Esther Rolle
Esther Rolle | |
|---|---|
| File:EstherRolle.jpg | |
| Years active | 1964-1998 |
| Spouse | Oscar Robinson (1955-1960) |
Esther Rolle (November 8, 1920 – November 17, 1998) was an American actress of stage and television. Though her stage and film credits were extensive over her long career, she was perhaps best known for her portrayal of Florida Evans in two 1970s television sitcoms, Maude and Good Times.
Biography
Esther Rolle was born in Pompano Beach, Florida to Bahamian immigrants. Esther was the tenth child in a family that produced a total of 18 children.
After graduation from high school, Rolle moved to New York City and attended Hunter College, Spelman College and the New School for Social Research. She was also a member of Zeta Phi Beta sorority along with former cast member Ja'net DuBois (not at the same time). For many years, Rolle worked in a traditional "day job" in New York City's garment district before working maintenance at the Velvet Touch in Flint, MI.[1]
Career
Theater
Rolle's earliest roles were on the stage; her New York stage debut was in the 1962 play The Blacks. She was often cast in plays produced by Robert Hooks and the Negro Ensemble Company. She also appeared in productions of The Crucible and Blues for Mr. Charlie.[1]
Rolle's most prominent early role was as Miss Maybell in the 1973 Melvin Van Peebles play, Don't Play Us Cheap.[2]
Television
Rolle is perhaps best known for her television role as Florida Evans, the character she played on two successful 1970s sitcoms: Maude and its spinoff, Good Times.
The character was initially introduced as Maude Findlay's housekeeper on Maude, and was spun off in the show's second season into Good Times, a show about Florida's family. Rolle was nominated in 1975 for the Best Actress in a Musical/Comedy Golden Globe Award for her role in Good Times.
Although Good Times was successful, Rolle fought for more relevant themes and scripts, and was unhappy when the success of Jimmie Walker's character J.J. took the show in what she thought was a frivolous direction. As a result, actor John Amos, who played the role of the father, James Evans (though actually 20 years younger than Rolle), ultimately left the show. Later on, in a stand-off with Good Times producer Norman Lear, Rolle also quit when her contract concluded. Although the series continued without her for a time, she returned for the show's final season.[1]
Film
After Good Times, she performed in a number of made-for-television movies and feature films, including Driving Miss Daisy and My Fellow Americans.
She had a major role in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings based on Maya Angelou's memoir of the same name, and has the distinction of having won the very first Emmy Award for the category “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie,” in 1979 for her work in the television movie Summer of My German Soldier. Another memorable role was that of Aunt Sarah in the 1997 film Rosewood. Her last film, Train Ride was released in 2000.
Death
Esther Rolle died November 17, 1998 in Culver City, California from diabetes complications just nine days after her 78th birthday.
Work
Filmography
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Stage
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References
- ^ a b c Hal Erickson. "Esther Rolle Biography". New York Times. Retrieved 2007-04-28.
- ^ Associated Press. "'Good Times' matriarch Esther Rolle dies at 78". CNN. Retrieved 2007-04-28.