Ellen Holly, a groundbreaking actress known for her role as Carla Gray on the soap opera “One Life to Live,” passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 92 in Calvary Hospital, Bronx. Her death was confirmed by her publicist, Cheryl L. Duncan.
Born in 1931 in New York City, Ellen Holly began her career as a member of the Actors Studio and made her mark in Broadway productions, starring in shows like “A Hand Is on the Gate” and “Tiger, Tiger Burning Bright.” During her time on the stage, she had the privilege of working alongside renowned actors such as James Earl Jones, Jack Lemmon, and Roscoe Lee Browne. Despite her talent and experience, she faced difficulties finding consistent work in the early stages of her screen career.
In 1968, Holly penned a thought-provoking letter to the editor of The New York Times titled “How Black Do You Need To Be?,” criticizing the media, entertainment industry, and audiences for imposing narrow and rigid standards on what Black performers should look like. She asserted that such constraints made it exceedingly difficult for light-skinned Black actors like herself to secure roles in the industry.
This impactful letter caught the attention of Agnes Nixon, the creator of the soap opera “One Life to Live.” Nixon cast Holly in a groundbreaking role as Carla Gray, a light-skinned Black actress whose character was inspired by Holly’s own experiences. Initially introduced as Carla Benari, the character’s true heritage as a Black woman was revealed five months later when she disclosed that her mother was Lillian Hayman’s Sadie Grey.
One of the pivotal moments in Carla’s storyline involved her romantic involvement with Peter DeAnda’s Price Trainor, a Black character, while she was engaged to white doctor Jim Craig. This on-screen kiss between a seemingly white woman and a Black man generated controversy among some viewers. However, Carla’s character development continued as she eventually married Al Freeman Jr.’s Ed Hall and adopted Laurence Fishburne’s Joshua. Ellen Holly’s time on “One Life to Live” extended from 1968 to 1985, with a brief departure and return in between. She later revealed in her autobiography, “One Life: The Autobiography of an African American Actress,” that she was fired from the show during her second departure.
Ellen Holly had the opportunity to reunite with Laurence Fishburne in one of her most prominent film roles in Spike Lee’s 1988 musical dramedy, “School Daze.” Following that, she joined the cast of the soap opera “Guiding Light” as Judge Collier, where she remained from 1989 to 1993. Her final appearance on screen was in the 2002 TV movie titled “10,000 Black Men Named George.”
In the 1990s, Holly transitioned into a different role as she became a librarian at a public library in White Plains, New York, the town she considered home for many years. Throughout her later years, she dedicated her time to preparing a documentary about her life and her remarkable family, which included notable figures such as abolitionists, U.S. ambassadors, and pioneering Black women in fields like medicine and education.
Ellen Holly leaves behind a legacy that paved the way for Black actors in the entertainment industry. She is survived by grandnieces, cousins, and other family members. Her contributions to breaking racial barriers and her impactful performances on both stage and screen will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.
