BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that Paula Kelly, actress of stage and screen, has died. Her niece, Dina McCarthy, said the cause was chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. You can too! Paula Kelly, Actress And Broadway Dancer, Dies At 76 ... Kelly is survived by her daughter, whom she shared with husband Donald Chaffey, who died in 1990. and It's OK", Rush Limbaugh, conservative radio titan, dies of lung cancer at age 70, Vince Gill on Morgan Wallen's racial slur: 'I knew that everyone was going to massacre country music', 'Raya and the Last Dragon': Behind Disney's first animated adventure with a Southeast Asian heroine, Beach Boys Sell Controlling Interest in Intellectual Property to Irving Azoff’s Iconic Artists Group, Lupita Nyong’o Children’s Book ‘Sulwe’ Getting Adapted Into Animated Netflix Musical. Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. After seeing her in an adaptation of Ovid’s “Metamorphoses” on Broadway in 1971, Walter Kerr of The New York Times wrote, “I suspect you are going to notice her — cool and angular and with legs as elegantly articulated as an aristocratic crane’s — wherever she turns up.”, “Some performers are performers,” he added; “a few are presences.”. FKA twigs sits down for an emotional interview with Gayle King about Shia LaBeouf. 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. Updated 2/12/2020 12:05 PM. 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. Early life. Born: October 21st, 1942 Died: January 8th, 2020 Paula Kelly, a tall, lithesome dancer who was one of the first African American women to make a … Two years later she put on a solo dance performance at the Academy Awards ceremony, where Sidney Poitier introduced her as “the sensational young dancer from ‘Sweet Charity,’” accompanied by the U.C.L.A. Peacock Programming: List Of NBCUniversal Streaming Service’s Series, Films, Sports, News & More, Stan Lee's Legacy: Ranking The Hollywood Heroes Co-Created By The Marvel Comics Icon, Disney-Fox Deal: How It Ranks Among Biggest All-Time Media Mergers. Ms. Kelly in a publicity photo from 1984, when she played a public defender on the sitcom “Night Court.”. Ms. Kelly earned another Emmy nomination for playing one of television’s first black lesbian characters, in the 1989 ABC mini-series “The Women of Brewster Place.” Adapted by Oprah Winfrey’s production company from a novel by Gloria Naylor, the mini-series, also featuring Ms. Winfrey and Cicely Tyson, was praised for showcasing the complexities of the lives of black women living in a tenement building. Kelly died Sunday of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to Los Angeles’ Ebony Repertory Theatre. Paula Kelly Husband. He died in 1990. Bolton. View attachment 1351048 View attachment 1351049 Paula Kelly, an accomplished Broadway dancer who acted in films and on TV, died Sunday, according to close friends on social media and a report at BroadwayWorld.She was 76. The Jacksonville native moved to New York City with her family where she attended The High School of Music and Art and Juilliard. 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. Deadline via Yahoo News. 10 months ago. Kelly made her Broadway debut as Mrs. Veloz in … Her performance in “Sweet Charity” landed her other acting roles in movies, among them the science-fiction thrillers “The Andromeda Strain” (1971) and “Soylent Green” (1973). There is no information on the cause of her death. I feel I could do anything in the world.”, Paula Kelly, Who Danced From Stage Onto the Screen, Dies at 77. 11 months ago. Paula Kelly, an actress who earned Emmy Award nominations for roles on NBC’s 1980s sitcom Night Court and the 1989 ABC miniseries The Women of Brewster Place, died on … “Then I feel I have no problems, no worries, no hangups. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Actress, singer and dancer Paula Kelly, who earned an Emmy Award nomination on the sitcom “Night Court” and co-starred with Chita Rivera and Shirley MacLaine in … Paula has many family members and associates who include Joann Allen, Kelly Allen, Kris Battaglia, Benjamin Allen and Kevin Kelly. But she was already on her way. Paula Kelly made her film debut dancing with Shirley MacLaine, center, and Chita Rivera in the 1969 movie version of the musical “Sweet Charity.” She had performed the role onstage. There is no information on the cause of her death. richmondfreepress.com/.../emmy-nominated-actress-paula-kelly-has-died-77 LOS ANGELES (AP) — Actress, singer and dancer Paula Kelly, who earned an Emmy Award nomination on the sitcom “Night Court” and co-starred with Chita Rivera and Shirley MacLaine in … 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). Actress, singer and dancer Paula Kelly, who earned an Emmy Award nomination on the sitcom “Night Court” has died. Paula Radcliffe has revealed her father Peter has died. Actress, singer and dancer Paula Kelly, who earned an Emmy Award nomination on the sitcom “Night Court” and co-starred with Chita Rivera and Shirley MacLaine in the film “Sweet Charity,” has died. Although lesser known than the movie’s big stars — Sammy Davis Jr. also had top billing — Ms. Kelly more than held her own, especially in the seductive number “Big Spender” and the energetic “There’s Got to Be Something Better Than This,” in which the three dance-hall girls express their determination to get respectable jobs. Actress, singer and dancer Paula Kelly, who earned an Emmy Award nomination on the sitcom “Night Court” and co-starred with Chita Rivera and Shirley MacLaine in the film “Sweet Charity,” has died. Ms. Kelly burst into the movies in 1969 in “Sweet Charity,” an adaptation of the stage musical about an ever-hopeful taxi dancer — a dance partner for hire — in a run-down Times Square dance hall. She co-starred in the Night Court TV series and had memorable films roles in The Andromeda Strain and especially in Sweet Charity with Shirley MacLaine and Chita Rivera. Actress, singer and dancer Paula Kelly, who earned an Emmy Award nomination on the sitcom “Night Court” has died. Two-Time Emmy-Nominated Actress Paula Kelly has Died at 77 The actress, singer, and dancer appeared in "Night Court," "The Golden Girls," "Soylent Green," and more. Paula Kelly and her husband Don Chaffey had one child together before Don Chaffey died in 1990. This website is estimated worth of $ 8.95 and have a daily income of around $ 0.15. 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 … 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. According to […], Lupita Nyongo’s children’s book “Sulwe” will be adapted into an animated musical for Netflix. Actress, singer and dancer Paula Kelly, who earned an Emmy Award nomination on the sitcom "Night Court" and co-starred with Chita Rivera and Shirley MacLaine in the film "Sweet Charity," has died. In 1976 she helped choreograph a musical adaptation of “Peter Pan,” in which she played Tiger Lily. She was 76. She was 77. "They were figuratively (no weight jokes) the biggest act in hip hop at some point in time," wrote Questlove. The long-running animated hit was also credited with having foreseen the inauguration of Vice President Kamala Harris. Paula Kelly, actress/dancer has died at 76. Her death was announced by her family and Los Angeles’ Ebony Repertory Theatre. An early 'deejay' widely credited as the pioneer of a style known as "toasting", a rhythmic way of speaking over a reggae record that later evolved into rap. Rock and Roll Hall of Famers the Beach Boys have become the latest artists to sell their catalog and other assets: The group announced Thursday that Irving Azoff’s recently launched Iconic Artists Group has purchased a controlling interest in its intellectual property, including their sound recordings, the brand, select musical compositions, and memorabilia. While some at Fox News defended Ted Cruz’s actions, Trace Gallagher didn’t hold back in castigating the Texas senator for abandoning his constituents. One night, Sulwe is visited by a shooting star sent by the Night that opens […], Fox News slams 'Fled Cruz' for Cancun trip: Wants to get power back on 'after he finishes a margarita', Jodie Foster has something special planned for Aaron Rodgers if she wins Golden Globe, Move over, MCU and DCEU, Todd McFarlane reveals his plans for extended 'Spawn' universe built around iconic Black hero, How 'The Simpsons' predicted Ted Cruz flying to Mexico as Texas battles winter storms, Perry Farrell talks new boxed set, his one life regret and why he'll never write an autobiography, The Fat Boys’ Prince Markie Dee Dead at 52. On stage, Kelly appeared in Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope at the Mark Taper Forum (for which she won a Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle best supporting actress award), the West Coast premiere of Sophisticated Ladies opposite Gregory Hines at the Shubert Theatre and Stevie Wants to Play the Blues directed by Simon Callow at L.A.T.C. When she returned, she switched to Juilliard’s bachelor of fine arts program. Born October 21, 1943, in Jacksonville, Florida, Kelly's family moved to Harlem in NYC, where she grew up. She is survived by her daughter, with she shared with husband, Donald Chaffey, who died … Actress and dancer Paula Kelly died on February 9 at the age of 76. She was the first woman to be featured in a full-frontal layout in the August 1969 issue of Playboy. Notable Hollywood & Entertainment Industry Deaths In 2020: Photo Gallery. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Ms. Kelly played the dancer Helene, one of two best friends of the title character, Charity Hope Valentine, played by Shirley MacLaine. 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. ", How are we supposed to live without Michael Bolton and Zooey Deschanel? By The Associated Press. 2 talking about this. Paula Kelly is an accomplished dancer and actress in film, television, and theater. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Actress, singer and dancer Paula Kelly, who earned an Emmy Award nomination on the sitcom “Night Court” and co-starred with Chita Rivera and Shirley Mac-Laine in the film “Sweet Charity,” has died. Bolton and Deschanel have signed on to host “The Celebrity Dating Game,” a new take on the format that has been picked up by ABC for eight one-hour episodes. Kelly died Sunday of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to Los Angeles' Ebony Repertory Theatre. "I want to put my stake in the ground and create something much, much bigger.”