Ellen Holly, a trailblazing actress in American television, passed away on December 6, 2023, in the Bronx, New York City, at the age of 92.
Born on January 16, 1931, in New York City, Holly was renowned for her role as Carla Gray on ABC’s “One Life to Live.” Her passing represents the close of an era for a performer who achieved significant milestones in her career and profoundly affected the portrayal of race and identity in the media.
Holly’s journey to prominence began with her standout performances on Broadway, where she demonstrated her exceptional acting skills.
Her first foray into television was in 1957 on “The Big Story,” leading to her historic role on “One Life to Live.” As Carla Gray from 1968 to 1980 and again from 1983 to 1985, Holly made television history. A light-skinned African American, she initially depicted Carla as Italian-American, with her character’s true African-American heritage later becoming a crucial plot point. This aspect of the storyline not only reflected Holly’s own experiences but also the social changes occurring during the 1960s.
Holly’s role in “One Life to Live” was groundbreaking, especially in how it dealt with racial identity and prejudice. The show’s interracial relationship storyline was so contentious it caused a Texas station to temporarily stop airing it. Nevertheless, Holly’s performance won widespread acclaim and drew a large viewership, particularly for her character’s wedding. Holly’s career extended beyond “One Life to Live,” with roles in “Guiding Light,” “In the Heat of the Night,” “Spenser: For Hire,” and a role in Spike Lee’s “School Daze.”
After her acting days, Holly worked as a librarian at the White Plains Public Library and wrote “One Life: The Autobiography of an African American Actress,” where she openly shared her experiences with racial challenges in the entertainment industry.
Holly is survived by her grand-nieces, Alexa and Ashley Jones, their father Xavier Jones, and other relatives, who are well-respected in New York’s African American community.
