Halle Berry, Ava DuVernay, Jada Pinkett-Smith And More Honor Diahann Carroll

In celebration of a legend.

Halley Berry, Ava DuVernay, Kerry Washington, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Viola Davis and more are paying tribute to the legacy and “extraordinary” life of Diahann Carroll. The 84-year-old actress passed away on Friday (Oct. 4) following a battle with cancer.

With a career that spanned over four decades, Carroll’s impact reached across generations. The Tony Award-winning and Oscar-nominated actress made TV history in Julia, becoming the first black woman to star in a non stereotypical servant role, and further secured her legendary status with unforgettable roles in Dynasty, A Different World and Claudine, among other titles.

“Diahann Carroll walked this earth for 84 years and broke ground with every footstep,” DuVernay tweeted. “An icon. One of the all-time greats. She blazed trails through dense footsteps and elegantly left dialog along the path for the rest of us to follow. Extraordinary life. Thank you, Ms. Carroll.”

Berry, who named Carroll in her 2002 Oscars speech and presented her with the Groundbreaking Role Award, at the 2003 TV Land Awards, reflected on the first time that she saw the Bronx native in Julia.

“I can still feel the impact of that moment to this day. Diahann’s powerful body of work not only paved the way for me, but she is a true testament to women of color in entertainment, and her affect on this world will be felt for years to come.

Washington shared a caption expressing her eternal love for Carroll. “I am because of you,” she wrote on Instagram.

Pinkett-Smith posted a vintage photo of Carroll sporting a pixie cut with the caption, “To our beloved Diahann Carroll… you may no longer be with us, but a legend you shall ALWAYS be.”

See more tributes below.

 

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I was a little girl when I saw a woman of color on TV for the first time. It was #DiahannCarroll in “Julia,” a story of a widowed nurse and the first portrayal of a black working woman on TV. I can still feel the impact of that moment to this day. Diahann’s powerful body of work not only paved the way for me, but she is a true testament to women of color in entertainment, and her affect on this world will be felt for years to come.

A post shared by Halle Berry (@halleberry) on Oct 4, 2019 at 1:38pm PDT

Diahann Carroll walked this earth for 84 years and broke ground with every footstep. An icon. One of the all-time greats. She blazed trails through dense forests and elegantly left diamonds along the path for the rest of us to follow. Extraordinary life. Thank you, Ms. Carroll. pic.twitter.com/YXjh7d3LWU

— Ava DuVernay (@ava) October 4, 2019

 

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I love you for eternity. With all my heart. I am because of you. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

A post shared by Kerry Washington (@kerrywashington) on Oct 4, 2019 at 1:12pm PDT

 

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To our beloved Diahann Carroll … you may no longer be with us, but a legend you shall ALWAYS be❤️✨

A post shared by Jada Pinkett Smith (@jadapinkettsmith) on Oct 4, 2019 at 12:26pm PDT

 

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I’m absolutely devastated by the passing of Diahann Carroll. As a child, I looked up to her. As an adult, I was honored to call her a mentor & friend. I know it sounds superficial at first, but one of my most cherished moments in life was when she taught me about jewelry. Diahann spread her jewelry across the bed & taught me how to separate real diamonds & pearls from fake ones. Then she separated her favorites from the rest. They came from both piles. The meaning in doing so was that we each have to decide what’s important in life & what’s not. Thank you for being an important soul in my life. I love you, Ms. Carroll.

A post shared by Jackée Harry (@jackeeharry) on Oct 4, 2019 at 12:50pm PDT

 

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Beauty like this never dies and neither will her legacy! The late great #Diahann carrol

A post shared by Jennifer Hudson (@iamjhud) on Oct 4, 2019 at 4:30pm PDT

 

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My greatest blessing is that I had the honor to connect with you on a personal level. You shared your humor, your mess, your mistakes, your talent….You were authentic. As a woman and actress of color that will be your legacy. You left it all on the floor and we were shifted by it. Rest well Queen #DiahannCarroll. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest❤️❤️❤️

A post shared by Viola Davis (@violadavis) on Oct 4, 2019 at 11:35am PDT

#RIPDiahannCarroll thank you for paving the way!!! It was an honor to know you Queen!!! Your legacy will live on through us all!!!🙏🏾💋💋💋 https://t.co/JqMuS36Whb

— Taraji P. Henson (@TherealTaraji) October 4, 2019

My dear friend and mentor, Diahann Carroll. A groundbreaking talent.🕊 pic.twitter.com/h5eHHpJWsA

— Dionne Warwick (@_DionneWarwick) October 4, 2019

 

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Diahann Carroll you taught us so much. We are stronger, more beautiful and risk takers because of you. We will forever sing your praises and speak your name. Love Love Love, Debbie

A post shared by Debbie Allen (@therealdebbieallen) on Oct 4, 2019 at 9:50am PDT

 

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This one hurts deeply. My mom and Ms Diahann were friends since they were 14. She was a pioneer on so many levels. She made me believe I could be on television. I loved and cherished and idolized her like a daughter…. to hear her stories and listen to what she had to endure as black actress was unbelievable. Her legacy is remarkable 💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔 RIP Diahann Carroll thank you for the gift of your life🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 #Class #legacy #diahanncarroll #televisionpioneer 👸🏾

A post shared by Holly Robinson Peete (@hollyrpeete) on Oct 4, 2019 at 9:38am PDT

She is, was, and forever will be AN ICON!! Simply everything, EVERYTHING! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 https://t.co/g40S0uG5yO

— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) October 4, 2019

 

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I remember the 1st time laying my eyes on one of THE most beautiful, melanin filled human beings ever seen, Diahann Carroll. Thank you for showing us what being talented, classy, smart, witty, sexy, stunning… The list goes on and on! But, thank You for showing us how it’s done! Rest In Peace Beauty!!🙏🏾

A post shared by Kelly Rowland (@kellyrowland) on Oct 4, 2019 at 4:15pm PDT