Ellen Holly, an iconic figure in the history of American television, passed away on December 6, 2023, in the Bronx, New York City. She was 92 years old.
Holly, born on January 16, 1931, in New York City, was celebrated for her groundbreaking role as Carla Gray on ABC’s daytime soap opera “One Life to Live.” Her passing marks the end of an era for a performer who achieved remarkable success in her field and significantly influenced the portrayal of race and identity in American media.
Holly’s journey to stardom began with notable performances on Broadway, showcasing her talent in several popular plays.
Her television debut came in 1957 with an episode of “The Big Story,” setting the stage for her eventual historic role in “One Life to Live.” Her portrayal of Carla Gray, which spanned from 1968 to 1980 and again from 1983 to 1985, was a personal achievement and a milestone in television history. Holly, a fair-skinned African American, played a character initially presented as Italian-American, with her true African-American heritage later becoming a pivotal part of the storyline. This narrative arc not only mirrored Holly’s real-life experiences as discussed in her 1968 New York Times piece “How Black Do You Have to Be?” but also resonated with the societal upheavals of the 1960s.
Holly’s role in “One Life to Live” was revolutionary, especially in her character’s handling of racial identity and prejudice. Her interracial relationship storyline in the show was so contentious that it led to a temporary drop of the show by a Texas station. Nevertheless, Holly’s performance was widely acclaimed, drawing millions of viewers, particularly during the wedding of her character. Beyond “One Life to Live,” Holly continued to make her mark in the acting world with roles in “Guiding Light,” “In the Heat of the Night,” “Spenser: For Hire,” and a part in Spike Lee’s “School Daze.”
After her acting career, Holly worked as a librarian at the White Plains Public Library and wrote her autobiography, “One Life: The Autobiography of an African American Actress.” In her book, she candidly shared her experiences with racial challenges in the entertainment industry.
Holly leaves behind her grand-nieces, Alexa and Ashley Jones, their father Xavier Jones, and other family members, all of whom are distinguished figures within New York’s African American community.
