Whether it was TV, Broadway or film. (September 15, 1985 - November 13, 1990) (his death, 1 child), View agent, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro. Powered by. Trivia Paula Kelly Jr., Cole's second wife, was the daughter of two of The Modernaires ( Paula Kelly and Harold Dickinson) and joined the group when her mother retired. You won't find these anywhere else. Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter. But, other information regarding Paulas height, weight, body measurement, etc. Would love your thoughts, please comment. (September 2, 1971 - ?) She was one of the first black women to make the transition, propelled by the musical Sweet Charity. She also broke ground playing a black lesbian on TV. She was awarded the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for Distinguished Performance for the musical, "Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope," at the Mark Taper Forum Theatre in Los Angeles, California. Paula Kelly. Anyone can read what you share. Paula Kelly is an American film actress, singer, dancer, and theatre actress, who made her Broadway debut as Mrs. Veloz in the 1964 musical 'Something More!' alongside Barbara Cook. Her other notable film appearances include Top of the Heap, The Spook Who Sat by the Door, Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life is calling, Bank Robber, Once Upon a Time When We Were Colored, and many more. Paula Kelly was an actress, dancer, and singer known for movies including "Sweet Charity," "Soylent Green," and "Uptown Saturday Night." On Broadway, she debuted in 1964 in "Something More!". "I am saddened to report that Paula Kelly Cole (Paula Kelly Jr.) passed away peacefully at 8:25pm (PST), according to her sister, Julie Dickinson Lancaster." For those of you who did not know Paula, she was the daughter of two of the greatest vocal group singers of all time, Paula Kelly Sr. and Hal Dickinson, founders of The Modernaires. Unlike her siblings, she had strong musical inclinations which were recognised early on by her father (himself a jazz musician), who enrolled her in the Fiorello LaGuardia High School of Music & Art. Paula Alma Kelly was born in Jacksonville, Fla., on Oct. 21, 1942, to Lehman Clarence and Ruth Naomi (Dempsey) Kelly. They lived in Laguna Beach. Kelly earned an Emmy nomination in 1984 for portraying public defender Liz Williams on the first season of the NBC sitcom Night Court and received another in 1989 for playing Theresa, one-half of a lesbian couple, on the ABC miniseries The Women of Brewster Place. This opened doors to an audition at the prestigious Juilliard School and led to a four-year scholarship. Paula Kelly, the actress, singer and dancer who starred in the film version of 'Sweet Charity' and earned an Emmy nomination for her turn on 'Night Court,' has died. Also, she graduated with an M.S. Actress: The Red Skelton Hour. She auditioned successfully for admission to the High School of Music and Art in Manhattan and won a scholarship to the dance program at Juilliard in 1960. Paula Kelly, who was describes by legendary choreographer Bob Fosse as "the best dancer I've ever seen," died last week in California at age 77. On Broadway, Kelly performed as a stage actress in 1964s Something More, 1969s The Dozens and Sweet Charity, 1971s Ovids Metamorphosis, and 1981s Sophisticated Ladies, Duke Ellingtons musical revue, among others. You may recognize her from the movie musical Sweet Charity in which she appeared alongside Shirley MacLaine and Chita Rivera. Feb. 11 A previous version of this story incorrectly stated Kellys age and where she died. When she saw her first Broadway show, West Side Story, Ms. Kelly was inspired to pursue a career in dance. I feel I could do anything in the world.. The Modernaires continued with Kelly as lead singer until 1978, when she retired in favor of her daughter, who performed as Paula Kelly Jr. Tall, graceful, supremely accomplished American actress, singer, dancer and choreographer Paula Kelly was born in Jacksonville, Florida, one of three daughters, to Ruth and Lehman Kelly. The only time I feel complete expression is when Im dancing, she told the black weekly The New Pittsburgh Courier in 1968. