At age 21, Montealegre moved to New York City in 1944, ostensibly to study piano with Chilean pianist Claudio Arrau. 123 However, she soon enrolled at the Dramatic Workshop of the New School for Social Research to pursue acting, studying under Herbert Berghof. 143 Montealegre made her Broadway debut in 1946 as the ingénue in the play Swan Song. 14 She went on to have a prolific career in television, starring in leading roles for anthology drama series like Kraft Television Theatre, Studio One, Suspense, The Chevrolet Tele-Theatre, and The Philco Television Playhouse from 1949-1956. 524 Notable television performances included adaptations of Of Human Bondage opposite Charlton Heston and Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House. 54

Felicia Montealegre and Leonard Bernstein first met in February 1947 at a party hosted by Chilean pianist Claudio Arrau, Montealegre's former teacher. 12 They quickly fell in love and became engaged a few months later, though they broke it off within the year. 23 After Montealegre's partner Richard Hart tragically passed away in 1951, she and Bernstein rekindled their romance and married that September. 34

Their marriage had an unconventional arrangement - Montealegre was aware of Bernstein's homosexuality and gave him permission to have affairs as long as he was discreet, writing "I am willing to accept you as you are...let's try and see what happens if you are free to do as you like, but without guilt and confession." 15 Despite this, they maintained a strong friendship and mutual respect. The couple had three children together - Jamie, Alexander, and Nina. 35 Though Bernstein engaged in numerous affairs throughout their marriage, Montealegre stood by him until her death from lung cancer in 1978, with Bernstein caring for her at the end. 25

Montealegre was a passionate social activist throughout her life. In 1963, she became the first chair of the Women's Division of the New York Civil Liberties Union, focusing on educational programs and fundraising events. 1 She supported the anti-war grassroots campaign Another Mother for Peace, and in 1969 was arrested during an anti-war protest in Washington D.C. 1 Montealegre also co-authored a 1974 report critiquing the New York State parole system. 1 During the political turmoil in Chile in the 1970s, she worked behind the scenes with Amnesty International. 2

Montealegre was renowned as a fashion icon who used her influence to promote cultural events and inspire new audiences. She often gave the first public showing of new designer looks at the New York Philharmonic's season openers, believing "Fads can become serious. Some people may attend to show off their mink, find they enjoy the music and become devoted to the Philharmonic." 12 Her impeccable style and dedication to fashion drew press attention. 12