Nell Carter was an American singer, actress, and comedian best known for her role as Nell Harper on the NBC sitcom Gimme a Break! She was also a Tony Award-winning stage actress and a Grammy Award-nominated singer. She released several albums throughout her career, including her debut album, Nell Carter Sings, in 1979. She was also a successful Broadway performer, winning a Tony Award for her performance in the musical Ain't Misbehavin' in 1978.