Alaina Reed Hall of 'Sesame Street' and '227' Dies at 63

By PopEater Staff Posted Dec 21st 2009 12:17PM

Alaina Reed Hall, the kind-faced actress best known as Olivia on 'Sesame Street' who later starred on '227,' died Dec. 17 in Los Angeles after a lengthy battle with breast cancer, the Springfield News-Sun reported. She was 63.

Beginning in 1976 and running up until the late 1980s, Hall was known to millions of children as photographer Olivia on the PBS show. She told the News-Sun in 2004 it was "the best job I ever had."

In 1985, she was cast in the urban sitcom '227' as Rose, the go-to friend in the neighborhood. The cast also included the always-sassy Jackée Harry and ran for five seasons.

After '227' left the airwaves in 1990, Hall made several guest appearances in shows such as 'Blossom' before scoring a lead role on the short-lived sitcom 'Cleghorne!' in 1995.

Her film credits include 'Death Becomes Her' and 'Cruel Intentions.'

Hall was also a talented singer, having began her career on Broadway ('Hair,' 'Chicago') and released a single, 'Bad for My Head,' in 1972.

'Sesame Street'

'227'

Tags: alaina reed hall, AlainaReedHall

Comments

(76)

Tuesday 22 December

By Nita

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Alaina Reed Hall husband had a blood transfusion after an accedent and it was from a person with AIDs and thats how he caught AIDs

By Jo Ann

I worked with Alaina on "227." What a classy lady and wonderful actress. She had a smile for everyone. My heart goes out to her family and friends--she'll be remembered with love.

By levin

Another tragic loss! Our sympathys go out to her family and her friends and the millions of fans that she had from sesame street where we remember her sweet ways with even Oscar the Grouch to the crazy antics and all the laughs she and Mary,Sondra,lester,Brenda and everyone else at 227 GAVE TO US! TY Ms. Alaina Reed Hall for the memories and the laughter may you rip you BEAUTIFUL soul!

By judy

I WOULD SOONER WATCH A PLUMBER CLEANING MY NEIGHBOUR'S CESSPOOL!!! CLASSLESS AWFUL TACKY LOW CLASS ITALIANS!!! A DISGRACE TO ANYONE OF ITALIAN AMERICAN ANCESTORY!!! IF ANY GUY EVER SMACKED ME THE WAY THAT LOW CLASS GAVON' HIT THAT GAL I WOULD KNOCK HIM ON HIS DAMNED ASS!!! ...THEN FINISH HIM OFF!!!! IF YOU DO NOT DEMAND RESPECT FROM PEOPLE, THEN YOU WILL NEVER GET IT!!

By David

She had a face that just beamed. A very sweet, talented lady with class. RIP.

By Micki

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Don't weep for me, as my God has called me home
Don't weep for me, the angels are singing on the throne
Don't weep for me, I have done all I could on earth for you
Don't weep for me, I will be in heaven watching all you do
Rejoice for me, God has brought me to my family here
Rejoice for me, remember I love you all so very dear
Don't weep my children, for God has spoken
You all have part of my heart as your token.
Rejoice my children, God has taken me to rest
Rejoice my children, for you all are blessed!
by DMS,copywrite2009

By Deborah

I can remember Alaina from 227. She was the very kindly neighbor Rose. She wore a sweet and beautiful smile. I have read the previous posts. These have been the most positive posts I have ever seen on AOL. This is testimony to Alaina's character. My mother passed away on August 15 and she used to say, it's how you carry yourself.
Breast cancer is truly an enemy. I lost my cousin, two aunts and a sister-in-law to breast cancer. I just had my annual Mammogram in October. The holidays can be difficult. It is such a family oriented time. My prayers are with Alaina's family.

By rggirt

Besides the mammogram, you MUST have a BRAC gene analysis for herditary breast/ovarian Ca and definitely a yearly breast MRI. God bless you.

By DAve

God bless her she gave my children many many hours of enjoyment--she was a classy lady and she will be missed hopefully her legacy will be carried on by the children that grew up under her tutelage..

By linda

My heart is with her family. She will be so very missed. I shared many an hour with her and my children. Im so very sorry to hear she is gone*

By Mario

I will never forget that lady from "Sesame Street." Growing up in the 80s, I was hooked on that show. It taught me a lot! And Ms. Hall was fantastic. Her character on that show was the kind that everyone wanted to have as a friend or relative. One of the few positive people that touched millions of children. She didn't even live to see the holidays. And even though I'm 31 years old now. I still feel the kick in the jewels as if I was still that little kid. She was great to watch. I will forever remember her. RIP.

Wednesday 23 December

By TATRODDER

I GREW UP ON SESAME STREET, IT IS VERY SAD TO HEAR OF YOUR PASSING. R.I.P.

By FRANCINE

SO WHAT IF SHE DID.PEOPLE KILLS ME. WHEN SOMEONE PASS AWAY THEY ALWAYS FIND SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT.
LIKE I SAID IF SHE DID THAT WAS HER LIFE,NO ONE ELSE

Low Ranked Vote down Vote up Report this

It has nothing to do with her unfortunate demise, but Sesame Street is a total piece of garbage whose time has long past. It's mentioned as a part of our society. In reality no child should be exposed to this GARBAGE show. I hope it goes off air soon.

Tuesday 29 December

By cris

Much love to Alania and her family for such a lost before the holidays.

By bolo5000

I loved the way that she interacted with camera on Sesame Street. It made the kids feel like she was looking at them and were part of the show. "God bless you Mrs Calabash, where ever you are..."

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