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You get feedback. The original cast of 'Good Times' featuring (L-R) Ralph Carter, Bern Nadette Stanis, Ja'Net DuBois, John Amos (front), Esther Rolle and Jimmie Walker. 'Good Times' star Esther Rolle took great offense at one episode of the show and put her foot down about it. Donations were requested to the African American Chapter of the American Diabetes Association, among other charities. Lear in his memoir noted that Amos and Rolle displayed a great annoyance with Walker. Apr 06, 2020 10:00 A.M. Esther Rolle, known as Florida Evans in "Good Times," had to fight with the show's creators to include a father figure in the sitcom at a time when the norm was to portray black families with only one parent on TV. You need Hollywood for survival, and you need theater for inner survival and revival, she told The Times in 1983. Google - Labeled for Reuse/YouTube She was 78. Best known for the role of Florida Evans on the 1970s sitcoms. November 20, 1998. As a dedicated actor, the "Good Times" star has worked with a diversity of prominent celebrities in the industry and featured in many productions. And Florida Evans was actually a talented actress named Esther Rolle. The Real Reason Esther Rolle Left Good Times - Grunge 'Good Times' Actress Ja'Net DuBois Dies - The New York Times After Rolle became well known for her work on Maude, she returned to her Florida roots to address a classroom of crop pickers children. Eventually, producers . Esther Rolle, a sharecroppers daughter who grew up to become a respected actress and role model for other blacks, has died. Esther Rolle, a sharecropper's daughter who grew up to become a respected actress and role model for other blacks, has died. Shediedin 1998, credited with being one of the premier Black actresses who did the most to smash the color line onTV. Carter launched a successful singing career during his spare time, and Stanis became a poster favorite and regular magazine cover girl. There were also several recurring supporting characters: a divorcee named Willona Woods who was Florida's best friend, the annoying building super Nathan Bookman, a local alcoholic named Ned the Wino, a neighborhood pimp, the local alderman and others. According to John, "He didn't allow any profanity on set.". Viola Davis will reprise the role of Florida Evans. Set in a poor Chicago neighborhood, the part of Florida Evans is . This feeling that the show was descending into stereotype soon became centered on Walker's J.J., who had rapidly become the show's most popular character. Again, Lears insight on the situation: Had John and Esther thrown their arms around this wild but tender talent and been grateful for what he brought to the show, so hungry for their respect and kindness was Jimmie, they could have owned the lad and helped him to mature., Good Times: The 1 Episode That Star Esther Rolle Wouldnt Do But Was Forced to by the Shows Producer, Lear revealed in his book that Amos was so glum and dispirited that continuing the show seemed impossible., We decided to write him out of the show, the television producer wrote.