Beloved Actress and Singer Nell Carter Dies at 54

It's unfortunate that most people born before 1980 would give a blank stare when asked to describe actress and singer Nell Carter. However, at the same time, if those same people were shown a photo of Miss Carter, the recognition would be immediate: she had one of the most easily-recognizable faces in Hollywood. Garnering both a Tony and an Emmy in her long and prosperous career, she exemplified all that should come with being a true professional, while throwing in an added side of grittiness and humanity that helped to distinguish her as one of Broadway's most revered actresses.

Considering her small height of 4'11", Carter's voice was something to marvel at. Born in Alabama in 1948, she got her start singing in nightclubs and cabarets. Her first love was always opera, but she soon found that her talent for belting the popular musical tunes of the time was far more in demand.

Carter's "big break" came in 1977 when she starred in the show Ain't Misbehavin', a musical revue based on the works of Fats Waller. For her performance she was awarded with the prestigious Tony Award for Best Actress when the show moved to Broadway. Carter also received an Emmy for reprising her role in Ain't Misbehavin' through a television presentation.

But Carter was not just a singer. She held the role of housekeeper Nell Harper on the popular television series "Gimme a Break!," which ran from 1981 to 1987. She received two Emmy nominations and two Golden Globe nominations for her superior work on this series.

Carter also performed in three films. She made her film debut in Milos Forman's controversial adaptation of the musical Hair, as well as garnering roles in The Grass Harp (1995) and The Proprietor (1997).

A harsh battle with diabetes colored the last years of Carter's life. At first she was embarrassed to publicize her ailment and attempted to hide it from fans and critics alike. But, according to both Carter and her close friends, once she became educated about the disease, she spoke openly about it in interviews, and put a great deal of time and effort into using her stardom to combat the disease, raise awareness, and help to fundraise for research.

Carter's strength of mind and body is most evident in her near death from a brain aneurysm in 1992. Brain surgery was performed and, after a relatively quick recovery, Carter was not only working on the film The Grass Harp but also was asked to be part of the cast of the television sitcom "Hangin' with Mr. Cooper."

Nell Carter is the quintessential diva who just happened to have a heart of gold. Loved by friends and family, she brought her remarkable talents and commanding stage presence to every project she took part in. A bright light just went out on Broadway. Nell Carter will be sorely missed, but always remembered.