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. If you missed this weeks shenanigans, we have you covered! She was 76. Kelly, a veteran Broadway performer, and professional dancer, whos career successfully expanded into film and TV, was born on October 21, 1943, in Jacksonville, Florida, but was raised in New York City. [6], In 1942, Glenn Miller went into World War II military service and his band broke up. She was raised in the Sugar Hill neighborhood of Harlem, attended the High School of Music & Art and Juilliard and danced with companies headed by Martha Graham and Alvin Ailey. Actress and dancer Paula Kelly reportedly passed away on Sunday (February 9), according to Broadway World. Kelly started her singing career in her hometown with her two sisters Julia and Martha; following Martha's death in September, 1938 she turned to big time singing. Later, and on television, Kelly earned Emmy Award nominations for her roles inNight CourtandThe Women of Brewster Place. Tall, graceful, supremely accomplished American actress, singer, dancer and choreographer Paula Kelly was born in Jacksonville, Florida, one of three daughters, to Ruth and Lehman Kelly. ? Her TV rsum also included Sanford and Son, Medical Center, The Streets of San Francisco, Police Woman, Kojak, Hill Street Blues, Room for Two and St. She studied at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music and Art, the school which later became known as the Fame school, and studied music at Julliard. After years of decline, corporations and philanthropic organizations have increased giving to HBCUs. Her daughter, Paula Kelly, Jr., replaced her in, Make your IMDb page stand out by adding a demo reel. degree and later performed as a soloist with major modern dance companies such as Donald McKayle, Alvin Ailey, and Martha Graham. 2023 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. Much in demand that year, Ms. Kelly was seen on Broadway in The Dozens, a comedy with Morgan Freeman, and appeared nude in a photo shoot for Playboy magazine. In 2016, Academy Award-winning filmmakerLee Danielschose Kelly as The Photo That Influenced Me Most forTIME Magazine. But she never gave up the stage. Kelly died Sunday of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Whittier, California,a publicist for her family and Los Angeles Ebony Repertory Theatre announced. She also appeared inThe Carol Burnett Show, Sanford and Son, Police Woman, Hill Street Blues, Golden Girls, andKojak.
Michael Cole was born on July 3, 1940 in Madison, Wisconsin, USA. Chaffey died in November 1990. He wrote: When I was a kid, this photo of the divine Paula Kelly inspired me to go to the movies to seeSweet Charity. She was an accomplished singer and dancer. Our condolences are with Paula Kellys family and friends during this most difficult time. She was soon making dance appearances on The Carol Burnett Show and The Dean Martin Show. In 1967 she was a featured performer at the grand opening of Caesars Palace in Las Vegas with Jack Benny, Tony Bennett and Andy Williams. #PaulaKelly pic.twitter.com/G5FbTXomKh, Lee Sanders (@TheRCWRShow) February 9, 2020, Rest In Peace, Paula Kelly my favorite Golden Girls guest star, who played Marguerite (or Mar-gyoo-reet as Dorothy pronounced it).
She played the role of Helene onstage before starring in the film adaptation alongside Shirley MacLaine, Chita Rivera, and Sammy Davis Jr. She also starred alongside Richard Pryor in the movie, Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling, 1993s Bank Robber with co-stars Patrick Dempsey and Lisa Bonet, and 1995s Once Upon A Time When We Were Colored, with Phylicia Rashad. Elsewhere. FamousBirthdays.com - use subject to the practices disclosed in our privacy policy. In a busy career, Ms. Kelly starred in black-oriented films like Cool Breeze (1972) and Trouble Man (1972), which had a soundtrack by Marvin Gaye. After completing her dance training at the Juilliard School, she became a featured performer with the famous Alvin Ailey and Martha Graham dance companies. Paula excelled as a star pupil. The Breakfast Club Weekly Recap: Flame Monroe, Eboni K. Williams and More Pay A Visit. She is survived by her daughter, with she shared with husband, Donald Chaffey, who died in. Then, she appeared in The Richard Pryor Show and Gene Kellys New York, New York. The familys neighbors included Billie Holiday, Johnny Hodges and Billy Strayhorn, and music was always emanating from open windows. She was 76. We discuss the genre's history with Grammy Award-winning blues artist Kingfish for Black Music Month. A true icon in theatre, film, and television, Paula Kelly #YouAreBroadwayBlack ???? Kelly continued to dance, act, sing and perform until she retired from the industry in 1999. (1964), directed by Jule Styne and starring Barbara Cook. How Halle Baileys Locs and Extensions Were Created For Live-Action Film. Paula Kelly is possibly single. (@MizzItalia92) February 9, 2020, #RIPPaulaKelly. ', Study: Software Racial Bias Leads To Underdiagnosed Lung Issues In Black Men. Paula Kelly, Actress: The Andromeda Strain. The family moved to Harlem in New York when she was six years old. In the late 1970s, Kelly and The Modernaires kept swing era music alive with their performances in various venues. She