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Home > Theater Reviews > Archives > 2007 > November > 21 > Entry

Actress Carol Mitchell-Leon said to be gravely ill

Friends of Atlanta actress Carol Mitchell-Leon, who recently suffered a heart attack while undergoing a surgical procedure, are rallying around her and praying for her recovery.

By all accounts, Mitchell-Leon’s condition is grave and her prognosis is unclear. According to several sources, Mitchell-Leon’s heart stopped beating for several minutes before she could be resuscitated during surgery, and her brain may have been affected. She is on life support and in intensive care.

While e-mails circle the city about Mitchell-Leon’s illness, those who know her well say that she is a private person who would not want a fuss.

And yet Mitchell-Leon’s acquaintances have established a “CarePage” for her on a public Web site. An update late Wednesday afternoon said:

“Ms. Leon/Carol is still stable and comfortable, but there is not much change to her condition. Your continuous prayers are needed. Take time as you observe Thanksgiving to pray for our beloved Ms. Leon/Carol.”

Widely acknowledged as one of the city’s finest actors, Mitchell-Leon teaches at Clark Atlanta University and has acted on virtually every professional stage in town. In recent years, she has increasingly found work as a director. Among her latest acting credits are “The Bluest Eye” at Horizon Theatre and “Miss Witherspoon” at Theatre in the Square. She appeared in the recent feature film “Randy and the Mob.” Click here to read my 2003 interview with her.

Permalink | Comments (30) |

Comments

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By Lou Harwell

November 21, 2007 6:24 PM | Link to this

She is a Great Actress and we are extremely fortunate to have this wonderful lady in Atlanta. She has a kind and warm spirit. I will continue to pray for her.

Lou H Atlanta

By myconju

November 21, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

I love her work. She is the embodiment of a great actress.

I hope she pulls through. She has more work to do.

By David Gay

November 21, 2007 7:10 PM | Link to this

I am praying for a victory for Carol. I am an actor and director of a high school program in Alpharetta. Once I was disillusioned about theatre and Carol was an inspiration telling me not to let anyone come between me and the art I love so much. I will never forget the gift she gave me.

By Widdi Turner

November 21, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this

One would be hard pressed to find anyone more loved in the Atlanta theatre community than Carol. Not only incredibly talented, but incredibly kind, compassionate, and humble. We are all sending positive light and energy to this woman who has given us the same for many years.

By Drexel Gal

November 21, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this

Get well and live long.

The dearth of comments indicates how truly obscure she is.

By Cujo

November 21, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this

I met her as a student at CAU. She is the coolest and a true artist.

By rianna

November 21, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this

I have enjoyed watching her on stage. She is a talented and powerful actress. I pray that she will recover fully. The Lord is able to do what medicine cannot do. Please pray for her strength and total recovery.

By CAT

November 21, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this

I had the opportunity to work with her on stage in the “Vagina Monologues”. She is a very talented actress and a beautiful lady inside and out!

By Hakim Holloway

November 21, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this

I know that Ms. Leon will pull throw, I must say I am also shocked to read this, but I know there is a god, I just want to say not only is she a wonderful artist, she is a wonderful teacher and friend I am praying for you Ms. Leon

By Theo Ramsey

November 21, 2007 11:20 PM | Link to this

My wife and I just recently watched “The Bluest Eye” at the Horizon Theatre. Ms. Mitchell-Leon did a fabulous job! We are definitely praying for her recovery.

By Mickey

November 22, 2007 8:11 AM | Link to this

I have known Carol for many years and have never seen her without a smile on her face. She is one of Atlanta’s finest actors. She could have gone on to greater things if she had left Georgia but she chose to stay and teach at Clark Atlanta University, where the students love her. God be with her through this trying time.

By William A. Byrd

November 22, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this

Carol Mithcell-Leon is an extraordinary actress. My prayers are with her during this holiday season, and my God keep this beautiful and gifted actress among us.

