I considered Nat King Cole to be a friend and, in many ways, a mentor. He always had words of profound advice.

Some of her other earlier work included appearances on shows hosted by Jack Paar Merv Griffin Johnny Carson Judy Garland and Ed Sullivan and on The Hollywood Palace variety show. Carroll's film debut was a supporting role in Carmen Jones (1954) as a friend of the sultry lead character. In 2010 Carroll was featured in UniGlobe Entertainment's breast cancer docudrama entitled 1 a Minute.

Carroll has been married four times and became the mother of a daughter in 1960. She is the recipient of numerous stage and screen awards and nominations.