>>Q: Life is going just terrific for you right now
>>Diahann Carroll: It's probably the best time I've ever had all around
I mean everything all around
I'm really having my pie and I'm eating it too, if I can be so corny at the moment
because I love my character on Dynasty.
Q: Dominique A: I love Dominique Q: Are you a vixen?
She's wonderful. She's just all... you know you have the opportunity to play all of your fantasies
and walk around in the middle of the afternoon dressed like this, which is just
I mean, who does this? No one does. But Dominique does it.
You really went after Aaron Spelling. I mean, you got this part because you wanted it.
I don't know that that's an admirable characteristic but it worked.
So anything that works, you have to have a kind of an admiration for that.
But you crashed his party
Yes I did. I've never done that before in my life.
Oh sure. Never! Really?
Never done that before in my life.
But I felt it was right
I felt, I said only
there's only one thing he can say, no
I've been thrown out of better places [laughter]
So, uh, when I called this restaurant after the Golden Globe's that evening
I was informed that Aaron Spelling was having a private party for Dynasty
And the young lady was nice enough to say, 'Are you involved in this party, Miss Carroll?'
And I said yes!
And when we arrived
Arron said "DIAHANN!" I said "AARON!"
We really played it [laughter] We really played it
Q: And Dominique was born A: And Dominique was born
You keep getting parts that blacks don't necessarily get.
Isn't that embarrassing for the United States of America
Q: Yes.
in 1985, for you to have to sit there and make that statement
I'm embarrassed. I'm embarrassed as an American.
But the fight isn't over, is it?
No, no, I'm not saying you're incorrect. I'm only saying it's embarrassing.
But nevertheless, it's part of our lives. Yes, it's true.
Where do you think you got all those smarts and that spunk to keep going after it?
Oh, I think this business helps to give it to you.
Uh, you certainly are kicked around enough.
I mean if you, you're either, either two things happen to you.
You don't get the message which is that it's all up to you.
It's all your responsibility.
You do it.
I mean, no one else is gonna give, no one's going to give you anything
uh, or you complain a lot and you soon fade from view.
I think there are people who are born hams
and I think I was one of those. I am one of those.
Narration: While making a name for herself, Diahann says she also created a 'Frankenstein'
a career that ate up her personal life.
While the career flourished three marriages failed.
Things have changed though
and Diahann seems quite at ease with her steady companion, singer Vic Damone.
DC: The first person that you have to make happy is you.
and it's amazing how many people
one can attract when one is happy with oneself.
I know that's a cliche that you've heard a million times, but it really is true.
Q: It makes a lot of sense.
I think at the time that Damone and I met
he too, had come to a place of finding happiness in himself
rather than constantly looking for it in a relationship
and I think we were fortunate to have met each other at that time.
That's fabulous. Wasn't that wonderful?
Q: Oh, I love that A: I loved it too
and they have all of you look as though you might be blown away at the end
Brilliant! Just a... Q: How's your contract?
A: It's alright Q: Oh, good, I'm glad A: It's signed
I fixed it before we shot that scene.
Q: What a terrific business lady! [laughter] A: No, I wish it was...
So you'll be back
Yes yes
Is it tough to keep your mouth shut?
Yeah, it really is because everyone asks.
Everyone wants to know.
Q: Why should I be different? A: Ask!
Q: Hey, what's going to happen?
I ain't tellin'!
Q: You ain't tellin'? A: I ain't tellin' Q: Hmm, I'll give you five dollars [laughter]
Q: I'm sorry, I'm on a budget
Before Dynasty, I would have taken the five dollars. [laughter]