Esther Rolle Wins Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Special | Emmys (1979)

Esther Rolle wins the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series Special for her work SUMMER OF MY GERMAN SOLDIER at the 31st Emmys in 1979. Her speech is beautiful and heartfelt.
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[@JLPerryTV]

She needs a biopic. She was so elegant and classy.

[@vamp4403]

agreed

[@lastdays3148]

Esther Rolle and Isabel Sandford from the Jefferson. Both ladies,were Elegant & Classy RIP to them🌹🌹

[@user-mj8nf2vp7q]

@@lastdays3148 ...Truly! Isabel Sanford won her own Emmy Award in 1981 for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. Sanford was the FIRST Black woman to win in that particular category.

[@user-gi6ee8vj1y]

She truly was a queen.

[@JLPerryTV]

********** But not many people know that. I think there should be a biopic on their lives

[@timothyfrancis5326]

Young black women take notes. This is what a classy graceful black WOMAN looks like. Just look at they way she walked to the stage.

[@user-mj8nf2vp7q]

@Angel Johnson ...Summer of my German Soldier was filmed during her leave from the show in 1978, and aired in 1979. This Emmy broadcast aired 9/8/79, some four months after the final episode of Good Times aired in late May/early June of 1979. Typically, entire casts of movies and television shows only flank the stage if the show/movie wins for best ensemble cast, best director, or best best movie/show categories. Moreover, Esther was the only cast member of Good Times to appear in Summer of my German Soldier, a television movie of the week or (MOW), as known in industry lingo during that time. Kristy McNichol (Family, Empty Nest), was the lead in this same movie, and was panned on briefly during Esther's acceptance speeh, since she was Esther's co-star. If I'm not mistaken, Esther was the only member of the main Good Times cast members ever to win an Emmy Award, although John Amos was nominated for his portrayal of the older Kunta Kinte/Toby, in Roots (1977).

[@andresuston7692]

@John Whirling 👍

[@insearchof9903]

And who are you, exactly?

[@michaelbracken5049]

Timothy I so agree with you

[@emilystevens6335]

YES INDEED! THE GREAT GODLY BLACK MOTHER. NOTHING BETTER!

[@preciousbabydoll9793]

I just adore , Ms. Esther Rolle. She was such a humble and classy woman. She will never be forgotten. RIP

[@user-mj8nf2vp7q]

Yes, she was the embodiment of every beautiful Black woman. Her beauty resonated from within, encompassing every role she portrayed.

[@niahsings7598]

Precious Baby Doll that's my cousin I'm fr fr she my cousin my mom used to show me videos with them together and I wasn't born when she was alive I wish I was to meet my cousin but I love her still visit her grave doe

[@niahsings7598]

Justin Aames same that's my cousin

[@christopherramon-reid2000]

That Emmy was WAY overdue.

[@user-mj8nf2vp7q]

@@christopherramon-reid2000 ...Yes it was!

[@MelodyMaker151]

She was so regal. I love her.

[@supremes1964]

Just look at the way she walked to the stage. Wow! amazing lady!

[@reneebraxton1032]

I loved that.

[@user-gi6ee8vj1y]

I, too, was taken by her strength and poise.

[@davidmcfarlane9185]

Regal and Royal

[@lagarde2011]

With that creepy Norman Fell pawing at her arm and kissing her on the cheek. Yuck.

[@BAKER22-l4u]

What

[@Jalapablo]

She's just so genuine and good. A good and sincere and dignified woman. She's was like the righteous second mom to many of us kids who grew up watching Good Times in the late 70's. You'd ask yourself "What would Florida think about what I'm about to do?" and know that the answer was always the right thing. Takes some real talent and genuineness to portray a character to that extent. RIP Esther Rolle

[@rddav1]

Her mannerisms and personality, as Florida Evans, was exactly like my mother's, as my brother and I grew up in the seventies, which was one of the reasons I loved the show (Good Times) so much and when I watch reruns today, it always brings back loving memories of my own mother (R.I.P.)

[@constantreader7944]

Such a great actress, and so underrated. If she were working today, she'd give Viola Davis a run for her money.

[@jeromeholloman8089]

whatever happened to miss Esther rolle?

[@theresap.3305]

She passed away November 17, 1998 from complications of diabetes. I love watching the Good Times reruns on TV One.

[@richardbullis6263]

No. she made Viola Davis possible. The black artists should cooperate with each other and not compete for crumbs but get the whole pie.

[@ChristianJoyD]

@@richardbullis6263 EXACTLY what I came to say.

