Esther Rolle

Age: 78

Summary: stage and screen actress best remembered for her role as the strong-willed mother on the 1970's sitcom Good Times who fought to overcome negative black stereotypes throughout her career, but ironically often played a maid and won an Emmy playing a maid in Summer of My German Soldier, and whose film credits include Driving Miss Daisy, Rosewood and How to Make an American Quilt.

Cause of Death: Complications from diabetes

Born: November 8, 1920

Died: November 17, 1998

Location: Culver City, California