Joan Collins and Diahann Carroll, PBS Pioneers of Television Published January 2, 2013 at 600 × 600 in Pioneers of Television Timeline 1984: Diahann Carroll joins ”Dynasty” as Dominique Deveraux. She is the only African American to play a major role in an 80s primetime soap. 1984: Diahann Carroll joins ”Dynasty” as Dominique Deveraux. She is the only African American to play a major role in an 80s primetime soap.