Photo: Barbara Weinberg Barefield · License: CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source: Wikimedia Commons
Nell Carter
Contralto
Born September 13, 1948 in Birmingham, Alabama, United States (1948–2003)·d. January 23, 2003 in New York, New York, United States (aged 55)
Musical TheatreTheatre
3 Signature Roles2 Principal Houses
Spotlight
Career Trajectory
Nell Carter rose from Birmingham to become a Broadway sensation and television icon, her rich contralto voice and commanding presence defining roles across musical theatre and network comedy. She won a Tony Award for 'Ain't Misbehavin'' (1978) and achieved mainstream fame as the witty, resilient Nell Harper on 'Gimme a Break!' (1981–1987), a role that paradoxically both launched and constrained her career. Until her death in 2003, she remained a vital force in American entertainment, refusing to be confined to a single medium or stereotype.
Career Highlight
Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for 'Ain't Misbehavin'' (1978)
At a Glance
- Voice
- Contralto
- Nationality
- United States
- Born
- 1948 · Birmingham, Alabama, United States
- Active since
- 1978
Training & Education
A. H. Parker High School
Principal Houses
Engagements
Verified past & upcoming performances
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Career Arc
A chronological journey through key moments
1948Born in Birmingham, Alabama, United States
1978Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for 'Ain't Misbehavin'' (1978)
2003Died in New York, New York, United States
Available Performances
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