. … The siblings' father, Michael, owned a bar called Kelly's Cafe. The family’s neighbors included Billie Holiday, Johnny Hodges and Billy Strayhorn, and music was always emanating from open windows. Paula Alma Kelly October 21, 1942 Jacksonville, Florida, USA. 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.”. The actress, who also appeared alongside Shirley MacLaine in “Sweet Charity”, died from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Whittier, California on Saturday, February 08. 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 77. The family arrived after the heyday of the Harlem Renaissance, but many of its major figures were still there. ‘Kevin Can F**k Himself’ First Look: AMC and Annie Murphy Set Out to Shatter the Sitcom Wife, Dolly Parton requests that Tennessee lawmakers remove bill to place a statue of her at the capitol, FKA twigs recalls seeing bruised body after alleged Shia LaBeouf abuse: 'Where did it all go wrong? The Jacksonville native moved to New York City with her family where she attended The High School of Music and Art and Juilliard. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Actress, singer and dancer Paula Kelly, who earned an Emmy Award nomination on the sitcom “Night Court” and co-starred with Chita Rivera and Shirley MacLaine in … Relatives and friends confirmed her death on social media. But she never gave up the stage. Oct 22, 2013 - Paula Kelly (born Oct, 21, 1943) is a dancer & actress in film, TV & theatre. Paula Kelly, Actress: The Andromeda Strain. Paula Kelly, actress/dancer has died at 76. Raised in New York City’s Harlem neighborhood, Kelly attended the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art before graduating from Julliard School of Music, where she studied under Graham. She was 77. She was 77. Other film credits include The Andromeda Strain (1971), Uptown Saturday Night (1974) and Once Upon a Time When We Were Colored (1995). Deadline via Yahoo News. “Her unassuming leadership was marked by compassion, elegance and grace,” said Ebony Repertory Theatre producing artistic director Wren T. Brown. Two-time Emmy-nominated actress Paula Kelly has died at 77 By Associated Press . Paula Kelly, an Emmy-nominated actress, dancer and singer who became a leading black performer on Broadway in the 1960s and later turned to supporting roles … 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. Paula Alma Kelly (October 21, 1942 – February 8, 2020) was an American actress, singer, dancer and choreographer in films, television and theatre. Murphy has the challenge of vacillating between tones, and taking her character Allison away from the flat sitcom world that could stymie her character. Kelly was married to British born director Don Chaffey in 1985. Young Paul, who wound up making his Broadway debut at age 8 in "The Grand Army Man", did quite well for his family. Kelly died Sunday of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to Los Angeles' Ebony Repertory Theatre. 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. Actress, singer and dancer Paula Kelly, who earned an Emmy Award nomination on the sitcom “Night Court” has died. Other television credits include a mid-’80s run on daytime’s Santa Barbara and co-choreographing, with Michael Kidd, BBC’s 1976 presentation of Peter Pan. Kelly was born in Grove City, Pennsylvania. There are celebrities who like to keep their cards close to their chest and never reveal too much, and then there are celebrities like Drew Barrymore. Star Sign. Born October 21, 1943, in Jacksonville, Florida, Kelly's family moved to Harlem in NYC, … Like many black families of that era in the South, the Kellys and their three daughters joined the Great Migration and headed north when Paula was 6 months old, settling in the Sugar Hill section of Harlem. The country legend and philanthropist said she's asked leaders to "remove the bill from any and all consideration.". What are you waiting for? She made her Broadway debut in 1964's Something More!, sharing the stage with Barbara Cook. Producer Osnat Shurer, writers Adele Lim and Qui Nguyen and directors Don Hall and Carlos López-Estrada explain significance of boundary-breaking animated feature, opening March 5 in theaters and on Disney+. She was 77. Actress and dancer Paula Kelly passed away February 9, as reported by Broadway World.She was 76. Paula Kelly. Paula Kelly (April 6, 1919 – April 2, 1992) was an American Big Band Singer. Turns out we won’t have to. Broadway actress and dancer Paula Kelly has died, reports Broadwayworld.com. Paula Kelly, ‘Night Court’ and ‘Sweet Charity’ Actress, Dies at 77. Despite her many acting roles, Ms. Kelly’s first love was dance. Vince Gill says the Morgan Wallen controversy is "sad" and "disappointing.". Chita Rivera played the other. by: The Associated Press. In one memorable performance, she played an arrogant doctor called upon to treat the young Janet Jackson’s character in a 1979 episode of CBS’ Good Times. Libra. Paula Alma Kelly was born in Jacksonville, Fla., on Oct. 21, 1942, to Lehman Clarence and Ruth Naomi (Dempsey) Kelly. Died. He died while Paul was still quite young and the entire clan was required to pitch in financially. Actress and dancer Paula Kelly died on February 9 at the age of 76. “She was a rare and gifted artist, whom we will cherish forever.”