One Life: An Autobiography of an African American Actress

by Ellen Holly

The stage and soap opera actress recounts her struggle with racism during her long career on the program, "One Life to Live," a struggle complicated by her light skin and her alcoholism

Genres: Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1996

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Life The Autobiography of an American Actress is the story of the talented actress Ellen Holly, who though primed to be of use to her race, was unable to reach the heights she so deserved because she was a light skinned African American. Ellen made her debut in 1956 in a Broadway play by South African playwright Alan Paton. Though the reviews were marvelous, she walked on the stage covered with a black dye which covered her pale skin. There were many highs and lows in her career which was punctuated with an on again off again affair with Harry Belafonte with whom she fell in love at age 16. Ellen describes the excitement and glamour of Harlem in the 195os with a flair that puts the reader into every scene. In the 1960s she worked with Cicely Tyson, James Earl Jones, and Roscoe Brown and with others talents of the times. The racial underbelly of the entertainment industry is brought forth in her story. In the Soap Opera Series One Life to Live she played the part of Carla Benari who did indeed try to pass for white unlike Ellen Holly herself. She is a complicated, gifted actress who stayed the course despite numerous obstacles. I am also proud to say that she is my second cousin.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too bad Ellen Holly didn't realize that after her book went out of print along would come the internet making it possible for me to discover that Arthur Burghardt played Jack Scott.

A good book, but man, is she ever bitter about her OLTL days.

[SeaBae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeously written, moving autobiography that is sadly out of print now. Published in 1996 but still very much relevant in its discussion of race and racism in the entertainment industry.

Soap producer Paul Rauch does not fare well (he also doesn't fare well in Llanview in the Afternoon although he has a few fans, and he's the villain of Eight Years in Another World); was happily surprised to see a mention of Barbara Treutelaar, probably my favorite OLTL actress despite a relatively short run on the show followed by leaving acting as a profession, as the one cast member who helped Ms. Holly on her last day and waved goodbye to her.

Very much worth a read if you can get your hands on it.

[Kay Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellen Holly mesmerizes the reader with her combined writing skills and unique ability to share her soul. This is without a doubt one of the best autobiographies I've ever read. Extraordinary!