In Memory of Actress Esther Rolle (TV's 'Good Times'): 26 Years After Her Tragic Death

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It’s been over twenty-five years since the tragic demise of Good Times African-American actress Esther Rolle by complications from diabetes. She died just ten days after her 78th birthday. Beyond her acclaimed portrayal of Florida Evans, the strong-minded maternal figure on TV’s Good Times (CBS, 1974–1979), Rolle also starred in big-screen movies like Driving Miss Daisy (1989) and Rosewood (1997), and more. This is her story.

A Closer Look

Esther Rolle was born November 8, 1920, in Pompano Beach, CA. She would grow into an established actress who battled Black stereotypes in Hollywood.

Rolle’s big break arrived with her portrayal of Florida Evans, who she introduced to the mainstream TV audience on Maude (CBS, 1972–1978).

Florida became so popular a character she was spun off into her series, Good Times which, like Maude, was produced by Norman Lear.

Good Times centered around a devoted family who struggled on Chicago’s South Side. The series catapulted actor/comedian Jimmie “JJ”/”Dy-no-mite” Walker into mega-star status.

Rolle exited the series after three years. She was disenchanted with the J.J. character, who she viewed as a less-than-stellar example for Black youth. However, she did later return to the show for an additional year.

Beyond Florida

In 1979, Esther Rolle won an Emmy award in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or a Special for her performance in Summer of My German Soldier.

In 1990, the actress became the first woman to receive the NAACP Chairman’s Civil Rights Leadership Award, which honored her work in encouraging a most positive image for African Americans.

In the 1994 miniseries Scarlett, a sequel to Gone With the Wind, Rolle portrayed Mammy opposite Joanne Whalley in the lead.

In addition to Daisy and Rosewood, Rolle’s film credits include How To Make An American Quilt (1995), House of Cards (1993), The Mighty Quinn (1989), and Cleopatra Jones (1973). She also starred in the TV movie Summer of My German Soldier and on stage as a retired maid in the classic A Raisin in the Sun.

Lasting Impression

As Isabel Sanford did on TV shows like All in the Family and The Jeffersons, Esther Rolle paved a positive pioneering path for African-American actresses in Hollywood.