 action film "Black Fist," co-starring Richard Lawson.
The following year, she appeared briefly in the David Soul and Paul Michael Glaser crime series "Starsky and Hutch," and "Charlie's Angels." More parts came until she took a hiatus in 1986, following her starring appearance in "Reform School Girls."
Gary Busey with Denise Gordy and Marsha Warfield on the set of the film "DC Cab" in 1983. | Source: Getty Images
Denise Gordy Was a Minor When She Welcomed Her Son
Denise was in her teens when Marvin III was born in November 1965. The then-newborn was believed to be Marvin and Anna's biological baby, as Anna had faked her pregnancy in the months leading up to Marvin III's birth; it was said that Anna was unable to conceive.
In his biography, "Divided Soul: The Life of Marvin Gaye" (initially published in 1985), Marvin described Denise's son as his and Anna's adopted child. The late artist said he was "thrilled" to be a father.
"Our marriage was strained, and I thought this would cool us out; Anna and I have always loved kids," he explained.
Marvin Gaye holds court at a press conference at Heathrow Airport circa 1964 as he arrives in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Denise Gordy Married Richard Lawson and Had Another Child
Denise married Richard Lawson, with whom she starred in "Black Fist," in the late 1970s. The former couple welcomed a daughter, actress Bianca Lawson. Denise's daughter, also active on Instagram, is chiefly recognized as Nikki in the 2001 dance drama "Save the Last Dance."
That year, she also played Anna Bella Monroe in "The Feast of the Saints," opposite Eartha Kitt and Ruby Dee. Her most recent work has been her long-standing role as Darla in the drama series "Queen Sugar."
Denise's son has also dabbled in the arts, following in his father's musical footsteps. In 2013, he released the song "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" with D'extra Wiley. He has two other siblings, Nona, and Frankie Gaye, from his father's second marriage to Jan Gaye.
Bianca has rarely spoken about her personal life, but she once shared that Denise and Richard supported her when she faced bullying as a teen. "I've got amazing parents [who have] always maintained an open dialogue with me, so I felt like I could talk to them," she said.
Bianca added that Denise and Richard "really empathized and validated" her emotions. Sadly, the former couple divorced, but her dad found love again and married Tina Knowles in 2015 — Tina filed for divorce in mid-2023. As for Denise, she has maintained a low profile.
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