[@mmurph]

Why does there need to be a comparison? She paved the way for Viola Davis.

[@Yahlu112]

Such elegance such class and beauty. RIP

[@jeromeholloman8089]

Esther rolle how long she's been gone?

[@305dagoat4]

Jerome Holloman Almost 2 decades......

[@rissaceehart4076]

@@jeromeholloman8089 since 1998

[@jjtruth3507]

Esther Rolle was a gracious and classy lady. They don't make them like that anymore. R.I.P great lady you are sorely missed. Ms. Rolle's legacy lives on in film and TV. But the Broadway and dance work is lost forever.

[@jeromeholloman8089]

Esther ain't dead!!! how long she been gone 10 years???

[@jeromeholloman8089]

Esther ain't dead!!! how long she been gone 10 years???

[@lorriwbu]

Jerome Holloman she died in 97 or 98 something like that

[@jjtruth3507]

Lorraine Müller Esther Rolle born November 8, 1920 Pompano Beach Florida Died November 17, 1998. Culver City, California. That made Ms. Rolle 78 years old ---not 97 or 98,

[@lorriwbu]

JJ truth I know she was 78 when she died

[@TempeSoldier123]

She brought such grace and dignity to everything she did.

[@mattdeans9873]

You can hear and see the struggles of her life in her voice and face that had to be endured to get her to this point. Such grace and strength and a beauty that just shines from her like a beacon. We can all take a lesson from this remarkable Lady. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us.

[@billhosko7723]

Ohh good grief. She wouldn't need nor want to hear such 'nonsense'.

[@terencedove5047]

But what Matt said should not go unmentioned. Actors and/or actresses that draw from their own lives or backgrounds to portray roles usually give the strongest and most compelling performances - and should be recognized for such. True, there are those who have to ‘get into character’, so to speak, and who won well-deserved awards; but to me the ones most effective in portraying a role are the ones who have lived or experienced something to do with it…

[@juniorbronx7153]

This was legendary Esther Rolle paved the way for so many other actresses, yes mamá head up high and proud as she walks so gracefully to accept her award elegance at its finest!!! 💙 RIP

[@texan903]

So sad and unfortunate we lost an intelligent,elegant and classy woman at only 78 years old. RIP Ms. Rolle.

[@texan903]

Sadly, she left the Earth on November 17, 1998.

[@texan903]

Those were the days of real sitcoms with real, believable characters.

[@angeljohnson6665]

texan903 yes

[@BAKER22-l4u]

78 is NOT young and we all die

[@texan903]

@BBAKER22 this woman's older sister died in recent years at 98. Isabel Sanford was 86 when she died. Marla Gibbs is 92. 78 seems quite young in comparison.

[@riderskater7248]

Ester was so naturally talented. Acting for her was like breathing. Truly an American treasure.

[@kylerobin6718]

As a teen watching her, she was the epitome of what a mom should be. Her love radiated thru every role and her talent remains legendary. For any award she won she deserved 10 more. Rest In Peace. Ms. Rolle.

[@queerchoreography54]

I’ll never forget her in Good Times, she has a lovely, stable, presence, she’s a rock.

[@rafaelnunez4725]

she is so humble, soft spoken and has so much class without pretending to, that her charm make her irresistible no to like her

[@summerholliday44]

She has such a presence!!! love to her!!

[@tonya5791]

I miss her she was one of the greats this makes me cry

[@heidigolden6880]

She looked beautiful--so dignified

[@user-mj8nf2vp7q]

...This is true.

[@destinyalford7119]

I adore her so much! She reminds of my grandmother. R.I.P to both my grandmother & her ❣️❣️

[@RD-nq7fl]

Ms. Esther Elizabeth Rolle looks and carries herself just like my favorite Aunt. A “ real” black QUEEN 👸🏾.

[@galacticfederationrep1555]

Florida Evans finally gets her Emmy damn damn damn........

[@annettejenkins1397]

She reminds me of my mother so much -Beautiful!

[@jw66jw]

She was very special, she brought an air of authenticity to every role she played. GOD bless.

[@laurenb359]

I loved her on good times 💕

[@wizpro]

So classy!!!

[@zentraveler1834]

If Judi Dench can win a Oscar for phoning in ten minutes work for Shakespeare in Love, Ms. Rolle should have had a nomination for Driving Miss Daisy.

[@WhitemenaresoSexy]

So beautiful inside and out..

[@lastdays3148]

The way that she Glowing and she was humbled to received her Emmy Award🌹

[@mjeffries4749]

Quit lying. Beautiful inside, only!

