Esther Rolle American stage and television actress Date of Birth: 08.11.1922 Country: USA

1. Biography of Esther Rolle
2. Theater Career
3. Television Success
4. Later Career and Legacy
5. Death

Biography of Esther Rolle

Esther Rolle was born in Pompano Beach, Florida, to Bahamian immigrants Jonathan and Elizabeth Rolle. She was the tenth child out of eighteen. After graduating from high school, Rolle moved to New York City, where she attended various colleges and even ended up at Yale University at one point.

Theater Career

Rolle made her debut as an actress on the theater stage, appearing for the first time in 1962 in the play "The Blacks". She was frequently invited by Robert Hooks and the Negro Ensemble Company to participate in their productions. One of her most successful roles during that time was the role of Miss Mabel in Melvin Van Peebles' play "Don't Play Us Cheap".

Television Success

However, true fame came to Rolle through television. She began as the housekeeper of Maude Findlay in the comedy series "Maude", and then moved on to the spin-off series "Good Times", which focused on the Findlay family. In 1975, her role in "Good Times" earned Rolle a nomination for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Musical/Comedy. Rolle put a lot of effort into making the show more interesting, relevant, and "smart", but unfortunately, after the success of Jimmie Walker's character, the show started to become more simplified. Eventually, John Amos left the show, followed by Rolle herself. The show continued for a while without her, but she returned in its final season.

Later Career and Legacy

After leaving "Good Times", Rolle received several roles in various TV and film projects. Some of her notable works include "Driving Miss Daisy" and "My Fellow Americans". She was later cast in the lead role in the adaptation of Maya Angelou's memoir "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings", which earned her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries/Film. Her last film appearance was in "Train Ride" in 2000.

Death

Esther Rolle passed away in Culver City on November 17, 1998, due to complications from diabetes.