Actress Diahann Carroll has died at the age of 84. The groundbreaking woman broke barriers in television for her roles on Dynasty and Julia.

Carroll passed away from complications to breast cancer at her Los Angeles home on Friday morning. She had been battling the disease since she was first diagnosed in 1997. Her daughter, Susan Kay, confirmed the news to the Associated Press.

Diahann Carroll you taught us so much. We are stronger, more beautiful and risk takers because of you. We will forever sing your praises and speak your name. Love Love Love, Debbie💕

— Debbie Allen (@msdebbieallen) October 4, 2019

“Carroll was a consummate entertainer and beloved icon whose career spanned nearly seven decades. She paved the way for many and never allowed anyone to limit or define her. She was the winner of a Tony Award and Golden Globe and was nominated for an Oscar and Emmy awards. Ms. Carroll was the first African American woman to star in her own television show and was in the first interracial love story on Broadway. Her film work includes Claudine, Carmen Jones, and Porgy and Bess,” read the statement from Kay.

The captivating singer and actress was a legend. She earned a Tony Award for the musical No Strings, where she made history as the first African American woman to play a lead role on Broadway. She was also nominated for an Academy Award for the film Claudine.

It was her television roles that cemented Carroll’s place in Hollywood history. Her pioneering work in the show, Julia, paved the way for African American women to be cast in non-servant roles.

I’m at an utter loss of words right now. The impact you have had on me, Hollywood, America, the World is telling that God exists.

I love you. ❤️ #DiahannCarroll

— Lee Daniels (@leedanielsent) October 4, 2019

“The attention and responsibility were so stressful. But I’m enormously proud of that show,” Carroll shared with People magazine in 2008 regarding her work on Julia.

Fans also remember her as scheming, moneyed Dominique Deveraux on the hit 80’s drama Dynasty. Carroll would often go toe to toe with the likes of Joan Collins, who played Alexis Carrington on the prime-time soap opera. She became one of the most remembered and beloved characters from the show.

Hollywood lost another great today. Actress Diahann Carroll has passed away at the age of 84.

This one cuts deeply. My mom & Ms Diahann were friends since they were 14. She was a pioneer on so many levels. She made me believe I could be on television! I loved & cherished and idolized her like a daughter…. 💔💔
RIP Diahann Carroll thank you for the gift of your life🙏🏽

— Holly Robinson Peete 💃🏾♍️ (@hollyrpeete) October 4, 2019

Celebrities have been flooding social media, paying tribute to the pioneering woman. She not only broke barriers and paved the way for African American actresses today, but she was a dear friend loved by many.

Advertisement

Dionne Warwick, Holly Robinson Pete, Ava DuVernay, Tyler Perry, and more are saying good-bye to a woman who changed showbiz. RIP Diahann Carroll your legacy will live on forever!