Bronx, New York (July 17, 1935 -October 4, 2019) age 84 yrs

Diahann Carroll, born Carol Diahann Johnson, an Award-winning actress, singer, model, and activist. She rose to prominence in some of the earliest major studio films to feature black casts. These include Carmen Jones and Porgy and Bess. Carroll became the first black actress in television history to star in her own series, Julia, for NBC. The role marked the first time an African American starred solo on a television show in a non-stereotypical role. Carroll won a Golden Globe in 1968 and earned an Emmy nomination in 1969 for Julia . Whites and African Americans alike constantly criticized that the show was not a realistic portrayal of African American life. This led Carroll to decline to renew her contract with the show in 1970.