Leonard Gordon was a cardiologist and internist who was also the husband and manager of Rita Moreno, a legendary Puerto Rican actress, singer, and dancer. He died on June 30, 2010, in Berkeley, California, at the age of 90. But what was the cause of his death? And how was his marriage with Rita Moreno, who has won all the major awards in the entertainment industry, including an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony (EGOT)?
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The Mysterious Death of Leonard Gordon
The cause of Leonard Gordon’s death is unknown to the public, as Rita Moreno did not share the details with the media for privacy reasons. Some sources believe that he died of natural causes due to old age, as he had been hospitalized for a month before his death and even celebrated his last anniversary with Rita in the hospital. According to Dicy Trends, Rita Moreno said in a 2021 interview with The Guardian that she was with him to the very last and that it was what she did when she loved and respected somebody.
The Long and Rocky Marriage of Leonard Gordon and Rita Moreno
Leonard Gordon and Rita Moreno met on a blind date and got married in 1965. They had one daughter, Fernanda Luisa Gordon, who is a jewelry designer and freelance graphic designer. Leonard Gordon retired from medicine and became Rita Moreno’s manager, supporting her career and accompanying her to many award functions and shows. They moved to Berkeley, California, and remained married until Leonard Gordon’s death in 2010. They were married for more than 40 years.
However, their marriage was not a fairy-tale romance story. In fact, Rita Moreno once considered leaving her husband but did not do so because she did not want to break up the family. She said that the thought of making her daughter do without her daddy was anathema to her. In the documentary Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It, the iconic actress revealed that her husband Gordon was often a “controller” and that she hid some of the truths about her marriage to keep up appearances. She said that after he died, she thought that it was over and that she did not have to answer to anybody anymore.
The Legacy of Leonard Gordon and Rita Moreno
Despite the challenges and difficulties in their marriage, Leonard Gordon and Rita Moreno shared a long and remarkable life together. They raised a daughter who is also a mother of two children. They supported each other’s careers and passions. They witnessed each other’s achievements and failures. They loved each other until the end.
Leonard Gordon may not be as famous as his wife Rita Moreno, but he was an important part of her life and success. He was a doctor, a manager, a husband, a father, and a grandfather. He left behind a legacy of love and dedication that will always be remembered by his family and friends.
