The Enduring Legacy Of Nick Cordero: 5 Ways The Broadway Star's 'Live Your Life' Spirit Lives On In 2025

The story of Nick Cordero is one of immense talent, a valiant fight, and an enduring, heartbreaking legacy that continues to resonate across the globe. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the memory of the charismatic, Tony-nominated Broadway star remains incredibly fresh, largely thanks to the unwavering commitment of his wife, Amanda Kloots, and the global impact of his final message: "Live Your Life."

The Canadian actor's passing on July 5, 2020, after a grueling 95-day battle with COVID-19 complications, served as a stark, humanizing tragedy at the start of the pandemic. Today, his life is celebrated not for the way it ended, but for the vibrant, joyful spirit he embodied, a spirit actively kept alive for his young son, Elvis, and a legion of devoted fans and colleagues. The following is a deep dive into the man, his career, his impossible fight, and the powerful ways his influence continues to shape the world of theater and beyond.

Nicholas Cordero: Biography, Career, and Major Roles

Nicholas Eduardo Alberto Cordero was a magnetic presence on stage, known for his powerful voice and ability to command a room. Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, on September 17, 1978, Cordero was a graduate of Ryerson University in Toronto. His career was a steady ascent through the ranks of Canadian and American theater before he became a beloved fixture on Broadway.

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His work spanned from gritty musical theater roles to appearances on major television dramas, showcasing his versatility as a performer. Cordero's talent was formally recognized with one of the most prestigious honors in theater, cementing his status as a true Broadway heavyweight.

Nick Cordero's Notable Career Highlights

• Bullets Over Broadway (2014): Cordero's breakout role as Cheech earned him a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical and a Drama Desk Award nomination. His performance as the gangster with a knack for playwriting was universally praised.
• A Bronx Tale: The Musical (2016-2018): He originated the role of Sonny, the powerful mob boss, in the musical based on the film by Chazz Palminteri. This role showcased his commanding stage presence.
• Waitress (2016): He played the original role of Earl, the abusive husband of the main character, Jenna, showing his range in complex, dramatic parts.
• Rock of Ages: Cordero was part of the original Broadway cast of the popular jukebox musical.
• Television Appearances: His screen credits included roles in *Queer as Folk* (as Tuna Wrap), *Lilyhammer* (as Pasquale 'Patsy' Lento), and a recurring role on the popular CBS drama *Blue Bloods*.

The Valiant 95-Day Battle with COVID-19 Complications

In the spring of 2020, Nick Cordero's life took a tragic and public turn. Hospitalized in late March, his fight against the novel coronavirus became a symbol of the pandemic's brutal and unpredictable nature. For 95 agonizing days, his wife, Amanda Kloots, a fitness instructor and co-host of *The Talk*, provided daily updates to the world, turning his struggle into a communal experience of hope, prayer, and eventual sorrow.

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His hospitalization in Los Angeles was marked by a relentless series of severe complications that illustrated the devastating systemic effects of the virus, going far beyond typical respiratory illness. He was placed on a ventilator and required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to support his lungs.

Major Complications During Cordero's Hospital Stay

• Leg Amputation: Due to blood clotting issues, a severe complication of the disease, Cordero's right leg had to be amputated.
• Severe Lung Damage: The virus caused significant damage, leaving him with "holes" in his lungs and multiple infections, leading to speculation that a lung transplant might be necessary.
• Tracheostomy and Septic Shock: He underwent a tracheostomy to help with breathing and suffered from septic shock, a life-threatening condition caused by the body's response to infection.

Despite the medical team's best efforts and the global outpouring of support, Nick Cordero passed away on July 5, 2020, at the age of 41. His journey, meticulously documented by Amanda Kloots, brought unprecedented attention to the severity of COVID-19 and the sacrifices made by healthcare workers.

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The Enduring Cordero Legacy: 'Live Your Life' in 2025

The most powerful element of Cordero's story is not his illness, but the vibrant legacy he left behind, which continues to grow and evolve. His spirit is actively celebrated, especially by Amanda and his son, Elvis, who is now five years old. Amanda frequently shares stories and videos, ensuring Elvis knows his father as a "funny, happy, full of life and love" person.

The key to his lasting influence is his original song, "Live Your Life," which became an unexpected anthem of hope and resilience during his battle. Amanda encouraged friends, family, and fans to sing and dance to the song every day at 3:00 PM PST, creating a global social media movement known as the #LiveYourLife movement. This daily ritual not only lifted Nick's spirits but also provided a sense of community for people struggling with isolation during the pandemic.

5 Ways Nick Cordero's Spirit Continues to Thrive

1. The Annual "Live Your Life" Tributes: The song remains a focal point for anniversaries and tributes. In a deeply personal and current update, Amanda Kloots shared a heartfelt tribute to Nick on their wedding anniversary in September 2025, reminding the world that his love and guidance are deeply missed every day.
2. Elvis Cordero's Growing Resemblance: Amanda frequently shares photos of their son, Elvis, noting how much he is starting to look like his late father. These photos serve as a constant, living tribute, ensuring Nick's physical presence is remembered through his child.
3. The Broadway Community's Memorials: Cordero's colleagues and friends in the theater world continue to honor him. There have been online memorial tributes featuring former castmates, and a petition to rename the Longacre Theatre after him garnered significant support, illustrating his deep impact on the Broadway community.
4. Amanda Kloots' Advocacy and Memoir: Amanda has become a powerful voice on grief, resilience, and the importance of living fully. Her memoir, *Live Your Life: My Story of Loving and Losing Nick Cordero*, as well as her platform on *The Talk*, ensures the details of Nick's life and their love story are shared with millions.
5. The Enduring Power of the Song: The track "Live Your Life" (released in 2018) continues to be streamed, shared, and covered by other artists as a tribute, keeping his musical talent and optimistic message in the public consciousness. The song has transcended its origins to become a powerful reminder for everyone to appreciate the present moment and "Live Your Life."

Nick Cordero's story is a profound lesson in facing impossible odds with grace and leaving a mark that far outlives one's final days. Through his music, his son, and the tireless efforts of his wife, the talented Canadian actor and singer remains a beloved figure whose message—to truly *live*—is more vital than ever.