Selma Diamond, a talented actress, writer, and voice artist, was best known for her iconic role as the feisty court bailiff on the popular TV show Night Court, which aired from 1984 until her untimely passing in 1985.
Born in London, Ontario, Canada, Diamond was raised in Brooklyn, New York, and developed a tough, no-nonsense demeanor that served her well in her early career as a writer for TV shows. She began her writing career in the 1950s, penning scripts for Caesar's Hour, for which she received an Emmy nomination.
Diamond's writing skills eventually led her to radio, where she worked on the popular show The Big Show, before transitioning to television. Her big-screen debut came in the 1963 comedy It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World, where she voiced the character of Spencer Tracy's wife over the telephone.
Throughout her career, Diamond appeared in numerous TV shows, including the popular series Too Close for Comfort, before landing the role of a lifetime as the court bailiff on Night Court. Her distinctive voice, characterized by its nasal, high-pitched tone, became a hallmark of her performances.
Despite her tough exterior, Diamond was a graduate of New York University and had previously made a living by selling cartoons and fiction to The New Yorker magazine. Her remarkable career was cut short when she passed away in 1985 due to complications from lung cancer, leaving behind a legacy as a talented writer, actress, and voice artist.
