Esther Rolle was a renowned African-American actress, best known for her iconic roles in the 1970s sitcoms Maude and Good Times. Born in Pompano Beach, Florida, as the 10th child of 18 born to Caribbean farming immigrants, Rolle's early life was marked by a strong sense of determination and resilience.
Rolle's early career began with the Negro Ensemble Company, where she earned a reputation for her powerful performances in various theater plays, including "The Blacks", "Blues for Mister Charlie", "The Amen Corner", "A Raisin in the Sun", and "A Member of the Wedding". Despite her father's insistence that she would never become a servant or maid in real life, Rolle would go on to play these very roles in her most iconic and successful performances.
Rolle's breakout role came in 1972 when she was cast as Florida Evans in Maude, a supporting character who stole the show with her feisty personality and unwavering determination. Her performance was met with widespread acclaim, and she soon earned her own spin-off series, Good Times, in 1974.
