Ellen Holly, a seminal figure in American television history, 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 celebrated for her pioneering role as Carla Gray on ABC’s soap-opera “One Life to Live.” Her death marks the end of an era for a performer who made significant contributions to her field and greatly influenced how race and identity were portrayed in American media.
Holly’s rise to fame began with her notable performances on Broadway, where she displayed her acting prowess in various acclaimed plays.
Her television debut occurred in 1957 on “The Big Story,” leading to her landmark role in “One Life to Live.” Playing Carla Gray from 1968 to 1980 and again from 1983 to 1985, Holly broke new ground in television history. As a fair-skinned African American, she initially portrayed Carla as Italian-American, later revealing her true African-American heritage in the show, mirroring her real-life experiences and societal shifts of the 1960s.
Her portrayal in “One Life to Live” was revolutionary, particularly in its treatment of racial identity and prejudice. Holly’s involvement in an interracial relationship storyline on the show caused such controversy that a Texas station temporarily dropped the program. Despite this, her performance drew millions of viewers, especially during her character’s wedding. Holly’s acting career extended beyond “One Life to Live,” with roles in “Guiding Light,” “In the Heat of the Night,” “Spenser: For Hire,” and Spike Lee’s “School Daze.”
Following her acting career, Holly worked as a librarian at the White Plains Public Library and authored her autobiography, “One Life: The Autobiography of an African American Actress.” In her book, she candidly discussed the racial challenges she faced in the entertainment industry.
Holly is survived by her grand-nieces, Alexa and Ashley Jones, their father Xavier Jones, and other family members, all prominent figures in New York’s African American community.