Please join actors Mariann Aalda, Jonelle Allen, Lauren B. Martin, Iona Morris, Phil Morris and Jim Reynolds in The Locher Room for a tribute to One Life to Live’s legendary Ellen Holly who challenged racial barriers on daytime television in the 1960’s.

Ellen was one of the first black actors to play a lead role on daytime television, she broke barriers and sparked controversy with her iconic portrayal of “Carla Gray.” Carla, pretending to be white becomes involved in a love triangle with a White doctor and a Black intern.

As Mariann Alda stated after Ellen’s passing in December, the success of that story and the popularity with audiences opened doors for other Black actors to walk through. I was fortunate to be one of them, beginning with the fact that seeing her on One Life to Live made me believe that it would also someday be possible for me.”

Mariann originated the role of “Didi Bannister” on The Edge of Night and is currently playing “Violet Givens” on The Bay, Joenelle Allen portrayed “Doreen Jackson” on Generations, Lauren B. Martin played "Camille Bennett" on As the World Turns, Iona Morris Jackson played “Fiona Griffin” on As the World Turns and Passions, Phil Morris played “Tyronne Jackson” on The Young and the Restless and James Reynolds currently portrays Abe Carver on Peacock’s Days of Our Lives.” 

Don’t miss the chance to hear from this talented group of actors on how Ellen and the “Carla Gray” storyline paved the way for black characters and actors to move from the background to front burner storylines. We’ll also hear their feelings on how Black representation has evolved over the past six decades.