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Della Reese Biography

Birth Name:Delloreese Patricia Early

Birth Place:Detroit, Michigan, United States

Profession Actress, Soundtrack, Writer, Music department

Fast Facts

  • After being diagnosed with type-2 diabetes, she traveled the country raising awareness for the disorder as the spokeswoman for the American Diabetes Association
  • Her college education and early attempts at forming a gospel group were interrupted by her mother's death and her father's illness, and she took jobs including truck driver, dental receptionist and elevator operator to support her family
  • Is known for her deep, husky voice and her self-deprecating sense of humor
  • Influenced by jazz, she was the first performer to sing gospel music in Las Vegas casinos
  • Was ordained as a minister in 2010 and is the founder of the Understanding Principles for Better Living Church
  • Was the first African American woman to guest host "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson․"

Awards

  • 1996Image Award-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series: winner
  • 1997Actor-Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series: nominated
  • 1997Image Award-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series: winner
  • 1997Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: nominated
  • 1998Actor-Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series: nominated
  • 1998Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television: nominated
  • 1998Image Award-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series: winner
  • 1998OFTA Television Award-Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: nominated
  • 1998Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: nominated
  • 1999Image Award-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series: winner
  • 2000Annie-Outstanding Individual Achievement for Voice Acting by a Female Performer in an Animated Feature Production: nominated
  • 2000Image Award-Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series: winner
  • 2001Image Award-Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series: winner
  • 2002Image Award-Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series: winner