Home > Theater Reviews > Archives > 2007 > November > 23 > Entry
Mitchell-Leon shows signs of improvement
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Well, there is good news on the condition of Carol Mitchell-Leon, the beloved Atlanta actress who recently suffered a heart attack during surgery.
“She is up and breathing on her own,” says Dee Bell, writing on the Internet CarePage established by Mitchell-Leon’s friends.
“The official update is that she is stable on her own.”
“We are very optimistic at this time,” family friend Andrea Frye said in an interview Friday morning.
Mitchell-Leon had previously been on life support. According to several sources in the Atlanta theater community, she suffered a heart attack during a surgical procedure, and doctors were concerned about her level of brain activity.
“She is moving her limbs and when I came in the room this morning she recognized me and whispered, ‘Deee, Deee,” says Bell.
The news of Mitchell-Leon’s improvement was posted on the site on Thanksgiving afternoon, and by this morning, well-wishers were chiming in about miracles and answered prayers.
“We were very worried that her condition was grave,” Frye said. “But then there was a massive prayer effort. And I do mean massive. …
“If there’s anything that has had an effect, it’s the power of those prayers. The doctors themselves say they haven’t done anything.”
Frye stressed Mitchell-Leon’s insistence on privacy. She said the hospital had been flooded with visitors, but at Mitchell-Leon’s request, guests are not allowed to see her.
The outpouring of love and support for Mitchell-Leon — on this blog and on the actress’ CarePage — has been remarkable.
Students of the Clark Atlanta University professor have written lovely tributes from as far away as Chicago, Houston and Hong Kong — calling her Mama, Mama C and Mama Leon. Moving, joyful testimonials about the lives she has touched.
Those messages are read to her daily.
Here’s a nice selection of photos from her career.




Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Keith A. Hale
November 25, 2007 4:50 AM | Link to this
I’ve been standing on Isaiah 53:5 since I heard about what happened. All I have to say is TO GOD BE THE GLORY FOR WHAT HE HAS DONE!!! I look forward to working with you again…soon! =) I love you dearly!!!
Keith A. Hale Clark Atlanta University graduate & student of Ms. Mitchell-Leon
By toni manieson
November 26, 2007 2:06 AM | Link to this
Carol, I know you’ve still got plenty of things to do. For one, you’ve got to come to Ghana and see my Jazz Club and all the other great things this country has to offer. You know, you’re one of my best friends and we’ve still got to go to lunch! (Smile-Laugh-Hugs) Love you, Toni Jazz Manieson,(Jazz Tone @ Chelsea Place) Ghana - West Africa
By Linda Howard Mckinnie
November 26, 2007 8:00 AM | Link to this
Carol, My prayers and well wishes are ever with you.
I beleive in a God of mircales and blessings and I know He is watching over you. You have so many more great things to offer us and the world! Stay strong and know that you are loved continuously.
I will forward your improvements to Nell Dixon and others who I am sure wish you well as I do.
Much love and a speedy recovery, Linda McKinnie, Former CAU Communications Instructor (1975-1984 then back in 1990-93)
By Lanard Green
November 26, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this
My prayers are with you everyday. I appreciate the things that you taught me while I was at Clark 83-88. Your acting is Oscar worthy.
Lanard Green: Former Student
By Thomas Parks
November 27, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this
My prayers are with you and thanxs for the many years of fine acting. Always a pleasure to see your productions. Hey there’s more to come …..Blessing
By Anita Chase
November 27, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this
dear sister carol, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
your sister from the “aug”, in swingland and dob 05-03 and by all means in Christ.
ola, chase
By Dr. Christopher K. Bass
November 27, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this
Carol, My Heart and Prayers are with you and your family. May your recovery be as quick as your smile.
By Denise McClendon
November 27, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this
Carol, The McClendon family continues to have you in our prayers. You are a beautiful spirit whose anointing has touched the lives of so many including our daughters Keisha and Kari. WE thank you and know this is just a storm, which will pass and give you the strength to continue on Gods mission for your life. Love and hugs Denise Smith-McClendon
By Myrian Richmond
November 28, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this
Carol,
When our friend Deidre told me you were better, I was so thrilled because I know that prayer works and you will have a testimony to share, in your own way, with the world in your future work. I will continue to surround you with positive energy and hold the thought in my mind and heart that every fiber of your being is filled with vibrant, dynamic health and wellness. Lovingly……Myrian P. Richmond
By sharris d. mcduffie
December 1, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this
I TRIED MANY TIMES TO GET THU, TO HEAR FROM THE HOSPITAL AND THERE WAS NO ANSWER. AND I WAS GETTING FRUSTRATED. SO I WENT TO GOD. THE PRAYERS GOT THU SHARRIS D. M
By yemi toure
December 5, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this
Dear Ms. Mitchell-Leon,
you don’t know me, but i saw you in the one-woman show “Who Will Sing for Lena” at PushPush. your monologue at that table in that show is a highlight of my theater-going experience. thank you. i am praying for you.
yemi toure
By Richard "Rick" Mitchem
December 7, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this
Carol, Get well, girl! I miss seeing my first “partner-in-crime” on stage. The educational theatre community needs you! My positive and spiritual thoughts are with you. Rick
By Kenny Meeks
December 7, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this
Miss Carol, my prayers are with you. You will always be one of my favorite teachers! Kenny Meeks, Clark College/CAU Class 0f 89