Why was Diahann Carroll replaced in her last two B'way shows ?

[David10086]

I was just reading up on actress DIahann Carroll's stage work, and it said that she was originally cast as Ethel (opposite James Earl Jones) in the 2005 revival at the Cort Theater, but was replaced by Leslie Uggams before opening night.

In 2015, Carroll was cast as Lena in the revival of 'A Raisin In The Sun' (starring Denzel Washington) but was replaced once again before it opened - this time by LaTanya Richardson Jackson.

Does anyone know the history behind this, and why she was replaced before opening nights of each play? Did she ever make it to previews - or was she replaced before previews?  these were the last two Broadway plays which she has been cast. 

As a side note, it also said she was cast in the 2004 revival of 'Bubbling Brown Sugar' which played in Atlanta during July, 2004. It was hoping to go to Broadway, but apparently never made it. Anyone know the story behind that? 

I'm curious as to how this all happened to each of her projects which would have been a return to the B'way stage for her. Thanks for any info! 

[JBradshaw]

http://www.playbill.com/article/diahann-carroll-issues-statement-regarding-departure-from-a-raisin-in-the-sun-broadway-revival-com-214737

Sorry it’s not clickable

[AC126748]

The official reason Carroll left On Golden Pond was a herniated disc — but I always heard it was as much due to trouble remembering lines.

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

AC126748 said: "The official reason Carroll left On Golden Pond was a herniated disc — but I always heard it was as much due to trouble remembering lines."

I believe that was the issue with A Raisin in the Sun, too, and Denzel/Scott Rudin/Kenny Leon weren't happy with how she was progressing in rehearsal. And it seems to have worked out: I doubt the show would have won Best Revival with a bad Lena Younger.

[greensgreens]

I'm sad to hear of this, her performance in Sunset Blvd. legitimately was the most ferocious but also the most layered (and I've seen my fair share of Normas). Her final look in the show alone was 100% different from everyone else's and in that moment, her performance peaked in a way that NONE of the other actresses did. I don't know if that was all her or direction, but that final look... Oooh... CHILLS!

[David10086]

Thanks everyone for the information! I was wondering if she was another 'Faye Dunaway' and didn't know how to behave with others and play nicely. 

 

As for SUNSET, I've heard from many she was the best Norma Desmond. Both acting and singing (though I don't like her cast recording).  I wish ALW would have brought her to B'way after Buckley  - would have loved to have seen her.