Ellen Holly - Actor Profile

Ellen Holly

Acting
Freshness: Jan 24, 2026
6Total Films
5.7 Highest Rated
Born: Jan 16, 1931
Birth Place: Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

About Ellen Holly

Ellen Virginia Holly (January 16, 1931 – December 5, 2023) was an American actress. Beginning her career on stage in the late 1950s, Holly was perhaps best known for her role as Carla Gray–Hall on the ABC soap opera One Life to Live. Holly is noted as the first African American to appear on daytime television in a leading role.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Ellen Holly reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 6 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of Ellen Holly's filmography leans towards the Drama 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 0% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Ellen Holly remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in School Daze, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Ellen Holly Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Ellen Holly's career based on audience ratings.

★5.7
School Daze (1988) movie poster
★5.7

School Daze: Fraternity and sorority members clash with other students at a historically black college during homecoming weekend.

School Daze

1988•Comedy
★4.9
Take a Giant Step (1959) movie poster
★4.9

Take a Giant Step: After African-American teenager Spence Scott gets expelled from his private school for arguing with a teacher, he turns

Take a Giant Step

1959•Drama
★3.5
Sergeant Matlovich vs. the U.S. Air Force (1978) movie poster
★3.5

Sergeant Matlovich vs. the U.S. Air Force: The true story of Leonard Matlovich, a U.S. Air Force sergeant who, in 1975, publicly divulged his homosexuality and fou

Sergeant Matlovich vs. the U.S. Air Force

1978•TV Movie
★3.1
10,000 Black Men Named George (2002) movie poster
★3.1

10,000 Black Men Named George: In the 1920s, the rights of American workers to join a labor union was still considered an open question, and African-Am

10,000 Black Men Named George

2002•Drama
★0.0
King Lear (1974) movie poster
★0.0

King Lear: James Earl Jones delivers a riveting performance as paranoid patriarch King Lear, an aging monarch who insists that his

King Lear

1974

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Ellen Holly.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2002 10,000 Black Men Named George Selena Frey Flop Similar →
1988 School Daze Odrie McPherson Average Similar →
1985 High School Narc Mrs. Robbins Flop Similar →
1978 Sergeant Matlovich vs. the U.S. Air Force Amy Flop Similar →
1974 King Lear Regan Flop Similar →
1959 Take a Giant Step The Girl in the Bar Flop Similar →

Ellen Holly - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Ellen Holly?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Ellen Holly is "School Daze" with a rating of 5.7/10.

How many movies has Ellen Holly acted in?

Ellen Holly has been featured in at least 6 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Ellen Holly?

Other notable films include "Take a Giant Step", "Sergeant Matlovich vs. the U.S. Air Force", and "10,000 Black Men Named George".