Diahann Carroll - Actor Profile

Diahann Carroll

Acting
Freshness: Jan 21, 2026
50Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Jul 17, 1935
Birth Place: Bronx, New York, USA

About Diahann Carroll

Diahann Carroll (born Carol Diahann Johnson; July 17, 1935 – October 4, 2019) was an American actress, singer and model. She rose to stardom in performances in some of the earliest major studio films to feature black casts, including Carmen Jones in 1954 and Porgy and Bess in 1959. In 1962, Carroll won a Tony Award for best actress, a first for a black woman, for her role in the Broadway musical No Strings. Her 1968 debut in Julia, the first series on American television to star a black woman in a nonstereotypical role, was a milestone both in her career and the medium. In the 1980s she played the role of an interracial diva in the primetime soap opera Dynasty. Carroll was the recipient of numerous stage and screen nominations and awards, including the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress In A Television Series in 1968. She received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for the 1974 film Claudine. She was also a breast cancer survivor and activist.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Diahann Carroll reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: TV Movie

The majority of Diahann Carroll's filmography leans towards the TV Movie genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 44% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Diahann Carroll remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Martin Luther King and the March on Washington, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Diahann Carroll Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Diahann Carroll's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Diahann Carroll.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2022 Sidney Self (archive footage) Super Hit Similar →
2021 How It Feels to Be Free Self (archival footage) Flop Similar →
2016 The Masked Saint Ms. Edna Average Similar →
2015 Light Girls Self Super Hit Similar →
2013 Peeples Nana Peeples Average Similar →
2013 Martin Luther King and the March on Washington Self Super Hit Similar →
2012 Sing Your Song Self Hit Similar →
2010 The Front Nana Average Similar →
2010 At Risk Nana Flop Similar →
2009 Diary of a Single Mom Therapist Flop Similar →
2004 TV in Black: The First Fifty Years (archive footage) Flop Similar →
2002 NBC 75th Anniversary Special Self Flop Similar →
2000 Livin' for Love: The Natalie Cole Story Maria Cole Hit Similar →
2000 Sally Hemings: An American Scandal Betty Hemings Super Hit Similar →
2000 The Courage to Love Pouponne Average Similar →
1999 Jackie's Back! Diahann Carroll Hit Similar →
1999 Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years Sadie Delany Hit Similar →
1998 The Sweetest Gift Mrs. Wilson Flop Similar →
1998 Motown 40: The Music is Forever Self Flop Similar →
1997 Eve's Bayou Elzora Average Similar →
1995 Jirimpimbira: An African Folk Tale Narrator Flop Similar →
1994 Perry Mason: The Case of the Lethal Lifestyle Lydia Bishop Hit Similar →
1992 Color Adjustment Self Hit Similar →
1991 Preminger: Anatomy of a Filmmaker Vivian Thurlow (archive footage) (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1991 Sunday in Paris Vernetta Chase Flop Similar →
1991 The Five Heartbeats Eleanor Potter Hit Similar →
1990 Murder in Black and White Margo Stover Flop Similar →
1989 From the Dead of Night Maggie Average Similar →
1988 Joan Rivers and Friends Salute Heidi Abromowitz Diahann Carroll Flop Similar →
1988 Happy Birthday, Bob: 50 Stars Salute Your 50 Years with NBC Self Average Similar →
1986 Kraft Salutes the George Burns 90th Birthday Special Self Super Hit Similar →
1985 The Best of Broadway Herself Flop Similar →
1985 Night of 100 Stars II Self Super Hit Similar →
1982 Sister, Sister Carolyne Lovejoy Flop Similar →
1982 Night of 100 Stars Self Hit Similar →
1979 I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings Vivian Flop Similar →
1978 The Star Wars Holiday Special Mermeia Flop Similar →
1977 The Beatles Forever Self Flop Similar →
1976 Telly... Who Loves Ya, Baby? Self Flop Similar →
1975 Death Scream Betty May Hit Similar →
1974 Claudine Claudine Price Hit Similar →
1970 King: A Filmed Record... Montgomery to Memphis Self (archive footage) Hit Similar →
1968 The Dean Martin Christmas Show Self (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1968 Francis Albert Sinatra Does His Thing Self - Singer Flop Similar →
1968 The Split Ellen "Ellie" Kennedy Hit Similar →
1967 Hurry Sundown Vivian Thurlow Average Similar →
1961 Paris Blues Connie Lampson Hit Similar →
1961 Goodbye Again Nightclub Singer Hit Similar →
1959 Porgy and Bess Clara Average Similar →
1954 Carmen Jones Myrt Average Similar →

Diahann Carroll - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Diahann Carroll?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Diahann Carroll is "Martin Luther King and the March on Washington" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has Diahann Carroll acted in?

Diahann Carroll has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Diahann Carroll?

Other notable films include "Light Girls", "Kraft Salutes the George Burns 90th Birthday Special", and "Night of 100 Stars II".