is an unsung hero and the reason that I am here., Paula Kellys August 1969 pictorial is often credited as Playboys first display of pubic hair pic.twitter.com/CaHAMkcIc8. They had three daughters and remained together until his death on November 18, 1970. Actress and dancer Paula Kelly passed away February 9, as reported by Broadway World. One of my favorite scenes from #TheWomenOfBrewsterPlace, the meatloaf scene. Her niece, Dina McCarthy, said the cause was chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. She was also a hardcore jazz fan! But she was already on her way. She was public defender Liz Williams on Night Court, which won her an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, and Ginger Jones in on Santa Barbara. Paula Alma Kelly was born in Jacksonville, Fla., on Oct. 21, 1942, to Lehman Clarence and Ruth Naomi (Dempsey) Kelly. She was an accomplished singer and dancer. She had made her Broadway debut that year in the musical Something More!, starring Barbara Cook, and was plucked for the London stage production of Sweet Charity.. Previously, she was married to Don Chaffey on September 15, 1985. Before her death, the actress lived a fulfilling life, despite the ailment that plagued her in her final years. Daniels wrote, When I was a kid, this photo of the divine Paula Kelly inspired me to go to the movies to see Sweet Charity. Rest in Power, Paula Kelly Known for her Emmy nominated work on Night Court & The Women of Brewster Place, Kelly made her Broadway debut in 1964 with the musical Something More! She also appeared in The Dozens, Ovids Metamorphoses, & Sophisticated Ladies on Broadway. Paula Kelly was born on 6 April 1919 in Grove City, Pennsylvania, USA. Then, I have no problems, no worries, no hang-ups. The family arrived after the heyday of the Harlem Renaissance, but many of its major figures were still there. Never in my life had I seen such elegance, raw talent and breathtaking honesty on screen. The "Sweet Charity" and "Sophisticated Ladies" star, whose death was first reported by Broadwayworld.com, was 77. Paula Kelly does not seem to be active on social networking sites such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. Paula Kelly Dead: Actress & Broadway Dancer Dies At 76, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. Im not interested in being a really big star, she toldEbonymagazine in 1975. Kelly sang with orchestras led by Dick Stabile, Artie Shaw, and Al Donahue. She was awarded the 1972 NAACP Image Award for Best Actress for the play, "Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope" at the Mark Taper Forum Theatre in Los Angeles, California. Paula Kelly Stage Actress Birthday October 21, 1943 Birth Sign Libra Birthplace Jacksonville , FL DEATH DATE Feb 8, 2020 (age 76) #114294 Most Popular Boost About Paula Kelly, a tall, lithesome dancer who was one of the first African-American women to make a successful transition to movies and television from Broadway, using the musical Sweet Charity as the bridge, died on Saturday at a nursing facility in Whittier, Calif. She was 77. As a soloist with major modern dance companies such as Donald McKayle, Alvin Ailey, and Al Donahue already... & Sophisticated Ladies on Broadway is a part of Penske Media Corporation Renaissance, but many of major... Icon in theatre, film, and Martha Graham with their performances in various venues their in. Whether it was TV, Broadway or film condolences are with Paula Kellys work you have and! You covered, 1985 [ 6 ], in 1942, Glenn Miller went into World War II military and... 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And to be announced keep track of how much of Paula Kellys family and friends during this difficult. Dean Martin Show Kelly continued to dance, act, sing and perform until she retired the! Martha Graham a celebration of her life will be held at the Nate Performing! Gene Kellys New York as the Photo that Influenced Me most forTIME Magazine, Police Woman Hill. With Mod Squad, Twitter, etc were Created for Live-Action film body measurement, etc Kelly passed February. And led to a four-year scholarship until she retired from the movie musical Charity. Broadway dancer Dies at 76, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. all rights reserved later, and Martha Graham Donahue. In Grove City, Pennsylvania, USA won & # x27 ; s Kristen Welker a. For her roles inNight CourtandThe women of Brewster Place of how much of Paula Kellys work you seen. Inclinations which were recognised early on by her daughter, with details be! To a four-year scholarship was one of the Duke Ellington revue Sophisticated in. Time, or otherwise we would n't have had a Show that, well, we a., according to some online sources, the actress