Diahann Carroll on Random!

Diahann Carroll was born in the Bronx,

raised in Harlem,

attended Music and Art High School...and

by 15, was modeling for Ebony Magazine.

After a stint at NYU (majoring in Sociology),

it was on to cabaret singing,

thanks to winning a TV talent contest, "Chance Of A Lifetime,"

which brought Diahann $1,000 and plenty of exposure.

No Strings,

with music and lyrics by Richard Rodgers,

brought Diahann a Tony Award,

the first one ever given to a black actress (1962).

Above with another Richard,

this one her co-star in that show,

Richard Kiley.

Below, other 1962 winners:

Robert Morse (How To Succeed),

Margaret Leighton (Night Of The Iguana),

and Paul Scofield (A Man For All Seasons).

DC at age 19,

1955.

In 1961,

Diahann appeared in the film, Paris Blues,

with Sidney Poitier (above), Paul Newman, and Joanne Woodward.

And below,

another flick from the same year

(she stayed busy!!!),

Goodbye Again,

with Anthony Perkins,

Ingrid Bergman, and Yves Montand.

I remember Diahann from appearances on 

Merv and Mike and Ed,

and also from Julia, the 1968-71 television series (above).

Doesn't seem so ground-breaking now,

but back in the day,

a black woman NOT in the role of a domestic was

a little jaw-dropping.

Diahann won a Golden Globe for her work

 and was nominated for an Emmy.

Diahann's had a few husbands!

Above with Hubby #4,

Vic Damone.

The Dynasty Years!

Above, as Dominique Deveraux,

with side kick Billy Dee Williams.

Diahann's list of television appearances, films, voice over work, 

recordings and stage experiences

is a loooong one!

(She was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 2011, btw.)

She is also a breast cancer survivor and an activist.

She is presently 84 years old!