Breaking News
One Life to Live’s Ellen Holly Talks Her Groundbreaking Role And Struggles As Carla Gray
In a sit-down video interview with the Television Academy Foundation, Ellen Holly best-known for her iconic and groundbreaking role on One Life to Live as “Carla Gray” talks about being the first African-American actress with a continuing major role on a soap opera and the turmoil behind it.
Throughout the over four and half hour’s of interview conducted with Holly, the actress chronicles her struggles with One Life’s creator Agnes Nixon, and various producers to be paid fairly, while also asking for good and dramatic storylines.
Photo: ABC
Holly recalls leaving One Life to Live in 1980, and returning in 1983, only to be fired by then-producer Paul Rauch at the end of her contract. She discusses what she feels was poor treatment by the network and several producers of One Life to Live, and what she learned from that experience.
There are lots of stories, and behind the scenes moments through the viewpoint of Ellen, as well as how important it was at the time to be cast is such a key role in 1968.
From advice for actors, the civil rights movement, diversity in television, events and behind the scenes stories with her co-stars and producer at One Life, pivotal career moments and more, all of it was covered with the TV Academy Foundation
Now below check out a six segments relating to Holly’s experience and time on OLTL. Let us know what you thought about what she had to say via the comment section.
17
Leave a Reply
Always loved Ellen Holly and Carla! (From the narrative and having read her book, I presume her dressing room was given away to Jacquie Courtney and her co-star of less sexual wattage than Peter De Anda and Robert Milli was Herb Davis.) However, she misrepresents the span of time Lillian Hayman was on “One Life.” Lillian left about 1970 (replaced by Hilda Haynes and Esther Rolle) and didn’t return to the show full-time until 1977 (the show was 45 minutes at this point; original cast member Doris Belack had been fired and replaced a few weeks prior). Sadie did, however, return to the show briefly for Carla’s wedding to Ed Hall (circa 1973). When Sadie returned full-time, the writers had created a backstory whereby Sadie once worked for Will and Naomi Vernon as their nanny/housekeeper before becoming housekeeping supervisor at Llanview Hospital (Holly erroneously reports in her book that Sadie worked for the Siegels, the last of which had left months before the introduction of the Vernons in 1976.)
Holly is correct, however, in the show’s re-positioning of Carla beginning in the 1970s. She became a supporting character, whereas she was a leading lady during her first couple of years or so. She had some high notes in her following decade on the show — Carla and Ed taking in young street smart Joshua West and her second marriage (to Dr. Jack Scott, played by an actor whom she despised). However, Holly and her audience deserved better — the actress was an asset and drawing card, and evocative of the show’s glorious early years.
Rickie, thanks so much for providing such detail and filling in the blanks. I, too, watched OLTL during that time, but my memory of that show is not as vivid.
What I do remember, however, is the mesmerizing allure of Ellen Holly as Carla Gray. A great actress in a groundbreaking storyline — for any medium!
I must thank Michael Fairman for this illuminating feature, including snippets of this riveting interview. For me, it’s so enjoyable when the early days of soaps are honored — and deservedly so!
There doesn’t seem to be any love lost between Holly and Erika Slezak, who she refers to as “the third Viki”
Lol @ the third Viki. Yikes! That hurt MY feelings…
I started watching OLTL as kid in the late 70s, so I missed the initial groundbreaking Carla Benari/Grey storyline, but I fondly remember Miss Holly during the Ed Hall era. It really is heartbreaking how she and Miss Hayman were relegated to bit players when they were clearly and integral factor in the shows success.
