Gail Fisher Biography

Fast Facts

• Became the first African American woman to win both a Golden Globe and Emmy, both for her work on CBS' "Mannix"
• Twelve hours after she passed away at age 65, her brother Clifton died of heart failure
• Initially a model as a teenager, she won a scholarship to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts after winning a beauty contest
• Quote: "Certain people who had no knowledge of blacks have maybe -- maybe -- learned something because of 'Mannix's' Peggy Fair․ ․․․ I think maybe before it's all over, it's going to be all right, and I'm proud I am a part of that․"
• Quote: "[on becoming the first African American woman to land a starring role on primetime television] "It was really a revolution in casting․ ․․․ My friends and family thought I was crazy․ You know, 'But honey, there ain't any black actresses․'""
• After appearing on "Mannix" for almost 100 episodes, she would rarely appear on television in the following years, making her retire official in 1990
• Made her first appearance on television at age 25 after landing both national commercials and various small roles on television serials
• Became the first African American woman to land a nationally televised commercial, for All detergent, that included speaking lines