Esther Rolle had a prolific Hollywood career, appearing in a number of memorable roles. But the role of Florida Evans, the matriarch of the Evans family on the Good Times television show, defined and immortalized her.
Rolle passed away many years ago, yet her legacy lives on via that iconic persona. A Los Angeles funeral was held for Esther Rolle in 1998. What caused her death? What brought about her demise? The Associated Press reported that she was diabetic and receiving dialysis treatment. She was 78 when she passed away at a medical facility.
According to Biography.com, “Esther’s health declined in the 1990s due to diabetes, and she was on kidney dialysis by the time she passed away.”
All in the Family and Good Times will be broadcast live in front of a studio audience once again on ABC on December 18, 2019. Both Woody Harrelson and Marisa Tomei have been cast as Archie and Edith Bunker. Florida Evans, previously played by Viola Davis, will return.
What you must know is as follows.
Esther Rolle Cause of Death
Esther Rolle, a legendary American actress who played Florida Evans on the show “Good Times,” passed away on November 17 of that year, 1998. Her death was attributed to diabetes-related issues. To this day, Esther Rolle’s portrayal of the resilient and caring Florida Evans lives on in the annals of television and the history of the media’s portrayal of African Americans.
Who was Esther Rolle?
Actress Esther Rolle broke barriers for other black entertainers to follow. Rolle started acting in the 1960s after being born in Pompano Beach, Florida to a family of 18. She rose to prominence rapidly because of her exceptional acting chops.
In 1972, Rolle landed the lead role of Florida Evans on the popular comedy “Maude,” and her career took off from there. She became so well-liked for playing the matriarch of the Evans family that she was offered her own show, “Good Times,” which ran from 1974 until 1979. For the first time on television, the role of a strong, independent black woman was portrayed by Rolle in her depiction of Florida Evans.
Rolle, despite her fame, spoke out against the perpetuation of racist Hollywood stereotypes. She famously butted heads with the “Good Times” producers because she didn’t like way the program was going and thought it should be focusing more on important issues affecting black families.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Rolle was busy in cinema and television, receiving praise for her roles in films including “Driving Miss Daisy” and “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.” She also fought fiercely for the inclusion of black actors and actresses in mainstream media.
Although she passed away in 1998 at the age of 78, Rolle will forever be remembered as an industry trailblazer for black performers. She had this to say about herself: “I want to be remembered as someone who tried.” And try she did, blazing a trail for other African-American performers to follow.
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