By S. Sirderis Smith

November 22, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

Carol is a friend, a food conniseur, and just a comical, “secretive” lady. She is smiling! So lets continue to rally ‘round’ and support whatever she chooses to do. And if anyone was auditioning for “Harvest Time” on 11/26, lets make it happen!!

By C. W.

November 22, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this

I am praying for strength and recovery for Mrs. Carol. She was my professor at Clark Atlanta University during my first year yet remained involved in my matriculation at CAU and beyond. I could always count on a smile and a big hug. She is a great person! I will be praying for the family.

By A Tyrone Johnson - Morehouse Alum

November 22, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

Carol Mitchell Leon is nothing short of incredible. My prayers are with her and her family during this trying period. As a student at Morehouse enrolled in oral interpretation courses,etc. at CAU, she was my inspiration and the powerful force of motivation that encouraged me to go to my destiny. She also made sure that all of us were properly exposed to arts & culture in Atlanta via August Wilson’s works and many other great presentations throughout the city. God knows she has made some major contributions to our lives and we know that only God has the power to turn this Gloom into Glory! Come on Atlanta, let’s get our prayer wheels turning!

By D. E.

November 22, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

Just heard the news. Know that there’s a huge crowd of strangers spread out across the country pulling for Carol and holding her in our prayers. Best Wishes- Dex

By Sondra Rhoades Johnson

November 22, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this

Actress, Director, Teacher, Inspiration and Friend. Atlanta holds you dear. We all hold you and your family in our prayers. May God’s healing hand hold you tightly.

By Zeke

November 22, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

A true Atlanta treasure. I have followed her career since I first returned to Atlanta in the 80’s Please get well soon.

By Steve Richardson

November 22, 2007 6:21 PM | Link to this

lOur Prayers go out for Ms.leon Mitchell. I been Knowing her since 1987 her coming into the Mick”s With Kenny, Get well soon …Stevie

By Steve

November 22, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this

I took acting classes with Carol in the early 1980s. She’s one of the warmest and most extraordinary individuals I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. There are those among us whose light shines so bright that we can’t help but be drawn to it. I pray that light stays with us a while longer.

By Muse

November 22, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this

Ms. Leon has always been an elegant woman and a terrific actress. My thoughts are with her - I hope she pulls through.

By Lisa Gistarb

November 23, 2007 2:34 AM | Link to this

My thoughts and get well prayers are with Ms. Leon and her family. I wish her godspeed. While a student in undergrad in the late 1990’s, she was one of my favorite instructors at CAU. I learned immensely from her, she pushed me and saw a talent in me that i have never seen before. Thank you for your gifts… May God Bless You!!!

By Tom Cullen

November 23, 2007 7:21 AM | Link to this

This frightening event has made us all realize how much she means to us. When we have her back, let’s each find a way to let her know.

By Sheila Allen

November 24, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this

Ms. Carol

I love ya to death………my prayers are with ya

Sheila from the Bronx

By Lisa Allender

November 24, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this

Carol Mitchell-Leon is one of the kindest ladies you’ll meet. I worked alongside her way back in 1985 and 1986(before her name included “Leon” in it!) at the old Academy Theatre. She has such range! Her discipline and love of theatre lives with me. Get Well Soon, Carol!

By Diana Walker-Woods

November 25, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this

Ms. Leon you are Great inspiration to me! I pray your fast recovery. Keep on touching lives. I love you and thanks for your guidance. Godspeed.

By DLE

November 26, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

My prayers are with you for a full recovery. God’s blessings to you as only He can! I have always heard wonderful things about you. You have been a great inspiration for my daughter who is a student at CAU.
Be blessed! D.

By Jo Smith

November 28, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

My continued prayers are with Ms. Leon, her caretakers, doctors, and her family. May God bless you, and I will keep you in my prayers!

By Jo Smith

November 28, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

My continued prayers are with Ms. Leon, her caretakers, doctors, and her family. May God bless you, and I will keep you in my prayers!

By Jameel K. Haaris

December 3, 2007 6:56 AM | Link to this

I pray for my college classmate and friend. Carol has always been an inspiration to me. Get well soon.

Jameel K. Haaris

 

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