Remembering SAG-AFTRA NOLA Local Member Carol Sutton

SAG-AFTRA New Orleans Local member Carol Sutton passed away on Dec. 11 from complications related to the novel coronavirus. She was 76 years old. 

Sutton, born Carol Dickerson on June 29, 1944, was New Orleans born and raised. Her career began in 1968 as a member of the New Orleans-based Dashiki Project Theatre, then one of the few theater troupes for African Americans in the southern United States. She displayed a natural talent for fully embodying her characters, and often brought humanity and dignity to her roles. On more than one occasion, her performances were said to evoke emotional outbursts from audience members. 
 
Her natural gifts transitioned seamlessly to the screen with film credits for Steel Magnolias (1989), Monster’s Ball (2001) and Ray (2004). Sutton also appeared in several television programs, including True Detective, Queen Sugar and Lovecraft Country. Throughout her 60-year career, which spanned film, television and the stage, she was known as an iconic performer and remembered fondly for her generosity and presence in the New Orleans acting scene. 

In addition to performing, she involved herself in social and educational work, most notably with Total Community Action, a local organization that helps struggling families and children with special needs, until her retirement in 2011. 

In a series of tweets, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell would say of Sutton, “[She] was practically the Queen of New Orleans theater, having graced the stages across the city for decades. The world may recognize her from her performances in movies and on TV … but we will always remember her commanding stage presence, her richly portrayed characters and the warm heart she shared with her fellow cast and crew.”
 
Sutton is survived by her two children. Her wake and funeral services are as follows:

Carol Sutton Lying in State
When: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Monday, Dec. 21
Where: Gallier Hall
545 St. Charles Ave. 
New Orleans, LA 70130

Carol Sutton’s Celebration of Life (to be live streamed)
When: 8 - 10 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 22. Funeral Mass to follow at 10 a.m.
Where: St. Katherine Drexel Catholic Church
2015 Louisiana Ave. 
New Orleans, LA 70115

Please click here to access the funeral home's page for event inquiries. 

Photo courtesy of Anthony Bean