Nell Carter
1948 – 2003
Entertainer
Nell Ruth Hardy, a.k.a. Nell Carter, was known for role as the sassy housekeeper in the television show "Gimme A Break," which ran from 1981 – 87.
Nell Carter was a singer and actress. Born Nell Ruth Hardy in Birmingham, Alabama, Carter won a Tony Award for her work in Ain't Misbehavin and appeared in Annie on Broadway and in the television shows Gimme a Break! and The Match Game.
Carter died from heart disease complicated by diabetes in 2003. She was the mother of three children: one biological daughter and two adopted sons.
When she died, friends and family were surprised to discover barely $200 in her bank account. They were further shocked to discover that Carter had been living as a closeted lesbian, and that custody of her children had been left to her domestic partner.
Carter is interred in the Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery in Culver City, California.
