Della Reese
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
- Influenced by jazz, she was the first performer to sing gospel music in Las Vegas casinos
- Is known for her deep, husky voice and her self-deprecating sense of humor
- 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