A fabulous first

Young Chang

Diahann Carroll gets thoughtful as she thumbs through memories of a

life full of “firsts” at her Beverly Hills home.

The 66-year-old values her role as Norma Desmond in “Sunset Boulevard”

the most. The musical tells the tale of how the advent of a studio sound

system led to the downfall of many of Hollywood’s silent screen stars.

Norma represents an important part of film history, Carroll said.

Many would say the same about her.

Carroll, who will perform Saturday at Orange Coast College for the

first time, was the first black woman to portray Norma in the Andrew

Lloyd Webber hit. She was the first black woman to star in her own

television sitcom series, called “Julia.” She was the first of her gender

and race to start her own clothing line. Her presence in Aaron Spelling’s

“Dynasty” also gave her the credit of being the first African-American

actress to continuously star in an award-winning nighttime drama.

Called a trailblazer and a pioneer, Carroll says she is grateful for

everyone who “pushed the envelope” before her.

These men and women created “more opportunities for all artists who

were considered, in this country, third-world artists,” she said. Among

those Carroll credits is Lena Horne.

“The musical films were very popular when Lena was beginning her

career,” she said. “And she fought to become a part of that. It was very

difficult and there was great resistance to her, but she did it and I

think we must all be grateful.”

In making her own way as an actress and singer, Carroll has won a Tony

Award and a Golden Globe. She has been a familiar face on television both

as single mom and nurse Julia on “Julia” and as Dominique Deveraux Lloyd

on “Dynasty.”

Her movie credits include “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,”

“Claudine” and “Carmen Jones,” and her Broadway debut was made in 1954 in

“House of Flowers.”

George Blanc, OCC’s administrative dean of economic development and

community education, said he booked Carroll’s performance because her

varied repertoire offers something to all ages.

“Her repertoire is so amazing, that she can do almost anything from

the rock to jazz to contemporary music,” Blanc said. “We always try to

offer a comprehensive season . . . that’s also inspirational and for

different generations.”

He added that OCC’s shows draw audiences from 64 nearby cities, which

means a gambit of ages and tastes.

Carroll is certain to fit in. She calls herself a member of the

Richard Rodgers/Harold Arlen school of music. Carroll’s performance at

OCC will include a tribute to Sinatra and a few Burt Bacharach numbers.

“It’s where I’m most comfortable,” she said of her music preference.

Looking back on her career of more than 40 years, the performer who

loves her grandson, family and beautiful flowers says she still loves her

work but that her fervor has faded, simply due to time.

“Some of the years have been very difficult and I think the

perseverance is something that I take great pride in,” she said. “I

think, perhaps, many of my needs have been satisfied, but I’m not

completely satiated yet.”

FYI

WHAT: Diahann Carroll

WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Orange Coast College’s Robert B. Moore Theatre, 2701 Fairview

Road, Costa Mesa

COST: $37-$43

CALL: (714) 432-5880