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.