Long before Oprah Winfrey redefined the talk show landscape, Della Reese broke barriers as the first African American woman to host a nationally syndicated talk show.
Yet behind the scenes of her groundbreaking 1969 program, Della, Reese faced stunning racism that nearly derailed her burgeoning career.
Reese, who passed away in 2017 at the age of 86, had already made her mark as a powerhouse jazz singer, earning four Grammy nominations.
But it was her transition into television that cemented her as a trailblazer. Despite Della’s strong ratings and enthusiastic audience reception, Reese’s show was abruptly canceled after just one season.
The reason? A shockingly absurd and blatantly racist claim. In a 2008 interview with the Archive of American Television, Reese recounted that her producer told her the show couldn’t be sold to sponsors because her “gums were black.”
He insisted her smiles were off-putting to audiences.
“The man who was selling our show said he couldn’t sell it because my gums were not pink,” Reese said. “That was his rationale. Every time I smiled, I turned people off.”
For Reese, this rejection wasn’t just about her show — it was a stark reminder of the systemic racism that plagued Hollywood.
Despite the setback, Reese refused to let this discrimination define her career.
Resilience and Reinvention
While Della was short-lived, Reese’s talent and determination propelled her forward. She went on to star in beloved TV shows and films, most notably as Tess, the wise and compassionate angel on CBS’s Touched by an Angel.
The series became a global phenomenon, running for nine seasons and touching millions of lives with its messages of hope and redemption.
Reese also found success on the big screen, delivering memorable performances in films like A Thin Line Between Love & Hate and Harlem Nights.
Beyond her entertainment career, she was a pastor, mentor, and advocate, leaving an indelible mark on everyone she encountered.
Remembering a Legend
Reese’s co-star on Touched by an Angel, Roma Downey, paid heartfelt tribute after her passing, calling her “a mother to me” and reflecting on Reese’s profound impact both on-screen and off.
CBS echoed those sentiments, noting how Reese’s warmth and spirit inspired audiences for nearly a decade.
A Legacy of Breaking Barriers
Della Reese’s challenges as a talk show host in 1969 underscore the barriers Black women faced in an industry slow to embrace diversity.
While her show has largely faded from mainstream memory, its significance as a pioneering achievement in television history remains.
Reese’s life and career remind us that talent and perseverance can shine through even in the face of egregious prejudice.
As a singer, actress, and spiritual leader, Della Reese didn’t just entertain — she opened doors for future generations, proving that every obstacle is an opportunity to rise above.
