Diahann Carroll
Diahann Carroll
Diahann Carrollis an American television and stage actress and singer. After appearing in some of the earliest major studio films to feature black casts such as Carmen Jonesand Porgy and Bessand on Broadway, she starred in Julia, one of the first series on American television to star a black woman in a non-stereotypical role. Later she played the role of Dominique Deveraux on the popular prime time soap opera, Dynasty. She is the recipient of numerous stage and screen awards...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionTV Actress
Date of Birth17 July 1935
CityBronx, NY
CountryUnited States of America
I considered Nat King Cole to be a friend and, in many ways, a mentor. He always had words of profound advice.
I am a breast cancer survivor. I was intrigued to learn how many people prefer to talk to someone if they are familiar with their face, like an actor or a politician. So, I began traveling around the country and doing speeches.
In the war against breast cancer, we have the ability to arm ourselves with knowledge and education is a powerful tool. By taking action and doing something positive, fear is replaced with hope.
In the beginning, I found myself dealing with a show business dictated by male white supremacists and chauvinists. As a black female, I had to learn how to tap dance around the situation. I had to ... find a way to present my point of view without being pushy or aggressive. In the old days, the only women I saw in this business were in makeup, hairdressing, and wardrobe departments. Now I'm surrounded by women executives, writers, directors, producers, and even women stagehands.
I hope that there are no persons that would want to think ill of me in any direction or any behavior.
I've spent about that amount of time trying to tell the public that there was purpose in... my business, my career and the roller coaster ride... how the people I associated with worked together.
With any president it is difficult to predict how the world will be effected by his presence in the white house.
You have to keep your sanity as well as know how to distance yourself from it while still holding onto the reins tightly. That is a very difficult thing to do, but I'm learning.
There are many different impressions about a woman of my color and my background who began in the fifties, and how she developed.
If you're not invited to the party, throw your own.
I like to think I opened doors for other women, although that wasn't my original intention.
I have a line of clothing at J.C. Penney's... and I'm lucky to be affiliated.
I think if you work in television everyday, and you must be privy to everything happening in television, then do so.