Ellen Holly best known for her groundbreaking role as Carla Gray on the daytime television series One Life to Live died she was 92

Ellen Holly

Ellen Holly. 

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Ellen Holly, born on October 31, 1930, in New York City, passed away on December 6, 2023, at the age of 92. Holly was a trailblazing actress best known for her groundbreaking role as Carla Gray on the daytime television series One Life to Live, making her the first Black performer to have a starring role on U.S. daytime television.

After starting her career on Broadway, Holly struggled to find roles due to the narrow view of Black performers in the entertainment industry at the time. Her big break came when One Life to Live creator Agnes Nixon read Holly's letter to The New York Times and was inspired to create the character of Carla Gray, which Holly portrayed from 1968 to 1980 and again from 1983 to 1985.

During her life, Holly lived in New York City and had an impactful career that included roles in other television shows like Guiding Light, films such as Spike Lee's School Daze, and even a TV movie titled 10,000 Black Men Named George.

Ellen Holly did not receive any major awards or have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. However, it's worth noting that her groundbreaking role as the first Black performer to star on U.S. daytime television in a leading role is an incredible achievement in itself, and a significant contribution to the entertainment industry. Despite not receiving major awards, her legacy as a trailblazer and her impact on television history are undeniable.

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