And speaking of the third Viki, I would imagine that the overwhelming majority of the remaining OLTL fans could never fathom anyone in the role of Victoria Lord Riley Burke Riley Buchanan Buchanan Carpenter Davidson Banks/Niki Smith/Jean Randolph/Torrie/Tommy/Princess/Victor Lord, other than the incomparable Erika Slezak. I have heard many times that her work doesn’t even come close to what Gillian Spencer gave to the role (albiet as an only twice married Viki with only one alter). I have never seen any of those scenes, and have only seen two or three stills of her in the role. I believe all the original video from the first few years of the show was rerecorded over or destroyed. Tragic! What I would give to see just a few of those original episodes featuring Miss Holly, Miss Hayman and Miss Spencer, who I grew up watching portray another iconic soap character on another iconic Agnes Nixon soap..;)
LOL. I was thinking the same thing. In her book, she raves about Gillian Spencer (the original Victoria Lord) and mentions that Joanne Dorian (her replacement) was a good actress who was physically a Xerox copy of Ms. Spencer (the actresses only vaguely looked similar, as I recall). Re: Erika Slezak — I was impressed she had so much chemistry with Lee Patterson (Joe Riley) when he returned to the show (Slezak was cast with Bernard Grant as her love interest; she hadn’t worked with Patterson during his first run). However, Slezak wasn’t a major draw for me personally. Ellen Holly, Lynn Benish (Meredith), Dorrie Kavanaugh (Cathy), Lee Warrick (Julie) and Nancy Pinkerton (the fabulous original Dorian Cramer) were more of a draw for me through the early 1970s.
In going back over the history of the the show, ES didn’t seem to be much of a stand out until they brought back Niki Smith. Prior to that, I believe both Judith Light and Robin Strasser had won Emmys before Slezak won her first. Viki could be quite dull and one note. They really milked the DID storyline to the point of ridicule. As a kid, I remembered it being poignant and heartbreaking to see Viki succumb to Niki Smith. After a while, it just looked like the writers drug out Niki whenever they didn’t know what to do with Viki, or they just wanted cheap comic relief.
Yes–soaps historical OVERDO a once-good thing. 🙁
When I watch Ellen Holly, I feel as though I am witnessing a remake of Captain Queeg’s Court Martial in The Caine Mutiny. Whew… creepy.
I watched all of this interview. I have her book as well. She dropped quite a bit of info from her years on the show and beyond. Well worth viewing. She is quite knowledgeable of the business and how the game is played. It IS a shame how she and others were treated by those in power at ABC. She deserved better.
I have always loved Ellen Holly. She is a beautiful and talented actress. She still is. I am sorry TPTB treated her so badly. Thank you Michael Fairman for sharing these videos.
Ellen Holly’s the reason I began watching OLTL beginning at age five with my big brother and two aunts. I never understood why she suddenly disappeared until reading her book years later. you Ms. Holly
So sorry–evil lurks everywhere.
I was only 5 years old when OLTL debuted and I watched with my mom and my great aunt. I loved Ellen Holly. Funny that even at my you g age, I never saw Ellen as a supporting or secondary role. She was always a a main star of OLTL in my eyes. Her words in this interview are a much needed cautionary tale for everyone who is new act acting.
I was just a young mother, years ago when watching the most romantic relationship between Carla and Ed. I also loved watching Ms. Holly many years ago in The Heat of The Night with Carroll O’Connor. What a two for one treat that was.
When was she on In The Heat Of The Night with Caroll O’Connor? If you are thinking of the actress he married on there, that was Denise Nicholas of Room 222 fame, Blacula, and other shows and movies.
She played Ruth Peterson from 1989 to 1990. You can Google it, if you like.
Gotcha. But Denise Nicholas has been misidentified often as other actresses. I didnt know Ellen Holly was ever on there..but I only watched it about half the time
Breaking News
Vincent Irizarry Joins The Bold and the Beautiful
Look who’s headed back to daytime? Vincent Irizarry (known for his roles as Lujack and then Nick on GL, Dr. David Hayward on AMC, David Chow on Y&R, and Deimos on DAYS) is now headed to The Bold and the Beautiful to take on the recurring role of Dr. Jordan Armstrong.
According to TV Insider who broke the news on Tuesday the role will be recurring. In a post on his Instagram, Irizarry expressed: “Overjoyed to be heading to the B&B runway.”
Look for Vincent to make his BOLD debut on the Monday, August 26th episode of the CBS Daytime drama series,
While the story is under wraps, the character of Dr. Armstrong reportedly will play a pivotal role in the baby Beth/baby Phoebe storyline once it takes a dramatic turn and twist.
