5 Enduring Ways Nick Cordero's 'Live Your Life' Legacy Still Inspires Today

The story of Nick Cordero is one of immense talent, a devastating loss, and an enduring legacy that continues to resonate across the world, particularly within the Broadway community and among those who followed his harrowing battle with COVID-19. As of December 2025, the memory of the Tony-nominated actor remains fresh, largely through the powerful and public grieving and celebration of his life led by his wife, Amanda Kloots, and their young son, Elvis. His final months in the hospital became a global rallying cry, centered around his original song and life mantra: "Live Your Life." The Canadian actor's passing on July 5, 2020, at the age of 41, marked a pivotal moment in the pandemic, highlighting the virus's brutal and unpredictable nature. Cordero's journey—from a healthy Broadway star to a patient fighting for his life for over 90 days—was a testament to resilience, capturing the attention and prayers of fans, friends, and strangers alike. This article explores the man behind the music and the powerful ways his spirit continues to influence the present day.

Nick Cordero: A Full Biography and Career Profile

Nicholas Eduardo Alberto Cordero was a Canadian actor and singer known for his powerful stage presence and versatility, specializing in playing "tough guys" with a charming edge.

• Full Name: Nicholas Eduardo Alberto Cordero
• Date of Birth: September 17, 1978
• Hometown: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
• Spouse: Amanda Kloots (married 2017)
• Child: Elvis Eduardo Cordero
• Date of Death: July 5, 2020
• Cause of Death: Complications from COVID-19
• Notable Broadway Roles:
  • Cheech in Bullets Over Broadway (2014) - Received a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical.
  • Sonny in A Bronx Tale: The Musical (2016) - Was part of the original company.
  • Earl in Waitress (2016).
  • Melvin Ferd the Third in the Off-Broadway production of The Toxic Avenger.

The 94-Day Battle: A Timeline of Illness and Public Support

Cordero’s hospitalization in late March 2020 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles became a widely followed public health saga. His initial diagnosis was pneumonia, but it was later confirmed to be COVID-19.

His wife, Amanda Kloots, a fitness instructor and television personality, provided daily updates on Instagram, sharing the brutal realities of his fight. This transparency created a global community of support, rallying behind the hashtag #WakeUpNick and the song "Live Your Life."

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During his 94 days in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Cordero faced numerous severe complications, including septic shock, blood clots, and lung damage. He was placed on a ventilator and a medically induced coma. The severity of the blood clots required the amputation of his right leg.

Despite a successful tracheostomy procedure and brief moments of being awake, the virus had caused irreversible damage. His death on July 5, 2020, was a heartbreaking conclusion to a fight that had captivated the world, leaving behind Amanda and their then one-year-old son, Elvis Eduardo.

5 Enduring Ways Nick Cordero's Legacy Lives On

More than five years after his passing, Nick Cordero’s influence extends far beyond his Broadway credits. His life has become a symbol of hope, resilience, and the power of memory, particularly in how his family and friends honor him.

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1. The Enduring Power of the Song "Live Your Life"

"Live Your Life," an original song written and performed by Cordero, became the unofficial anthem of his recovery efforts. Amanda Kloots encouraged followers to sing and dance to the track daily at 3:00 PM Pacific Time, turning it into a viral, global tribute. The song was later released as a single and a live album, Nick Cordero: Live Your Life Live At Feinstein’s/54 Below, with proceeds going to his family. The song’s message—to embrace every moment—is the most tangible part of his ongoing legacy.

2. Amanda Kloots's Open Dialogue on Grief and Single Parenting

Amanda Kloots has used her platform to openly discuss the complexities of grief, single motherhood, and moving forward while honoring a lost love. Her book, Live Your Life: My Story of Loving and Losing Nick Cordero, details their relationship and his illness, offering comfort to others experiencing loss. She continues to share updates about their son, Elvis, including poignant moments where Elvis asks questions about his late father, providing a modern, relatable look at parenting through loss.

3. The 'Memory Bear' and Tangible Tributes to Elvis

In a deeply touching effort to keep his father present, Elvis Cordero has been given items that serve as tangible reminders of Nick. One particularly moving tribute is a "memory bear" made from Nick's clothing, which Elvis cherishes. Amanda consistently points out how Elvis has pieces of his father in him, ensuring the boy grows up connected to his dad's memory and spirit.

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4. Broadway’s Commitment to His Memory

The Broadway community, where Cordero was a beloved figure, has ensured his contributions are not forgotten. Virtual tributes featuring his co-stars from shows like *Waitress* and *A Bronx Tale* have been streamed to memorialize him in song and reflection. The theatrical world continues to honor his talent and the inspiration he provided through his passionate performances.

5. The Symbol of Hope in Finding Love Again

A more recent and "fresh" update to Cordero's story is Amanda Kloots’s decision to begin dating again, even going red carpet official with a new man. This development is a powerful extension of Nick's "Live Your Life" philosophy, demonstrating that honoring a loved one's memory includes embracing happiness and the future. Amanda emphasizes that moving forward is not forgetting, but rather living fully, just as Nick would have wanted. This ongoing narrative provides a hopeful and complex layer to his enduring story.

The Legacy of Resilience and Joy

Nick Cordero's life was tragically cut short, but his impact continues to be an extraordinary source of strength. His story is a continuous reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of finding joy, even in the darkest times. Through the unwavering efforts of Amanda Kloots and the collective memory of the Broadway community, the spirit of the Tony-nominated actor—and the powerful message of "Live Your Life"—will continue to inspire for generations to come.