From Good Times To Bad: Whatever Happened To The Cast Of Good Times?

Esther Rolle Fights For The Show

When Rolle signed on to do Good Times, she insisted that a father figure be written into the show, because it would be too stereotypical for her to be raising a family on her own. Rolle always fought hard for the integrity of the show’s writing, which is why she was upset when J.J.’s character brought a sense of frivolity to the show.

Still, as one of the most seasoned actors on the show, Rolle was nominated in 1975 for a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Musical/Comedy. In 1978, she won a Primetime Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie for her role in the film Summer of My German Soldier. Esther Rolle passed away in 1998 due to complications from diabetes, nine days after her 78th birthday.