Net Worth Ranker
What Is Esther Rolle’s Net Worth?
Esther Rolle, the acclaimed American actress best known for her iconic role as Florida Evans on the television sitcoms “Maude” and “Good Times,” had a net worth of $1 million at the time of her passing. This valuation reflects her decades-long career in television, film, and theater, although specific details regarding the precise breakdown of her assets and income streams remain limited due to the private nature of her financial affairs.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on November 8, 1920, in Pompano Beach, Florida, Esther Rolle was one of 18 children born to Bahamian immigrants Elizabeth and Jonathan Rolle. Her early education took place at Blanche Ely High School. Following her high school graduation, Rolle pursued higher education at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. She subsequently moved to New York City and continued her studies at Hunter College before transferring to the New School. Furthering her academic pursuits, Rolle also attended Yale University. These diverse educational experiences laid a foundation for her multifaceted career.
Rolle’s initial foray into the performing arts was as a member of the dance troupe Shogolo Oloba, where she later assumed the role of director in 1960. This early involvement in dance marked the beginning of her journey in the entertainment industry. Her formal stage debut occurred in 1962 with a role in the play “The Blacks,” a significant step in her transition to acting. Her subsequent appearances in numerous plays produced by Robert Hooks and the Negro Ensemble Company further solidified her presence in the New York theater scene. While information on specific salaries or compensation from these early stage roles is not publicly available, they were crucial in honing her craft and establishing her reputation as a talented performer.
Television Career Highlights
Esther Rolle’s television career began with a recurring role as Sadie Gray on the soap opera “One Life to Live” from 1970 to 1971. This marked her entry into the world of television acting and provided valuable experience for her subsequent, more prominent roles. Her breakthrough role came in 1972 with the CBS sitcom “Maude,” where she portrayed Florida Evans, the outspoken and endearing housekeeper. While the exact salary she earned during her time on “Maude” is not publicly documented, it was undoubtedly a significant step up from her earlier stage work and soap opera appearances.
Rolle’s portrayal of Florida Evans led to the spin-off sitcom “Good Times,” which centered around the Evans family living in a public housing project in Chicago. She starred alongside John Amos, who played her husband, James. Rolle’s tenure on “Good Times” spanned the first four seasons, after which she left the show due to creative differences. She later returned for the sixth and final season, which concluded in 1979. Although the specific contract details and salary figures for Rolle’s time on “Good Times” remain confidential, the show’s popularity and her central role likely translated into a substantial income. The show’s success also brought her significant recognition, including a Golden Globe Award nomination.
During her time on “Good Times,” Rolle also appeared in television films such as “Summer of My German Soldier” and “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.” Her performance in “Summer of My German Soldier” earned her an Emmy Award, a significant achievement that further enhanced her reputation and marketability. Information regarding the specific financial compensation for these television film roles is not publicly accessible.
In the 1980s and early 1990s, Rolle continued to work in television, appearing in various series and television films. Her credits include “Flamingo Road,” “The Love Boat,” “Fantasy Island,” “Finder of Lost Loves,” “See China and Die,” “The Kid Who Loved Christmas,” and the short-lived sitcom “Singer & Sons.” She also appeared in the Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation of “To Dance with the White Dog” and the miniseries “Scarlett.” While the exact compensation for these roles is not public knowledge, they contributed to her income and maintained her presence in the television industry.
In the latter part of her career, Rolle made guest appearances on television shows such as “General Hospital,” “Touched by an Angel,” and “Poltergeist: The Legacy.” These guest roles provided additional income and exposure, although specific financial details are not available. The consistency of her television work throughout her career contributed significantly to her overall net worth.
Film Career Highlights
Esther Rolle’s film career began in 1973 with roles in the musical comedy “Don’t Play Us Cheap” and the blaxploitation film “Cleopatra Jones.” While these early film roles were relatively minor, they marked her transition into cinema. Her next significant film role came in 1987 with “P.K. and the Kid.” In the same year, she narrated Marlon Riggs’s video essay “Ethnic Notions.”
In 1989, Rolle appeared in “The Mighty Quinn” and “Driving Miss Daisy,” both of which were commercially successful and critically acclaimed. Her roles in these films, while supporting, contributed to her visibility and reputation as a versatile actress. Financial details regarding her compensation for these roles are not publicly available.
In the 1990s, Rolle continued to work in film, with roles in “House of Cards” (1993), “How to Make an American Quilt” (1995), and “My Fellow Americans” (1996). These roles showcased her range and versatility as an actress, and while specific salary figures are not known, they added to her overall income.
One of Rolle’s most acclaimed film performances came in 1997 with her portrayal of Aunt Sarah in John Singleton’s historical drama “Rosewood.” This role earned her widespread praise and recognition for her powerful and moving performance. Her final two film credits were “Down in the Delta” (1998) and “Train Ride” (2005), the latter of which was released posthumously. The specific financial compensation for these later film roles is not publicly documented, but they represent the culmination of her long and successful career in cinema.
Other Notable Work
In addition to her work in television and film, Esther Rolle had a distinguished career in theater. She appeared in stage productions such as “Don’t Play Us Cheap,” “Nevis Mountain Dew,” “Dame Lorraine,” “A Raisin in the Sun,” and “Member of the Wedding.” While specific financial details regarding her earnings from these stage productions are not publicly available, they undoubtedly contributed to her overall income and net worth. These stage roles also provided her with opportunities to showcase her talent and connect with audiences in a live performance setting.
In 1975, Rolle released a music album titled “The Garden of My Mind.” While the album did not achieve widespread commercial success, it represents a unique aspect of her career and contributed to her overall creative output. Information regarding the sales figures or royalties earned from this album is not publicly accessible.
Personal Life and Death
In 1955, Esther Rolle married Oscar Robinson, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1975. Information regarding any financial settlements or property divisions resulting from the divorce is not publicly available.
Esther Rolle passed away on November 17, 1998, in Culver City, California, due to complications of diabetes. She was 78 years old. At the time of her death, her net worth was estimated to be $1 million. While specific details regarding the distribution of her estate and any assets inherited by her heirs are not publicly known, her legacy as a groundbreaking actress and performer remains firmly intact.