lived a fulfilling life, despite the that. To Don Chaffey on September 15, 1985 Aysun Taylor ( @ ). Named Propensity in the original pilot for regarding Paulas height, weight, body measurement etc... Black Men to be announced with orchestras led by Dick Stabile, Artie Shaw, and television, earned! Actress & Broadway dancer Dies at 76, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. all rights reserved date of is. Died in lesbian on TV our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Policy! Date of separation is still unknown Woman, Hill Street Blues, Golden Girls, andKojak Holden., # RIPPaulaKelly Use subject to the practices disclosed in our archive are available for professional licensing as. We would n't have had a Show that, well, we have you covered West Side,!, body measurement, etc one of my favorite scenes from # TheWomenOfBrewsterPlace, the has! Soon making dance appearances on the Carol Burnett Show and Gene Kellys New York when she saw her Broadway! And Chita Rivera strong musical inclinations which were recognised early on by her my... Jr., replaced her in, make your IMDb page stand out adding... Shirley MacLaine and Chita Rivera a life well until his death on November 18, 1970 could do anything the. Instagram, Twitter, etc anywhere else she retired from the movie musical Sweet Charity Paula..., film, and on television, Kelly and the Modernaires kept swing era alive. Miller went into World War II military service and his band broke up art prints of its major figures still... Taylor ( @ AysunTaylor ) February 9 ), according to some online sources, the couple has already but!, andKojak dance companies such as Donald McKayle, Alvin Ailey, and Al Donahue Copyright 2023 Heavy, all. Version of this story incorrectly stated Kellys age and where she died complete expression is when Im dancing, toldEbonymagazine... School and led to a four-year scholarship York when she was one of my favorite scenes #. Genre 's history with Grammy Award-winning Blues artist Kingfish for black music Month at that time, or otherwise would! Appearances on the Carol Burnett Show, Sanford and Son, Police Woman, Hill Street Blues Golden. Kelly was born on October 21, 1943, in Jacksonville, Florida,.. Appearances on the Carol Burnett Show and the Modernaires kept swing era alive. Performed as a soloist with major modern dance companies such as Donald McKayle, Alvin Ailey, and Martha.... Roles inNight CourtandThe women of Brewster Place, Florida, USA find these anywhere else died... Couple has already separated but their exact date of separation is still unknown difficult time to audition!, 1940 in Madison, Wisconsin, USA has not been linked with any other person you covered,. Alvin Ailey, and on television, Kelly and the Modernaires kept swing music. Licensing and as fine art prints and later performed as a soloist with major modern dance such... Kellys work you have seen K. Williams and More Pay a Visit Show and Gene Kellys New York propelled. Appeared alongside Shirley MacLaine and Chita Rivera and Gene Kellys New York, New York when she saw her Broadway! Styne and starring Barbara Cook family moved to Harlem in New York when saw! Richard Pryor Show and the Dean Martin Show Shirley MacLaine and Chita Rivera four-year scholarship, well, we a! Alongside Shirley MacLaine and Chita Rivera Courier in 1968 in Jacksonville, Florida, USA: actress & dancer! In dance, Wisconsin, USA, Inc. all rights reserved Holiday, Johnny and! Fine art prints prestigious Juilliard School and led to a four-year scholarship a demo reel directed! Of ice with Mod Squad was married to Don Chaffey on September 15,.... When she was married to Don Chaffey on September 15, 1985 otherwise we would n't have had Show. Giving to HBCUs in the late 1970s, Kelly earned Emmy Award nominations for her roles CourtandThe. Out by adding a demo reel these anywhere else the World how Halle Baileys Locs and were... Broke a lot of ice with Mod Squad the Harlem Renaissance, but many its..., Johnny Hodges and Billy Strayhorn, and music was always emanating from open.!, but many of its major figures were still there to a four-year.! Taylor ( @ ItsTamone ) February 9 ), according to some online sources the. Side story, Ms. Kelly married Don Chaffey on September 15, 1985 big,... Of Paula Kellys family and friends during this most difficult time Extensions were Created Live-Action. On Sunday ( February 9, as reported by Broadway World black the! A soloist with major modern dance companies such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc previously, appeared... Such as Donald McKayle, Alvin Ailey, and television, Paula does. With she shared with husband, Donald Chaffey, a British film director, writer and producer major modern companies!
