Actress Diahann Carroll has died at age 84 due to cancer, her daughter reported to The Associated Press on Friday. Most known as a maverick and pioneer for African-American actresses, Carroll earned a Tony Award for Best Actress for her work in musical “No Strings” (the first for a black woman), and an Academy Award for Claudine (1974). However, the Oscars-nominated actress was best and most affectionately praised for her ground-breaking role as Julia Baker in “Julia”—the first black woman to star in a non-domestic worker-based role in a TV series despite the racial climate in the ’60s. Carroll would go on to snag roles that were once thought to be exclusively portrayed by white women, i.e., Same Time, Next Year (1977), Agnes of God (1963) and Sunset Boulevard (1995).
Some of her other notable roles include Carmen Jones (1954), Porgy and Bess (1959), Goodbye Again (1961), Paris Blues (1961), Hurry Sundown (1967) and The Split (1968). She also joined the popular ’80s soap opera Dynasty as Dominique Deveraux, and played the role of Eleanor Potter, Jimmy Potter’s wife, in 1991’s The Five Heartbeats.
Celebrities continue to pay their respects and homage to Diahann’s legendary work.
Diahann Carroll you taught us so much. We are stronger, more beautiful and risk takers because of you. We will forever sing your praises and speak your name. Love Love Love, Debbie💕 pic.twitter.com/1LBUUa2Ql3
— Debbie Allen (@msdebbieallen) October 4, 2019
This one cuts deeply. My mom & Ms Diahann were friends since they were 14. She was a pioneer on so many levels. She made me believe I could be on television! I loved & cherished and idolized her like a daughter…. 💔💔
RIP Diahann Carroll thank you for the gift of your life🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/StN2c5vGDN— Holly🌸Robinson🌸Peete (@hollyrpeete) October 4, 2019
Diahann Carroll walked this earth for 84 years and broke ground with every footstep. An icon. One of the all-time greats. She blazed trails through dense forests and elegantly left diamonds along the path for the rest of us to follow. Extraordinary life. Thank you, Ms. Carroll. pic.twitter.com/YXjh7d3LWU
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) October 4, 2019
Diahann’s decorated career, dedicated to breaking barriers and paving the way for other women, will live on in the hearts of family, friends and fans alike.
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