Nell Carter

Birth Name:

Nell Ruth Hardy

Birth Place:

Birmingham, Alabama, United States

Profession

Actress, Soundtrack

She received a Drama Desk Award, Theatre World Award, Tony Award and Primetime Emmy Award for her role in "Ain't Misbehavin'․"
She had a daughter by natural birth and adopted two sons
At 54, heart disease, which was complicated by diabetes, led to her death
She performed in New York City coffee shops before landing a Broadway role in 1971
She sang on a local gospel radio show and in a church choir as a child
Quote: "When I was growing up, it was not something you aspired to․ I was a weirdo to want to be in show business․ Most kids wanted to be teachers or nurses․"
She was known for her sassy attitude, husky voice and Southern accent
Despite being successful on Broadway, she would have liked to have been an opera singer
She performed the National Anthem prior to Game 4 of the of the 1989 World Series, singing from Candlestick Park in San Francisco

1982Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series:Nominated
1983Golden Globe - Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Comedy or Musical:Nominated
1983Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series:Nominated
1985Golden Globe - Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Comedy or Musical:Nominated

Fast Facts