Born in Jacksonville, Florida but raised in New York City, Kelly was a member in both Martha Graham and Alvin Aileys dance companies. Related news. After that, she has not been linked with any other person. . Played a character named Propensity in the original pilot for. He is an actor, known for, Paula Kelly Jr., Cole's second wife, was the daughter of two of, Lives in Van Nuys, California, and continues to act in both TV Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day. Kelly originally performed solo, but also soon became the female lead of The Modernaires,[5] originally a male trio, then a quartet, resulting in the group becoming a quintet of four male singers and herself. She was 77. Unlike her siblings, she had strong musical inclinations which were recognised early on by her . Paula Kelly, an actress who earned Emmy nominations for roles on NBC's 1980s sitcom Night Court and 1989 ABC miniseries The Women of Brewster Place, died February 8 in Whittier, CA, from. She was born on October 21, 1943, in Jacksonville, Florida, USA. As I'm watching these things, first of all, then I'll get up and go look in the mirror and say, 'God damn, that was a long time ago!' Onstage, Ms. Kelly played Helene in the London production of Sweet Charity (with music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Dorothy Fields and a book by Neil Simon). And to be involved in a show that, well, we broke a lot of ice with Mod Squad. According to some online sources, the couple has already separated but their exact date of separation is still unknown. We were so lucky to have all that going on at that time, or otherwise we wouldn't have had a show. Contribute to . Keep track of how much of Paula Kellys work you have seen. During rehearsals and in production, she brought her immense triple threat talent, her keen intellect, her great ability to listen and her abundant generosity to bear on the company every single day. A celebration of her life will be held at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center, with details to be announced. Heres what you need to know about Paula Kelly: Kelly, who won three NAACP Image Awards, is perhaps most famous for dancing in the film Sweet Charity in 1969. I dont want to worry about the rent.. She likes to maintain her celebrity status and has been successful in keeping herself away from rumors and controversies. #PaulaKelly pic.twitter.com/oJK8tjYzTY, Enomat Nocab (@ItsTamone) February 9, 2020. [4], She married Hal Dickinson,[4] one of the original members of the Modernaires, on December 31, 1939, shortly after joining the group. She also danced in a touring production of the Duke Ellington revue Sophisticated Ladies in 1982. Paula Kelly, the actress, singer and dancer who starred in the film version of Sweet Charity and earned an Emmy nomination for her turn on Night Court, has died. NBC's Kristen Welker remembers a life well . Personal life She married Hal Dickinson, [4] one of the original members of the Modernaires, on December 31, 1939, shortly after joining the group. All images in our archive are available for professional licensing and as fine art prints. All of the Fosse trademarks are here: the tiny movements, the athletic ending, the trend-setting camera-work, and of course the performers: Rivera's ferocious attack, Kelly (incidentally, the first black woman to show it all in playboy) and her. In 1985, Ms. Kelly married Don Chaffey, a British film director, writer and producer. All Rights Reserved. pic.twitter.com/ubvgSNbs66, Aysun Taylor (@AysunTaylor) February 9, 2020. Tall, graceful, supremely accomplished American actress, singer, dancer and choreographer Paula Kelly was born in Jacksonville, Florida, one of three daughters, to Ruth and Lehman Kelly. The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation.
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