Where Are They Now? The Black TV Moms Edition

Esther Rolle as Florida Evans

Before there was Clair Huxtable, there was Florida Evans, the strong backbone of the Evans Clan.

Esther Rolle started off as a stage actress, and became a hit in that medium.  Her popularity in her stage performances gained the attention of writer, television producer, and series creator Norman Lear who went on to create the series “Maude,” and cast Esther as Florida Evans, the housekeeper.  By seeing how the audiences took to Esther, he gave her character her own spin-off, which was “Good Times.”

“Good Times” started off as a series showing a family struggling and surviving, but being comforted by the love and strength their bond brings them.  However, when they began to center the show around J.J.’s character, it caused dissension for Esther Rolle and John Amos, and the two eventually left the series.

Esther came back for the final season, but after “Good Times” ended, she continued to be active in the film and television arena.  Some of the many titles that she appeared in are:  I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, “The Love Boat,” “Singer and Sons,” Cape Fear, How to Make an American Quilt, and “Touched by an Angel.”

Her final role was the movie Train Ride, in 2000 before her death due to complications with her diabetes.

However, Esther Rolle’s generosity and good deeds continued posthumously. She requested that instead of sending flowers to her funeral, to donate to a list of organizations such as the American Diabetes Association, The Black Academy of Arts and Letters, and a number of different schools.