Who remembers Nell Carter from the sitcom, “Gimme a Break”? Or maybe, it’s for her Tony award winning performance in “Ain’t Misbehavin’”. But most likely, Nell Carter will be remembered for her flamboyant personality (both onstage and off) and her incredible, ‘belt’ voice.
Unfortunately for Nell Carter fans, the singer/actress died on Thursday, January 23rd at the young age of 54. Carter, a short and heavy set woman, struggled with her weight her entire life; although, in recent years, she had lost a considerable amount. Carter also had to deal with other health problems (diabetes and a brain aneurysm). It isn’t known for sure whether or not these health issues had an effect on her death but she did die of natural causes.
It’s not hard to believe that Nell Carter would be destined for show business. As a girl, she sang gospel music in her church and her talents were obvious from a young age. Carter then went on to sing in the gospel music circles and the nightclub circuit; first in Alabama and eventually in New York City. She has worked in several genres in the show business industry, including Broadway (live theatre), concert settings as a solo performer and also appearing with orchestras, television shows and movies.
Nell Carter was as at home in front of the camera as a live audience and was successful appearing in musicals, comedies and dramas. She is praised by her peers for being able to sing a showstopper like no other but also for being able to interpret the sensitive emotions of any ballad. Originally, Carter aspired to be an opera singer, but it is musical theatre that eventually kept her performing.
BROADWAY SHOWS:
1970 Soon (musical)
1978 Ain’t Misbehavin’ (she won a Tony for her role)
1991 Hello Dolly (Los Angeles revival)
1997 Annie Revival (Carter played Miss Hannigan)
2003 Raisin (musical revival of Raisin in the Sun) *Carter was rehearsing for the Los Angeles revival of this show at the time of her death.
CONCERTS:
Nell Carter appeared in many touring shows as well as singing with pops orchestras and her own solo concerts. She was a dynamic entertainer who could belt out a song or sing a sensitive ballad. She had huge audience appeal as a singer and an actor.
TELEVISION:
1981-1987 Gimme a Break – sitcom (starred Nell Carter in the title role – she also sang the theme song
1982 Ain’t Misbehavin’ (T.V. broadcast of the Broadway show)
Go To Page: 1 2
| Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: | View all related messages |
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to 's Musical Theatre topic, please visit the Discussions page.