We Pose A Question: Where Is Nell Carter's Biopic??

We are in a time where biopics or at least the respect of those who helped paved the way are making a resurgence.

With Queen Latifah's much talked about Bessie Smith biopic for HBO, James Brown chronicled Get On Up, Lifetime network snoozefest Whitney *Insert MAJOR side eye* and the upcoming much -heralded NWA biopic Straight Outta Compton due out later this year, it seems that biopics are here to stay.

One particular artist/actress that clearly is missing from the list is Nell Carter a legendary actress who helped paved the way for actresses and comedians such as Thea Vidale and Monique to star in their own nighttime series or the Gabby Sidibe's and Amber Riley's who have managed to make a name for themselves on hugely successful seres as well.  Make no mistake it wasn't just limited to African American woman or men - Nell that "IT" factor and many gleamed from her. 

There aren't many detailed and/or proven versions of Nell's life other than what is outlined in the Internet atmosphere for us to truly grasp what she brought to the entertainment industry during the late 70's and 80's and beyond but what we do know?.

Nell was a STAR!!! 

What we do know is that she was born Nell Ruth Hardy on September 13, 1948 in Birmingham, Alabama and dealt with violent rape at 16 years old which somewhat prepared the future star on how to deal with critics shaming her for her looks and weight later in life.  

Many Nell Carter super fans surely can remember her portrayal of Ethel Green on the now defunct soap Ryan's Hope, her Tony winning appearance in the hugely successful Broadway hit Hair, her infectious turn in the super successful production of Ain't Misbehaving which propelled her further and who could forget her legendary role of Nell Harper a feisty southern woman who is hired to help a widowed police chief keep his house in order, in the highly successful NBC show Gimme A Break. 

The series which ran for six seasons garnered huge ratings for the network and she somewhat held it down for the network way before Bill Cosby's iconic show or Jerry Seinfeld's cult hit show hit the airways. Some of us actually remember a young singer who was getting her feet wet in the acting game appearing in a couple of episodes of series - Whitney Houston people. 

Let's just keep it all the way real - Nell was EVERYWHERE during these years and kicked the door in as an African American woman who could often be heard telling anybody who would listen that she wasn't fat but actually short in stature which is somewhat true being that she only stood 4'11. As her star power grew her personal life was brought to the forefront via threats from the tabloids and she eventually came out and shared of her struggles with substance abuse issues which she spoke candidly about with no shame. 

She had it all but what many don't know is that Nell suffered a series of miscarriages, dealt with a couple of divorces as well as suffering the loss of her brother with whom she was super close and even attempted suicide. She would later deal with surgery at least twice to remove two brain aneurysms and filing for bankruptcy in her later years but her stamina for life was strong and she remained present and transparent.

As her series ended Nell kept working and actually starred in a few series including Hangin With Mr. Cooper, The Glass Harp, Reba and a highly successful turn as Miss Hannigan in Annie. Everybody loved Nell and we are talking heavyweights like Liza Minnelli, who helped her kick her substance abuse issues, Bea Arthur, Donna Mills, Linda Gray and the list goes on and on. 

Nell is and will always be a staple in homes around the world and that resurgence is now stronger than ever with Gimme A Break being seen on all various cable networks as well being released on DVD. Sadly Nell, who managed to raise a daughter and two sons throughout all the tumultuous and happy times, passed away January 23, 2003 in Beverly Hills, California from complications of diabetes and heart issues.

Many of were shocked that she managed to life her life privately and as some have stated as a lesbian in her later years which shouldn't be that much of a shock but how she managed to handle it all is what would make for a highly successful production.  

This a key time for someone to bring Nell's story to the masses and pay homage to this trailblazer who truly hasn't been given the respect that she deserves. Imagine if there was an actress such as Amber Riley or perhaps an unknown actress who is looking for that big break and paying her dues in the acting and Broadway world who would be perfect in the role.

One thing is certain - Nell Carter IS A STAR and deserves the resurgence.