Esther Rolle (November 8, 1920 – November 17, 1998) was an American actress of stage and television. She was perhaps best known for her portrayal of Florida Evans in two 1970s television sitcoms, Maude and Good Times.
Esther Rolle was born in Pompano Beach, Florida to Jonathan and Elizabeth Rolle, Bahamian immigrants. Esther was the tenth child in a family that produced a total of 18 children.
After graduation from Blanche Ely High school, Rolle ...
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Esther Rolle (November 8, 1920 – November 17, 1998) was an American actress of stage and television. She was perhaps best known for her portrayal of Florida Evans in two 1970s television sitcoms, Maude and Good Times.
Esther Rolle was born in Pompano Beach, Florida to Jonathan and Elizabeth Rolle, Bahamian immigrants. Esther was the tenth child in a family that produced a total of 18 children.
After graduation from Blanche Ely 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, Inc.. For many years, Rolle worked in a traditional "day job" in New York City's garment district.
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.
Rolle's most prominent early...
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