Pioneering actress Diahann Carroll dies at 84
Pioneering, Tony award-winning actress and singer Diahann Carroll passed away Friday at her home in Los Angeles after a long bout with cancer.
Carroll was the first African American woman to star in her own TV series, Julia, which ran on NBC from 1968 to 1971.
In 1962, she became the first black woman to win a Tony for Best Performance by a Leading actress in a musical for the show ‘No Strings.’
Carroll also received an Academy Award nomination in 1974 for the film "Claudine," starring opposite James Earl Jones where she played a struggling single mother in NYC.
She has also had roles in the 80's nighttime soap "Dynasty" and more recently in the medical drama Grey's Anatomy.
News of her death stirred many in show business to share tributes on Twitter.
Director Lee Daniels tweeted:
"I’m at an utter loss of words right now. The impact you have had on me, Hollywood, America, the World is telling that God exists. I love you. #DiahannCarroll."
Actress, dancer, choreographer Debbie Allen added: "We are stronger, more beautiful and risk takers because of you.
We will forever sing your praises and speak your name."
Diahann Carroll was 84 years old.
