Cast & creator
Nell Carter
Best known for The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, Great Performances, Touched by an Angel
Nell Carter was an American actress and singer. Carter began her career in 1970, singing in the theater, and later began work on television. She was best known for her role as Nell Harper on the sitcom Gimme a Break!, which aired from 1981 to 1987.
Also known as: Nell Ruth Carter
37
film credits
24
television credits
61
1953–2024 · acting roles
6.9
average across scored titles
Signature credits
Known for
Across film & television
Filmography (61)
Showing 61 of 61 credits
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
Self
1962
Great Performances
Self
1971
Touched by an Angel
Cynthia Winslow
1994
Jake and the Fatman
1987
Spider-Man
Glory Grant (voice)
1994
Reba
Dr. Susan Peters
2001
Ally McBeal
Harriet Pumple
1997
The Oscars
Self
1953
Hangin' with Mr. Cooper
P.J. Moore
1992
People's Choice Awards
Self - Presenter
1975
Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child
Mary (voice)
1995
227
1985
Gimme a Break!
Nell Harper
1981
Seven Days
1998
Amen
1986
Brotherly Love
Nell Bascombe
1995
The Misadventures of Sheriff Lobo
Hildy Jones
1979
The Rosie O'Donnell Show
Self
1996
Can't Hurry Love
Mrs. Bradstock
1995
The Big Show
Self
1980Christmas in Washington
Self
1982
Hair
Ain't Got No' / 'White Boys
1979The Billy Crystal Comedy Hour
1982
Night of 100 Stars
Self
1982
You Take the Kids
Nell Kirkland
1990
Night of 100 Stars II
Self
1985
Bebe's Kids
Vivian (voice)
1992
The Grass Harp
Catherine Creek
1996
Back Roads
Waitress
1981
Spider-Man: The Return of the Green Goblin
Glory Grant (voice)
2002
The Little Pageant That Could
Self (archive footage)
2024
Maid for Each Other
Jasmine Jones
1992
Swing
Grace
2003
The NBC All Star Hour: Let's All Be There
1985A Benefit Celebration: A Tribute to Angela Lansbury
Self
1996
Mother Goose: A Rappin' and Rhymin' Special
Mary (voice)
1997Morton's by the Bay
Maggie
1989
The Crazysitter
The Warden
1994
Modern Problems
Dorita
1981
Joan Rivers and Friends Salute Heidi Abromowitz
Nell Carter
1988
The Tulsa Lynching of 1921: A Hidden Story
2000
Final Shot: The Hank Gathers Story
Lucille Gathers
1992
Cindy
Olive
1978Nell Carter... Never Too Old to Dream
1986
Back By Midnight
Waitress
2005
Beyond Tara: The Extraordinary Life of Hattie McDaniel
Self
2001
The Best of Broadway
Herself
1985
We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Mrs. Claus (voice)
1999
Irving Berlin's 100th Birthday Celebration
Self
1988
Broadway's Lost Treasures II
Performer (segment "Ain't Misbehavin'")
2004
Sealed with a Kiss
Mrs. Wheatley
1999The Jaleel White Special
1992
My Favorite Broadway: The Leading Ladies
Self - Performer
1999
Fakin' Da Funk
Claire
1997
Voices That Care
Self - Choir Member
1991
The Proprietor
Millie Jackson
1996
Ain't Misbehavin'
Performer
1982
Perfect Fit
Mrs. Gordy
2000
The Misery Brothers
Courtroom Singer
1995
Baryshnikov on Broadway
Self
1980