Diahann Carroll Remembered By ‘Dynasty’ Star Michael Michele
On Friday, it was announced that Diahann Carrroll, the pioneering actress from Dynasty, has died at the age of 84. Michael Michele, who is now portraying Dominique Devereaux, the character that Carroll made famous, eulogized the beloved actress. How had Diahann Carroll changed the even soap landscape and what did Michale Michele have to say?
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Diahann Carroll’s Illustrious Career
On Friday, Diahann Carroll passed away from cancer, at the age of 84. She originally starred in Julia, and then changed evening soaps forever by taking on the role of Dominique Deveraux on the original Dynasty. She was the first African American actress cast on a nighttime soap when she joined Dynasty in 1984. The catty and glamorous Dominique Devereaux was the secret half-sister of Blake Carrington.
Dynasty executive producer Aaron Spelling didn’t approach Carroll for the role, she approached him. She told People, “I want to be the first black bitch on television.” She didn’t want to be the maid or a side character, she wanted to battle it out against Joan Collins, the great Alexis Carrington. Esther Shapiro, the Dynasty co-creator, wanted to introduce an African American character that was at the same socioeconomic level as the Carringtons. She did not want to make this character “a victim.” When they met to discuss the role or Dominique Devereaux, they knew she was perfect for the show. Spelling recalled that “When Diahann came in, Esther Shapiro and I looked at her, looked at each other and said, ‘My God, she is Dynasty.’ ”
Playing against Joan Collins, the two battled it out with glamour and sophisticated digs at each other. Eventually, Star Wars star Billy Dee Williams, co-starred with her later. The Los Angeles Times quoted Carroll from a TV Guide interview, “Dominique brought a shot in the arm when Dynasty needed it. I had a hell of a good time when I was there.” She left the show in 1987, two years before the series ended.
Remembering The Original Dominique Deveraux
Upon learning on the original Dynasty star’s death, Michael Michele beautifully eulogized Diahann Carroll on Instagram. Michele found it difficult to convey how important Diahann Carroll was to her. Michael Michael explained that Carroll’s glamour and elegance were just some of her accomplishments. Unfortunately, Michael Michele had never met the White Collar actress. Subsequently, she shared that she regrets that she never went to California to meet her in person.
“I post this with a heavy heart, I never had the pleasure to meet Ms Diahann Carroll, I had hoped to very soon. She personified so much to so many, myself included. How does one possibly articulate the importance of her accomplishments? It wasn’t ONLY what she represented on screen but also and more importantly, what she represented away from the glare of the lens. A woman of extraordinary elegance and class. A woman who refused to accept a place card at the end of the line. ‘I’m here, I’m talented and I’m not going anywhere,’ could have been her motto. Rest in peace divine one. I’m so sorry that I waited to take that flight west, so that I could humbly ask, to grace your presence?”
“God Bless what you’ve given us all🙏🏼”
What is your favorite Diahann Carroll Dynasty line? Share your comments and memories of the original Dominique Devereaux. Check back with TV Shows Ace for the latest Dynasty news. Dynasty Season 3 starts on October 11, on the CW.
