Diahann Carroll

Biography

Diahann Carroll, originally named Carol Diahann Johnson, was an iconic American actress, singer, and model, born on July 17, 1935, and passing away on October 4, 2019. She became a prominent figure in the entertainment industry through her groundbreaking performances in some of the earliest major films featuring predominantly Black casts, such as Carmen Jones in 1954 and Porgy and Bess in 1959. In 1962, she made history by winning a Tony Award for Best Actress for her role in the Broadway musical No Strings, making her the first Black woman to achieve this honor.

Carroll's career took another significant turn in 1968 when she starred in Julia, the first American television series to feature a Black woman in a non-stereotypical role, marking a pivotal moment in both her career and television history. In the 1980s, she was known for portraying an interracial diva in the popular primetime soap opera Dynasty.

Throughout her career, Carroll earned numerous nominations and accolades, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series in 1968. She also received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her performance in the 1974 film Claudine. Additionally, Carroll was a breast cancer survivor and dedicated activist, further highlighting her impact beyond the screen.