'Her legacy will live on': Internet pays tribute to Ellen Holly as America's first Black soap opera star dies at 92

BRONX, NEW YORK CITY: Ellen Holly, the trailblazing actress best known for being the first Black performer to star in a leading role on daytime television, died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, December 6. She was 92.

Holly passed away at Cavalry Hospital in the Bronx, New York City, where she had been living in recent years. Her death was confirmed by her family members, as reported by Daily Mail.

Ellen Holly became first African-American actor to headline daytime television show

Holly left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry with her pioneering work on the ABC soap opera 'One Life to Live.'

From 1968 to 1980, and again from 1983 to 1985, Holly played the role of Carla Gray, becoming the first African-American performer to headline a daytime television show.

Her nuanced portrayal of Gray, a light-skinned Black woman exploring her racial identity amid an interracial love triangle, drew praise from critics and audiences alike.

The character's complex backstory and relationships helped drive 'One Life to Live' to the top of the daytime ratings during Holly’s tenure.

Behind the scenes, however, Holly faced significant adversity. In her 1996 autobiography 'One Life,' she alleged being underpaid compared to white co-stars and enduring mistreatment from producers behind the scenes.

Ellen Holly was exposed to cultural arts from young age

Born in 1931 in New York City, Holly was exposed to the cultural arts from a young age. Her relatives included a diversity of high achievers: New York’s first Black female medical doctor, principal, and mayoral cabinet member.

Holly graduated from the esteemed Hunter College before embarking on an acting career, first in theater in New York and Boston. Her Broadway credits included 'Too Late the Phalarope' and 'Tiger Tiger Burning Bright.'

In addition to daytime soaps, Holly’s later television work included series such as 'In the Heat of the Night,' 'The Guiding Light,' and Spike Lee’s film 'School Daze.' After stepping back from acting, Holly began a second rewarding career as a librarian in White Plains, New York.

Ellen Holly's death prompts immediate outpouring of grief and gratitude on social media

Holly's death prompted an immediate outpouring of grief and gratitude from soap opera fans worldwide on social media.

"Her legacy will live on. Rest in peace, Ellen Holly," wrote one devastated fan on social media. "Ellen Holly was a timeless beauty. RIP love," posted another.

"She was great. RIP," added a third fan. "This is very sad news," said one fan.

While a fifth user simply responded with a sad emoji to convey their emotion.

Holly never married or had children of her own. She is survived by grand-nieces Alexa and Ashley Jones, their father Xavier Jones, and cousins Wanda Parsons Harris, Julie Adams Strandberg, Carolyn Adams-Kahn and Clinton Arnold.

Following her wishes, there will be no funeral service. Donations can be made in Holly’s memory to the Obama Presidential Center or St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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