Recently I read Diahann Carroll’s autobiography The Legs Are the Last to Go: Aging, Acting, Marrying & Other Things I Learned the Hard Way (2008). The book was written with the help of Bob Morris. Honestly this is one of my favorite reads of 2020. If you know me, you know I absolutely adore Diahann Carroll. I have a previous post about her TV sitcom Julia (1968 – 1971), the first show that starred a black entertainer in a non stereotypical way.
Diahann Carroll’s career as an actress (in TV, film, and Broadway) and singer was groundbreaking. Diahann played in films such as Paris Blues (1961), Claudine (1974), Sister, Sister (1982), etc. Her Broadway work is also groundbreaking. She starred in House of Flowers with Pearl Bailey, No Strings (the first time a black woman portrayed the lead), and Agnes of God. She guest starred in so many hit TV shows of Golden Era such as, The Red Skelton Hour, The Jack Paar Tonight Show, The Ed Sullivan Show, What’s My Line, The Judy Garland Show, the list could go on and on. Not to mention she played the legendary Dominique Deveraux in the 1980s hit Dynasty becoming the “first black bitch” as she likes to say.
1. Diahann Carroll had a legendary career because she forged a space for herself at a time when roles were not offered to black entertainers. She stood up for herself and asked for the part even when it seemed virtually impossible to obtain it. Even in her small role as Clara in Porgy and Bess (1959), she stood up for herself Sam Goldwyn of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. A man who could’ve seriously ruined her career if he wanted. Director Otto Preminger made her wear a bandana onscreen that she complained that she did not want to wear. The bandana was distracting in the shots that were filmed of Carroll and Sam Goldwyn was livid. He called her to his office and berated the young black actress for something out of her control. Diahann calmly responded “I’m sorry, Mr. Goldwyn, but even my own father would never speak to me in that manner. But if you’d like to discuss the scarf, I’d be happy to tell you what happened.” (p. 117)
5. Diahann Carroll was a complex woman. She was definite, regal, and poised. Perhaps in a way that doesn’t feel the most unattainable to someone like me but I hope to carry a bit of Diahann Carroll’s fabulousness with me in my every day life. She continued to live her life to the fullest playing in the hit series Grey’s Anatomy (2006-2007), bought her grand𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren grand clothing, and enjoyed cocktails with her friends. She had tough moments such as being there for both of her parents when they passed away from their sicknesses and battling her own bout of breast cancer. She had a complex relationship with her sister that she never (and rightfully so) disclosed.
Diahann Carroll passed at 84 on October 4th, 2019. I was devastated to hear of her passing. In honor of her, I highly recommend listening to NPR’s podcast episode “Remember The ‘Divine Diahann Carroll.’” They honored her 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡day with a discussion on her legacy and the auction that took place by her family after her death. Suzanne is interviewed on the episode and is truly a delightful listen. I also suggest popping some bubbly and putting on some of Diahann’s favorite music. Go with the classic hits of George Gershwin and Duke Ellington. Watch Julia if you can or Claudine.
