Diahann Carroll was an M&A Graduate

(This article was updated on 10/8/19)

Diahann Carroll was the star of several television series and the headliner in a multitude of TV appearances. Her career as a singer/actress spans motion pictures, theater and has won her countless awards which include Tonys, Golden Globes, Emmys, Academy Awards and NAACP Image Awards.

Carol Diann Johnson was born on July 17, 1935, in the Bronx, but grew up in Harlem (515 West 148th Street). After singing at six years old in a Harlem church choir, her parents enrolled her in dance, signing and modeling classes. While taking voice and piano lessons, ten year old Diann won a Metropolitan Opera scholarship and she contemplated an operatic career.  

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Diahann at 15 years old

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By the time she was 15, she was modeling for Ebony magazine. She entered the High School of Music & Art in 1950 where she continued developing her voice. At 16, she teamed up with a girlfriend from M&A and auditioned for Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts, where she used the more exotic sounding name Diahhann Carroll. She won the contest and performed on the radio for three weeks. She sought modeling work but it was her voice, in addition to her beauty, that provided the magic and allure that drew others to her talents. ​

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At age 18, Diahann graduated from M&A in the winter of 1953.

M&A Yearbook - Winter 1953

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In 1953, Diahann was a freshman sociology student at New York University but her acadamic career took a backseat after she met with the Latin Quarter owner and it was arranged for her to appear on the TV showcase “Chance of a Lifetime.”

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By the next year (1954), she made her film debut in the film Carmen along side Pearl Bailey. Through the 50’s and 60’s, Diahann headlined in Hollywood, Miami and New York supper clubs. 

April 15, 1954 - 18 yrs old

18 years old

March 14, 1955 - 19 yrs old

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Photoshoot in 1956 - 21 years old

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Numerous record albums were produced because of the charm of her melodious voice, which caused her to have guest appearances on musical variety shows during the 1960’s.

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Most were familiar with character that Diahann played on the television series Julia in 1968. It was one of the first TV series to star a black woman in a non-stereotypical role. In 1974, she played the title role in Claudine for which she was nominated for an Oscar. Diahann also portrayed of Dominique Deveraux in Dynasty (1984). During her three years in this series, she played the wife of Brady Lloyd (played by Billy Dee Williams who is also an M&A graduate (Class of 1955). In 1995 Diahann again reunited with her old friend Billy Dee in Lonesome Dove: The Series). 

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Marc Copage and Diahann Carroll - Julia

Claudine - the movie - 1974

Diahann Carroll and Billy Dee Williams - Dynasty - 1986

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From 1997 -2015, Diahann participated in film (Eve’s Bayou, Tyler Perry Presents Peeples) and a variety of television shows (Twice in a Lifetime, Soul Food, Grey’s Anatomy, and Diahann Carroll: The Lady. The Music. The Legend.).

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In 2008, the actress who broke through television's color bar, told all in her candid memoir The Legs Are The Last To Go. She shared intimate details about her career, life and her loves, including her marriage to Vic Damone and her torrid relationship with Sidney Poitier.
(Click on the picture for more information on this unforgettable self portrait).

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Diahann was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997 but had no family history. After months of radiation therapy, she was deemed clear. Diahann Carroll died of cancer on October 4, 2019.

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Quote from Diahann Carroll concerning her life:
​“All I wanted to do was sing. What happened was more.”

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