Nell Carter

My son’s diabetes has given me a whole new appreciation for people with diabetes. I remember Nell Carter from her role as Nell on “Gimme A Break.” What I didn't know was the she died of diabetes complications.

Born in 1948 in Birmingham Alabama, USA, Nell Ruth Hardy changed her name to Nell Carter and went on to become a well know singer and actress. Nell Carter died of diabetes complications in 2003.

Talking about her diabetes:

Being diabetic was not what I thought of as being normal, and I feared the stigma of having to take medicine and having people stick me with a needle.

No question about it: I just didn't want the diabetes - but I definitely needed to hear about it.

When I first found out I had diabetes I denied it.
-- Nell Carter

Quotes:

Rich is not better.

I was a weirdo to want to be in show business. Most kids wanted to be teachers or nurses.
-- Nell Carter