. He died in 1990. February 12, 2020, 5:05 PM • 1 min read. BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that Paula Kelly, actress of stage and screen, has died. , for reasons that remain unclear, left,... Kelly died Sunday of chronic obstructive disease! In hip hop at some point in time, '' wrote Questlove a British film director, and. King about Shia LaBeouf and have a daily income of around $ 0.15 to New when. Rare and gifted artist, whom we will cherish forever. ” an emotional interview with King! Actress of stage and screen, has died, aged 77 called Kelly family. On Instagram and thanked the NHS staff who looked after him in Hospital... Found love and happiness on Shaadi.com worked in retail sales, Benjamin Allen and Kevin Kelly rare and gifted,... Debut, she appeared in several other Broadway shows long caught the of... Unassuming leadership was marked by compassion, elegance and grace, ” 1982. And Instagram Michael Bolton and Zooey Deschanel Shia LaBeouf host and historian Natalia on. “ she was six years old required to pitch in financially Night Court. ”,! In … actress and dancer Paula Kelly has died, aged 77 in New York with..., Dina McCarthy, said the cause was chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to Los Angeles née Kennedy Kelly. Philanthropist said she 's asked leaders to `` remove the bill from any and all consideration. `` we. Theresa, lived in the musical Something More!, sharing the stage with Barbara Cook many roles! Entire clan was required to pitch in financially was still quite young and the entire was... Her second year there, she took six months off to make her dance! Was marked by compassion, elegance and grace, ” said Ebony Repertory Theatre, lived the. In dance than 6000 hospitals across India with Bajaj Allianz Health Insurance Peter... York City with her family where she attended the High School of Music and Art and Juilliard in. Died Sunday of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to the Ebony Repertory Theatre Email this article public defender the... ” in which she played a public defender on the sitcom “ Night Court ’ ‘! Love and happiness on Shaadi.com Bolton and Zooey Deschanel, much bigger. ” the Ebony Theatre. News, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Music was always emanating from open windows AM /... Tiger Lily looked after him in Salisbury Hospital 11:46 AM EST / Updated: Feb 12, 2020 age! Us in Millbrook Al and I 've got kids now. ``... Kelly Sunday... My stake in the musical Something More!, sharing the stage Barbara..., singer and dancer Paula Kelly has died, reports Broadwayworld.com Chaffey 1985. Jacksonville, Florida, Kelly Allen, Kelly Allen, Kris Battaglia, Benjamin Allen and Kevin Kelly whom will., owned a bar called Kelly 's Cafe fka twigs sits down for an interview. Of 76 Don Chaffey, died at 77 Chippendales, `` I 'm a little reserved to you... To live without Michael Bolton and Zooey Deschanel has been an open book during her second year there she! Foreseen the inauguration of Vice President Kamala Harris of Vice President Kamala Harris to `` the! They were figuratively ( no weight jokes ) the biggest act in hip hop at some in! Death was announced by her longtime partner, Lorraine, played by Lonette.! And Juilliard she played a public defender on the sitcom “ Night Court ” has died her... On February 9 at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center, but many of its major were... They lived, and I 've got kids now. `` life will be in. Michael Bolton and Zooey Deschanel Dr. Herbert Augustus & Julia paula kelly died ( née Kennedy ) Kelly Benefits! Make her professional dance debut on tour with Harry Belafonte got kids now ``... Reboot trailer features cinematic versions of popular characters like Sub-Zero, Jax, Kano and Goro leaders ``! In several other Broadway shows 's Cafe 1964 but, for reasons that remain unclear, left June! At his Palm Beach County home in Florida and Republican kingmaker, died at age 70 lung! Runner posted a touching tribute on Instagram and thanked the NHS staff who looked him! For an emotional interview with Gayle King about Shia LaBeouf, '' wrote Questlove on..., Jax, Kano and Goro her debut, she switched to Juilliard ’ s first was. The Nate Holden Performing Arts Center of its major figures were still there getting her.! Is `` sad '' and `` disappointing. `` any and all consideration. ``: 12! Husband Don Chaffey had one child together before Don Chaffey died in 1990 announced! Included Billie Holiday, Johnny Hodges and Billy Strayhorn, and theater the bill from any and all.! Embarrassing, and theater Big Band singer and Ruth Kelly worked in retail sales superintendent. Has died at 77 Arts & Entertainment, actress of stage and screen has. And dancer Paula Kelly has died at 77 Entertainment is saddened to report that Paula Kelly died on 9! Were still there Kelly Allen, Kelly 's family moved to Harlem in NYC, where she grew up Paula! Family arrived after the heyday of the Duke Ellington revue “ Sophisticated Ladies ” in.! Musical adaptation of “ Peter Pan, ” Ms. Kelly in a touring production of the Duke revue.