Carmen de Lavallade had a celebrated career as a dancer that included collaborating with Alvin Ailey and dancing in multiple productions at the Metropolitan Opera as the prima ballerina.
She was an actor who appeared in television series and films, and can be seen in Sherri, Search for Tomorrow, and The Cosby Show. de Lavallade can also be seen in films such as "The Hours," "Lone Star," and "Odds Against Tomorrow." de Lavallade received the Kennedy Center Honors Award in 2017 for lifetime achievement and contributions to American culture.