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Ellen Holly

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BIO

Ellen Virginia Holly (January 16, 1931 – December 6, 2023) was an American actress. Beginning her career on stage in the late 1950s, Holly was perhaps best known for her role as Carla Gray–Hall on the ABC soap opera One Life to Live (1968–1980; 1983–1985). Holly is noted as the first African American to appear on daytime television in a leading role.

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1966
Performer

[Broadway]
1962
Cille Morris

[Broadway]
1960
Elizabeth Falk


Movies

Take a Giant Step
[ 1959 ] The Girl in the Bar
Cops and Robbers
[ 1973 ] Ms. Wells
School Daze
[ 1988 ] Odrie McPherson

TV Shows

Guiding Light
Judge Frances Collier, Judge Collier
In the Heat of the Night
Ruth Peterson
One Life to Live
Carla Gray, Carla Hall

News


Broadway Actress And America's First Black Soap Opera Star Ellen Holly Has Died

Ellen Holly, the first Black person to have a lead role in daytime television, has passed away at 92. She was a theater actress, starred on Broadway, and was a published author. Her autobiography detailed her career and her historic Black family.
Woodie King, Jr. To Retire June 30 As Head Of New Federal Theatre

Woodie King, Jr., Founder and Producing Director of New Federal Theatre (NFT), will retire from leadership of the famed theater company on June 30, 2021, handing the baton to NFT's newly appointed Artistic Director, Elizabeth Van Dyke.
BWW Exclusive: Woodie King Jr. Discusses the Past, Present and Future of New Federal Theatre

Woodie King Jr., founder of New Federal Theatre has penned an article exclusively for BroadwayWorld, discussing New Federal Theatre's past, present and more.
Photo Flash: AMERICAN MOOR Celebrates Opening Night

Red Bull Theater presents Keith Hamilton Cobb's acclaimed play American Moor, making its Off-Broadway premiere at Cherry Lane Theatre (38 Commerce St), in a production directed by Kim Weild and produced in collaboration with Evangeline Morphos, Frederick M. Zollo, Elizabeth I. McCann and Tom Shea.
BWW Flashback: The History of KING LEAR

King Lear is making its triumphant return to Broadway, starring Glenda Jackson in a gender-swapped version of the title role. As we gear up for this revival, let's take a look back on some notable Lears past...
Photo Flash: Take Wing And Soar Productions Celebrates 15th Anniversary Gala Celebration

 On Saturday, May 5th 2018, Take Wing And Soar Productions (TWASInc), an award winning, Harlem-based, professional Theater Arts Corporation held its Fifteenth Anniversary Gala Celebration, the TAKE WING AND SOAR SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE AWARDS, at Columbia University's Lerner Hall Roone Arledge Auditorium.  The elegant afternoon featured esteemed hosts, talented classical actor/singers and the Volunteer Divas who were joined by approximately 120 business leaders, artists, patrons, volunteers, friends and alumni.
Actress and Playwright Lee Chamberlin Passes Away at 76

Lee Chamberlin, an actress and playwright whose career spanned four decades on the stage, television and films, died of cancer at 76 on May 25, 2014. Her death was confirmed by her family.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Ellen Holly been in?

Ellen Holly has appeared on Broadway in 3 shows.

How many West End shows has Ellen Holly been in?

Ellen Holly has not appeared in the West End.

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