Last Friday, African American pioneer Diahann Carroll passed away. Succumbing to cancer, after a long battle. The Oscar nominated, Tony award winning actress was the first to portray a non-stereotypical role, of an African American woman on television. As Dominque Devereaux, she played the multi-millionaire half-sister of Dynasty’s Blake Carrington. Decked to the nines in jewels and furs, the Bronx native broke barriers, by defying the poverty stricken colored woman. She was the first black woman to win a best actress Tony, for No Strings; rounding out her accolades is her Academy Award nomination for Claudine.
I best remember her as Whitley Gilbert’s high maintenance, higher standards, overbearing wealthy mother, on A Different World. Dwayne working tirelessly to gain her approval.
Thank you beautiful, black, queen, for paving the way for every contemporary actress. For allowing them to see a version of themselves previously implausible. Might go as Dominque for Halloween this year.
