Talk Show First, Della Reese
06/12/24 • 18 min
Della Reese (1931-2017) was a singer, talk show host, actor, ordained minister, and much more. Her career, which spanned seven decades, was marked by faith, resilience, and her ability to break barriers in predominantly white and male-dominated industries.
In 1969, Ms. Reese made history as the first black woman to host her own talk show. Almost more variety show than talk show, every episode offered an entertaining mix of sketch comedy, music, and interviews.
Before her own talk show, Ms. Reese established herself as a prominent television personality by appearing and performing on shows led by Merv Griffin, Ed Sullivan, Phil Donahue, and Johnny Carson. In fact, she was chosen as the first black woman to sub for Johnny Carson as host of the Tonight Show.
But aside from her earlier accomplishments, Ms. Reese is perhaps best known to today’s audiences for her popular television series, “Touched by an Angel,” where she appeared with Roma Downey, John Dye, Valerie Bertinelli, and a guest cast that featured many of the biggest names in television and film.
In her 1997 memoir, “Angels Along the Way: My Life with Help from Above,” Ms. Reese reflects on the challenges she faced and overcame throughout her life, including racism and financial exploitation, while maintaining a steadfast commitment to helping others. It’s an inspirational look at a remarkable life.
RESOURCES
Touched by an Angel https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108968/
Angels Along the Way: My Life with Help from Above https://www.betterworldbooks.com/product/detail/angels-along-the-way-my-life-with-help-from-above-9780399143427
Television Academy Foundation – Foundation Interviews: Della Reese on Having a Brain Aneurysm https://youtu.be/kw0tsFyZO5w?si=Qtqsw WSyHyjrh6H7
CYNTHIA BEMIS ABRAMS AND ATVH
ATVH Newsletter – tvherstory.com
Website - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/
Podcast Archive - tvherstory.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/advancedtvherstory/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@advancedtvherstory
X (Twitter) - https://twitter.com/tvherstory
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Media.Cynthia
Bluesky Social - https://bsky.app/profile/cynthiabemisabrams.bsky.social
PRODUCTION
Video - Nivia Lopez - https://nivialopez.com/
Audio - Marilou Marosz - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariloumarosz/
Della Reese (1931-2017) was a singer, talk show host, actor, ordained minister, and much more. Her career, which spanned seven decades, was marked by faith, resilience, and her ability to break barriers in predominantly white and male-dominated industries.
In 1969, Ms. Reese made history as the first black woman to host her own talk show. Almost more variety show than talk show, every episode offered an entertaining mix of sketch comedy, music, and interviews.
Before her own talk show, Ms. Reese established herself as a prominent television personality by appearing and performing on shows led by Merv Griffin, Ed Sullivan, Phil Donahue, and Johnny Carson. In fact, she was chosen as the first black woman to sub for Johnny Carson as host of the Tonight Show.
But aside from her earlier accomplishments, Ms. Reese is perhaps best known to today’s audiences for her popular television series, “Touched by an Angel,” where she appeared with Roma Downey, John Dye, Valerie Bertinelli, and a guest cast that featured many of the biggest names in television and film.
In her 1997 memoir, “Angels Along the Way: My Life with Help from Above,” Ms. Reese reflects on the challenges she faced and overcame throughout her life, including racism and financial exploitation, while maintaining a steadfast commitment to helping others. It’s an inspirational look at a remarkable life.
RESOURCES
Touched by an Angel https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108968/
Angels Along the Way: My Life with Help from Above https://www.betterworldbooks.com/product/detail/angels-along-the-way-my-life-with-help-from-above-9780399143427
Television Academy Foundation – Foundation Interviews: Della Reese on Having a Brain Aneurysm https://youtu.be/kw0tsFyZO5w?si=Qtqsw WSyHyjrh6H7
CYNTHIA BEMIS ABRAMS AND ATVH
ATVH Newsletter – tvherstory.com
Website - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/
Podcast Archive - tvherstory.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/advancedtvherstory/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@advancedtvherstory
X (Twitter) - https://twitter.com/tvherstory
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Media.Cynthia
Bluesky Social - https://bsky.app/profile/cynthiabemisabrams.bsky.social
PRODUCTION
Video - Nivia Lopez - https://nivialopez.com/
Audio - Marilou Marosz - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariloumarosz/
Previous Episode
Women Who Raise Us - A Tribute From Victoria Rowell
In this special Mother’s Day episode of Advanced TV Herstory, host Cynthia Bemis Abrams explores the profound impact of women who shape our lives, with inspiration from Victoria Rowell’s compelling memoir, The Women Who Raised Me. Rowell, a two-time Emmy nominee and 11-time NAACP Image Award winner, shares her incredible journey through the foster care system and the women who nurtured her into a successful actor, dancer, and advocate. From her iconic roles on The Young and the Restless and Diagnosis: Murder to her advocacy for foster children and mental health, Victoria Rowell’s story is a testament to resilience and the power of community. Celebrate the women who help us find our voices, whether they’re mothers, mentors, or friends. This episode offers heartfelt reflections and resources to honor National Foster Care Month. Resources:
Books & Films:
- The Women Who Raised Me: A Memoir by Victoria Rowell Available on Barnes & Noble
- Summer Camp (In theaters May 31, 2024) IMDB Page
Videos:
- Victoria Rowell: Featured Speaker for the Paul & Louise Miller Lecture Series Watch on YouTube
Advocacy:
- National Foster Care Month Learn More
- ATVH Newsletter: tvherstory.com
- Website: cynthiabemisabrams.com
- Podcast Archive: tvherstory.com
- Instagram: @advancedtvherstory
- YouTube: Advanced TV Herstory Channel
- X (Twitter): @tvherstory
- Facebook: Media.Cynthia
- Bluesky Social: Cynthia Bemis Abrams
- Video Production: Nivia Lopez
- Audio Editing: Marilou Marosz
- Music: Jahzzar - Free Music Archive
Next Episode
Year 9: A Look Back and Ahead
Welcome to our annual anniversary episode where I share thoughts on the podcast's evolution —improvements, opportunities, and what’s in store for the future. With this look back at the podcast highlights and TV moments that have taught us and inspired us, I also recommit to our mission: Connecting the dots of feminism & TV and American politics & culture.
Can you believe we’re heading into our 10th year?! When I started the podcast in 2015, I wasn’t sure where Advanced TV Herstory would go. But it's important to reflect on one's work, solicit and discuss feedback, and provide context for viewing the cultural mirror that defines American television. In today’s environment, simply put, this work feels more vital than ever.
About that feedback. How are we doing? What can we do better? What topics are of particular interest to you? Please connect at any of the resources listed below. Better yet, subscribe to the Advanced TV Herstory newsletter for special content and a more personalized space to explore and exchange. Your information is NEVER shared and, like the podcast, our newsletter is completely ad free.
As always, thank you for listening and being part of the Advanced TV Herstory community. Cheers to another year!
CYNTHIA BEMIS ABRAMS AND ATVH
ATVH Newsletter – tvherstory.com
Website - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/
Podcast Archive - tvherstory.com
Email - [email protected]
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/advancedtvherstory/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@advancedtvherstory
X (Twitter) - https://twitter.com/tvherstory
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Media.Cynthia
Bluesky Social - https://bsky.app/profile/cynthiabemisabrams.bsky.social
PRODUCTION
Video - Nivia Lopez - https://nivialopez.com/
Audio - Marilou Marosz - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariloumarosz/
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