Carter, Nell (1948–2003)

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Carter, Nell (1948–2003)

African-American actress and singer. Born Nell Ruth Hardy, Sept 13, 1948, in Birmingham, Alabama; died Jan 23, 2003, in Beverly Hills, California; m. Georg Krynicki, 1982 (div. 1992); m. Robert Larocque, 1992 (div. 1993); children: daughter Tracy; (adopted) 2 sons.

Made Broadway debut in Soon, followed by a turn as Miss Hannigan in 20th-anniversary revival of Annie (1997–98); starred as Nell Harper in NBC sitcom "Gimme a Break" (1981–87). Awarded a Tony and Obie for performance in Ain't Misbehavin' (1978), which ran on Broadway for 4 years, then was revived with Carter (1988); received 2 Emmy nominations for "Gimme a Break" (1982 and 1983).