January 23 - Nell Carter, singer and actress (b. 1948)

She was working with Nell Carter, a close friend, and she was branching out into country music.

Dreamgirls had its beginnings as a project for Nell Carter.

This time out, Nell Carter plays the evil Miss Hannigan.

Nell Carter had a stormy relationship with Gimme a Break!

January 23 - Nell Carter (54), singer and actress (heart disease)

More controversy surrounding the show involved Nell Carter.

"Maybe they do not want audiences to know Nell Carter is black", she told the New York Post.

'I, Nell Carter, never, ever, ever accused my producers or anyone in the show of racism,' she said.

- This number was added as a showcase for Nell Carter in the 1997 Broadway revival.

January 23 - Nell Carter, singer and actress (b. 1948)

She was working with Nell Carter, a close friend, and she was branching out into country music.

Dreamgirls had its beginnings as a project for Nell Carter.

This time out, Nell Carter plays the evil Miss Hannigan.

Nell Carter had a stormy relationship with Gimme a Break!

January 23 - Nell Carter (54), singer and actress (heart disease)

More controversy surrounding the show involved Nell Carter.

"Maybe they do not want audiences to know Nell Carter is black", she told the New York Post.

'I, Nell Carter, never, ever, ever accused my producers or anyone in the show of racism,' she said.

- This number was added as a showcase for Nell Carter in the 1997 Broadway revival.