In an interview with TV Insider on his next soap role on B&B, Vincent related: “I’m looking forward again to working with Thorsten Kaye (Ridge), who I worked with on All My Children. ”
So, excited to see Vincent back on the soaps and on B&B? Comment below.
Breaking News
TOMORROW: Watch The 71st Annual Primetime Emmy Nominations Announcement Live-Stream
It’s time for the nominees to be unveiled for the Primetime Emmy Awards. Circle tomorrow, Tuesday July 16h for the announcements of who will be going for gold in the various show and performer categories.
You can watch the live-stream of the nominations being revealed for the first time directly on the Television Academy’s website Emmys.org
The nominations will be hosted Ken Jeong (Dr. Ken) and D’Arcy Carden (The Good Place). Television Academy Chairman and CEO Frank Scherma will also join them.
Make sure to check out the live-stream beginning at 11:30amEST/8:30amPST to see if your favorite shows and performers are in the running,
The 71st Primetime Emmys will air live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, September. 22nd, at 8PMET/5PM PT on Fox.
This year’s ceremonies will be co-produced by co-produced by Don Mischer Productions and Done+Dusted.
So, who do you hope receives a 2019 Primetime Emmy nod? Comment below!
Breaking News
How to Get Away With Murder To End After Its Upcoming Sixth Season
ABC has announced that Professor Annalise Keating (Viola Davis), and those cagey law students of hers, will receive some closure and exciting endings as How to Get Away with Murder will come to a conclusion after its season six. The upcoming 15-episode final season will premiere on Thursday, September 26 at 10 PM.
Series creator Peter Nowalk said in a statement released today: “Deciding to end this series was a brutal decision, but ultimately the story tells you what to do – as it did here. For me, Annalise Keating’s journey has always had a clear ending. Knowing I have 15 episodes left to finish her story, and the chance to give all the characters their own killer endings, is a gift rarely given to a series creator and I’m grateful to ABC and ABC Studios for the opportunity and creative freedom. I am so thankful to the brilliant cast, writers and crew for dedicating themselves to the most rewarding experience of my career over the last six years. I also want to thank our fans. The only reason this show exists is because of your loyalty and enthusiasm. I can’t wait for you all to see how it ends, with twists and turns and all the craziness we love to create every Thursday night. Buckle up.”
The final season will follow the perils of Professor Annalise Keating’s class through their final semester in law school with much deceit and murder going along with it!
Karey Burke, President, ABC Entertainment. said in a statement on the conclusion of the series: “Viola Davis made television history with her unforgettable portrayal of iconic female antihero Annalise Keating. I am eternally grateful to her, Pete Nowalk and Shondaland for creating and bringing to life such a smart, sophisticated and groundbreaking series that has long been an integral part of Thursday nights on ABC.”
How to Get Away with Murder burst on to primetime TV screens back in 2014, and helped formed the Shondaland programming block along with Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal.
The final season stars Davis along with the current cast comprised of: Billy Brown, Jack Falahee, Aja Naomi King, Matt McGorry,, Charlie Weber, Liza Weil Conrad Ricamora, former ‘Bold and the Beautiful’ star Rome Flynn, and Amirah Vann.
Along with the big announcement, ABC released this trailer of the final episodes of the series and its season 6 called “The Beginning of the End”. Check it out below.
Now, let us know … upset to hear that HTGWM is signing off? How do you hope it will end for Annalise and her students? Comment below.
Michele Lee, Donna Mills & Joan Van Ark Talk Their ‘Sister’ Act and How They’re ‘Knot’ Done Yet
‘Bachelor’ Creator Mike Fleiss Slapped With Restraining Order After Allegedly Attacking Wife; Demanding She Have An Abortion
With Talk Of Nikolas On GH, Tyler Christopher Says: “I’ve Always Said I Would Never Close That Door From My Side”
Y&R’s Loren Lott Gets Her Opening Title Sequence Credit; Shares Her ‘Reaction’ Via Video Post
71st Primetime Emmy Nominations: ‘This Is Us’ Stars: Milo Ventimiglia, Sterling K. Brown, Mandy Moore, HTGAWM’s Viola Davis Score Lead Drama Acting Nods
Vincent Irizarry Joins The Bold and the Beautiful
THE BACHELORETTE: Hannah Finally Sends Luke P. Packing!
