Nell Carter: Tony-Winning Star of Gimme a Break! Dies at 54

Nell Carter was an American actress and singer, best known for starring in the sitcom Gimme a Break!. Born Nell Ruth Hardy on September 13, 1948, in Birmingham, Alabama, she was one of nine children.

Carter won a Tony Award in 1978 for the Broadway revue Ain't Misbehavin' and an Emmy for the 1982 television version. She played housekeeper Nell Harper on Gimme a Break! from 1981 to 1987 and later appeared in Hangin' with Mr. Cooper, Reba and Ally McBeal.

Carter had three children and was married twice. She converted to Judaism in 1982. She died at her home in Beverly Hills, California, on January 23, 2003, at age 54. The coroner attributed her death to arteriosclerotic heart disease, with diabetes a contributing factor.

Achievements: Tony Award for Ain't Misbehavin' (1978), Emmy (1982), starred in Gimme a Break! (1981-1987).

Birth: September 13, 1948 - Birmingham, Alabama.

Profession: Actress and singer.

Interesting Facts: She left the Broadway workshop of Dreamgirls to join the soap opera Ryan's Hope.