1950:"Beulah , " TV's first sitcom with an African-American lead actress (Ethel Waters) as an all-knowing maid, debuts. McDaniel later reprises her radio role but eventually is replaced by Louise Beavers. The ABC show ends in 1952.

1981:"Gimme a Break," a modernized "Beulah," starring Nell Carter, debuts on NBC.

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http://www.loudbassoon.com/images/nellcarter.jpg