TOMORROW: Watch The 71st Annual Primetime Emmy Nominations Announcement Live-Stream
Bryan Craig Previews Tonight On GRAND HOTEL: “This Is Where Stuff Really Starts Taking Off People! Don’t Miss”
THIS WEEK: Eileen Davidson Makes a Return to The Young and the Restless
With Talk Of Nikolas On GH, Tyler Christopher Says: “I’ve Always Said I Would Never Close That Door From My Side”
THIS WEEK: Eileen Davidson Makes a Return to The Young and the Restless
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Jack Wants His Memory Back, But Do You Want Him To Reunite With Jennifer … Or Stay With Eve?
Vincent Irizarry Joins The Bold and the Beautiful
Michele Lee, Donna Mills & Joan Van Ark Talk Their ‘Sister’ Act and How They’re ‘Knot’ Done Yet
Bryan Craig Previews Tonight On GRAND HOTEL: “This Is Where Stuff Really Starts Taking Off People! Don’t Miss”
Y&R’s Loren Lott Gets Her Opening Title Sequence Credit; Shares Her ‘Reaction’ Via Video Post
How to Get Away With Murder To End After Its Upcoming Sixth Season
‘Bachelor’ Creator Mike Fleiss Slapped With Restraining Order After Allegedly Attacking Wife; Demanding She Have An Abortion
TOMORROW: Watch The 71st Annual Primetime Emmy Nominations Announcement Live-Stream
THIS WEEK: Eileen Davidson Makes a Return to The Young and the Restless
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Jack Wants His Memory Back, But Do You Want Him To Reunite With Jennifer … Or Stay With Eve?
How to Get Away With Murder To End After Its Upcoming Sixth Season
GH’s Friz Wedding Reception Set To Bring Romance, Drama & Plot Twists (Promo)
As Chelsea Makes Her On-Screen Return On Y&R; Melissa Claire Egan Looks Back At Some Of Her Most Memorable Scenes
GH’s Trans Actress Cassandra James On Her Portrayal Of Terry: “It’s Not Lost On Me The Importance Of The Work I’m Doing”
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Thomas’ Turn To The Dark Side Is Getting Creepier! What Is His Next Move?
Y&R’s Michelle Stafford Takes A Look Back At Some Of Phyllis’ Most Memorable Moments
ICYMI WATCH: OWN’s ‘Ambitions’ All-Access Special & Get Ready For Its Soapy Debut Next Week
GH Poll: What Was Your Favorite Musical Performance At The Nurses’ Ball?
-
General HospitalJuly 18, 2019With Talk Of Nikolas On GH, Tyler Christopher Says: “I’ve Always Said I Would Never Close That Door From My Side”
-
PreviewsJuly 14, 2019THIS WEEK: Eileen Davidson Makes a Return to The Young and the Restless
-
Days Of Our LivesJuly 13, 2019DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Jack Wants His Memory Back, But Do You Want Him To Reunite With Jennifer … Or Stay With Eve?
-
Breaking NewsJuly 16, 2019Vincent Irizarry Joins The Bold and the Beautiful
-
NewsJuly 19, 2019Michele Lee, Donna Mills & Joan Van Ark Talk Their ‘Sister’ Act and How They’re ‘Knot’ Done Yet
-
Grand HotelJuly 15, 2019Bryan Craig Previews Tonight On GRAND HOTEL: “This Is Where Stuff Really Starts Taking Off People! Don’t Miss”
-
NewsJuly 17, 2019Y&R’s Loren Lott Gets Her Opening Title Sequence Credit; Shares Her ‘Reaction’ Via Video Post
-
Breaking NewsJuly 11, 2019How to Get Away With Murder To End After Its Upcoming Sixth Season