How Did Felicia Montealegre Die? The 'Maestro' Star's Real Cause Of Death, Explained

The new film Maestro chronicles the professional and personal life of music legend Leonard Bernstein (played by Bradley Cooper). The movie hinges on the tumultuous, but ultimately endearing, love story between the famous composer and his wife, actress and social activist Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein (played by Carey Mulligan).

The movie also shows how, even after multiple affairs, Leonard supported Felicia when she became ill and was by her side when she died. The cause of Felicia's death was not fully explained, however, so it's natural to wonder how the real Felicia Montealegre died. Here’s what you need to know.

How did Felicia Montealegre die?

Felicia died of cancer on June 16,1978, according to the Leonard Bernstein Office. She passed away at the couple's home in East Hampton, Long Island, The New York Times reported. Felicia was just 56 at the time of her death.

Felicia had converted to Judaism before marrying Leonard, but returned to being a Catholic before her death, per the Leonard Bernstein Office.

Felicia and Leonard had a rocky relationship, but they reconciled before her death.

Felicia wrote a letter to Leonard after his multiple affairs with men and women during their relationship. “I’ve done a lot of thinking and have decided that it’s not such a mess after all,” she wrote in 1952, per Smithsonian Magazine. “You are a homosexual and may never change—you don’t admit to the possibility of a double life, but if your peace of mind, your health, your whole nervous system depend on a certain sexual pattern, what can you do?”

Felicia also proposed that they have a companionship that “probably no one else may be able to offer,” built on tenderness and mutual respect. “I am willing to accept you as you are, without being a martyr or sacrificing myself on the L.B. altar,” she said. “Let’s try and see what happens if you are free to do as you like, but without guilt and confession, please!” She added, “In any case my dearest darling ape, let’s give it a whirl.”

Felicia Montealegre and Leonard Bernstein at the New York film premiere of Cleopatra on June 12, 1963.

But the agreement didn’t last, and Leonard wasn’t discreet about his affairs, says Smithsonian Magazine. “My mother was a fairly conventional lady and so she expected to be treated like one,” the couple’s younger daughter, Nina, told the London Times in 2010, per Smithsonian Magazine. “The deal was that he would be discreet and that she would maintain her dignity.”

Felicia Montealegre and Leonard Bernstein playing piano with their two eldest children, Jamie and Alexander.

In 1976, Felicia and Leonard announced they were undergoing a trial separation with “hope of reconciliation,” The New York Times reported.

Felicia was diagnosed with lung cancer soon after, and she and Leonard reconciled before her death, according to Smithsonian Magazine.

Felicia and Leonard were buried next to each other.

Felicia was buried at Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn. Leonard was buried alongside her after his death in 1990.

Korin Miller

Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Self, Glamour, and more. She has a master’s degree from American University, lives by the beach, and hopes to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day.