Esther Roll was born on November 8, 1920, in Pompano Beach, Florida. She was the tenth of eighteen children born to Bahamian immigrant parents, Jonathan and Elizabeth Roll. Growing up in a large, close-knit family, Esther Roll developed a strong sense of responsibility and community from a young age.
Her early years were spent helping on the family farm while attending local schools. She graduated from Blanche Ely High School and later moved to New York City to pursue a career in performing arts. These formative years laid the foundation for the discipline and dedication that defined Esther Roll’s career.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Esther Elizabeth Roll |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 8, 1920 |
| Place of Birth | Pompano Beach, Florida, USA |
| Age at Death | 78 years |
| Height | 5′5″ (1.65 m) |
| Occupation | Actress, Dancer |
| Famous For | Florida Evans in Good Times and Maude |
| Sisters | Estelle Evans, Rosanna Carter |
| Spouse | Oscar Robinson (1955–1975) |
| Net Worth | Approx. $1 million |
| Awards | Primetime Emmy Award for Summer of My German Soldier |
| Death | November 17, 1998 |
Physical Appearance and Personality
Standing at approximately 5’5” (1.65 m), Esther Roll had a distinctive gap-toothed smile and a deep, gravelly voice that made her performances memorable. Her unique presence brought authenticity and depth to every role she played. Colleagues often noted her professionalism, strong moral character, and dedication to portraying meaningful characters with integrity.
Despite her fame, she remained grounded and maintained a humble lifestyle, focusing more on her craft and the impact of her roles than on celebrity life.
Education and Early Career
Esther Roll’s journey into the arts began with theater and dance. She joined the dance troupe Shogolo Oloba, eventually becoming its director in 1960. Her early training helped refine her skills, teaching her both discipline and the ability to convey emotion through performance.
She made her stage debut in 1962 in The Blacks, and later joined the Negro Ensemble Company, performing in plays such as Blues for Mr. Charlie and The Amen Corner. These early experiences allowed she to cultivate a reputation for powerful, meaningful performances that resonated with audiences.
Television Breakthrough
The defining moment in Esther Roll’s career came when she was cast as Florida Evans on the sitcom Maude (1972–1974). Her portrayal was so impactful that it led to a spin-off series, Good Times (1974–1979), which cemented her status as a television icon.
Before accepting the role, she insisted that the show feature a strong father figure in the family, challenging prevalent stereotypes about African-American households. She later advocated for meaningful storytelling and temporarily left the show when she felt it compromised its message. Her efforts helped reshape television representation for African-American families.
Film Work and Later Career
While he was most recognized for her television work, she also had a notable film career. She won a Primetime Emmy Award for Summer of My German Soldier (1978), showcasing her dramatic talent. She also appeared in acclaimed films such as Driving Miss Daisy (1989) and Rosewood (1997).
Her film roles, like her television appearances, were chosen with intention. Esther Roll consistently selected characters that reflected dignity, resilience, and depth, further establishing her legacy as a performer who valued quality and meaningful representation over fame alone.
Personal Life and Family
He married Oscar Robinson in 1955, though the marriage ended in 1975. She did not have children. Her sisters, including fellow actresses Estelle Evans and Rosanna Carter, shared her passion for the performing arts.
Despite her achievements, Esther Roll remained deeply connected to her family and heritage, valuing cultural roots and community ties. Her personal values often influenced her professional decisions, especially her insistence on authentic storytelling.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
The legacy of he is far-reaching. She helped redefine African-American representation on television, challenging stereotypes and presenting families with integrity and respect. Her role as Florida Evans became iconic, inspiring countless viewers and performers alike.
In 1991, he was inducted into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame, cementing her influence and contributions to both theater and television. Her impact continues to be recognized in discussions about cultural representation and the power of strong, principled storytelling.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
Although precise figures vary, Esther Roll’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million at the time of her passing. While she did not accumulate extreme wealth, her real success lay in her enduring impact on audiences and her dedication to meaningful roles.
Her lifestyle reflected her values—humble, principled, and focused on community and family rather than luxury or material excess. Even as her fame grew, He remained true to her roots.
Fun Facts About Esther Roll
- Before acting full-time, Esther Roll worked in a New York garment district to support her studies.
- Her father had promised she would never become a maid, though her most famous character was a housekeeper.
- She released a music album titled The Garden of My Mind in 1975.
- In the 1990s, she appeared in commercials for a psychic hotline with the tagline “Tell them Esther sent you.”
These insights show the multidimensional life of her, illustrating her personality, creativity, and unique sense of humor.
Final Thoughts
Esther Roll’s journey from a large Bahamian-American family in Florida to national television and film success demonstrates resilience, integrity, and dedication. She was more than an actress—she was a trailblazer who set new standards for representation, dignity, and cultural impact.
Her characters, particularly Florida Evans, remain iconic, showing the world the importance of authenticity in storytelling. Even decades after her passing, she continues to inspire audiences, actors, and writers, proving that a commitment to meaningful work leaves a legacy far greater than fame alone.
FAQs About Esther Roll
1. Who was Esther Roll?
Esther Roll was an acclaimed American actress, best known for her role as Florida Evans in the TV sitcoms Maude and Good Times. She was celebrated for her dedication to authentic storytelling and representation of African-American families.
2. When and where was Esther Roll born?
Esther Roll was born on November 8, 1920, in Pompano Beach, Florida. She grew up in a large Bahamian-American family, which greatly influenced her values and work ethic.
3. What are some of Esther Roll’s most notable works?
Her most iconic work includes Maude, Good Times, Driving Miss Daisy, and Rosewood. She also won a Primetime Emmy Award for her performance in Summer of My German Soldier.
4. Did Esther Roll have any siblings in the entertainment industry?
Yes, Esther Roll had sisters, including Estelle Evans and Rosanna Carter, who were also actresses. Talent clearly ran in her family.
5. What is Esther Roll’s legacy?
Esther Roll is remembered for changing African-American representation on television. She advocated for strong family values, meaningful storytelling, and paved the way for future generations of actors.