[@WhitemenaresoSexy]

@@mjeffries4749 Quit lying? What do you look like?

[@ShawnBen]

@@WhitemenaresoSexy Great question

[@wolfsden3812]

Absolutely 💯 amazing woman.....love her

[@quietlioness6590]

Such Grace and such Class.

[@joannkelly7994]

Lord. She was one of the greats. I still remember and can see and remember her spilling the bowl of peas in her dying scene in Driving Miss Daisy. Of course, we never forget her on Maude and then the iconic Good Times. Rest In Peace, sweet lady, That’s what great acting can do.

[@sreyasdesai4865]

Southern

[@dwood37]

The epitome of class and elegance. The marvelous Ms. Rolle.

[@user-mj8nf2vp7q]

A remarkably talented, dignified, and class act of a woman. Her prolific body of work is her legacy...and the embodiment of every courageous Black woman in the world. Brava! 👍🏽💯☺️

[@jeromeholloman8089]

go flag queenofdomination video he is a scam artist and a hater lol

[@jeromeholloman8089]

go flag queenofdomination video he is a scam artist and a hater lol

[@billhosko7723]

Without all the common-place bad manners of today...

[@user-mf8sy2fm6y]

Class personified. What a loss our community has suffered losing greats like Ms. Rolle. Different era/times now. We’re losing badly out here. Pray for us all. Pray for America.

[@thecatman4ever]

"Summer of My German Soldier" is my favorite film. I have the dvd and think that Esther Rolle was absolutely spectacular in the movie. This was an award well overdue. Luv u Esther R.I.P.

[@happysopink2010]

Summer of My German Soldier is one of my favorite tv teen films. I still remember watching it the very first time it aired. Reading the original paperback book with pictures from the movie on the cover and still own today. Esther Rolle was magnificent as housekeeper Ruth. As were Kristy McNichol and Bruce Davison(who indecently,I had a crush on after seeing this film) were also awesome. Great film great, great book. I even own it on Video but not on DVD. Could possibly tell a fellow fan of this film how you acquired it? I'd be most grateful. RIP Esther Rolle

[@rissaceehart4076]

@@happysopink2010 Speaking of Kristy ,why was She looking at Esther like she was when Esther was giving her Speech🤔🤔🤔

[@olgao6792]

Ms. Esther was an amazing actress! I will always love her. She was the best of the best. I hope that she was treated with the respect and dignity she deserved. ❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️

[@karena3217]

Eshter Rolle & John Amos made Good Times the successful show it became. The other actors were great but Esther & John gave it the twist it needed!! Congrats Esther & check the expression on famous excellent child star Kristy McNichol's face who is just in awe over Esther!!! RIP Esther & thank yoiu for the Good Times!!!

[@dspeakingdattruth6349]

Loved how Humble & Beautiful her soul & spirit was !!! 😎👌🏽👏🏽

[@danseabreeze1404]

Every time I see Esther Rolle she touches my heart, so glad she got recognized here! Beautiful and classy with a huge presence as always.

[@THEKOBE7612]

Classy,elegant,talented,lovely,absolutely underrated in her acting skills😅

[@chrizzeypippinsundaezz4644]

Esther Rolle was one classy and outstanding actress.

[@brendagray9296]

Rip Esther Rolle, what a beautiful and wonderful actress aka Florida

[@shamraashman8953]

I read this book at 12 years old and then I was able to find this film and rent it. She was amazing.

[@hollywood5199]

A wonderful lady who was passionate about her craft.

[@KeshaJohnsonGaming]

I love the hell outta this lady she literally one of my bad idols. The definition of a real woman

[@lokey198]

Legendary She was a proud woman I love ha Strength R. I. P

[@markmiller3713]

That was a delightful speech.

[@irene1234]

She was so beautiful and graceful. Love her.

[@joejohnson9155]

ESTHER ROLLE WAS THE OPPIDIMY OF GRACE CLASS ELEGANCE LOVE COMPASSION PEACE MERCY HUMILITY DIGNITY BEAUTY TENDERNESS CARING AND THOUGHTFULNESS....REST IN PEACE....AND I PRAY THAT GOD WILL BLESS HER SOUL THROUGHOUT ETERNITY...

[@user-mj8nf2vp7q]

Did you mean epitome?

[@blackman3964]

ESTHER ROLLE , you are TRULY as Graceful and Beautiful as can be , and believe it or not , I was earlier watching YOU and Danny Glover's in ( Rasin In The SUN ) the 1989 version , and cast of actors , and the performance bought tears to my eyes , I was moved by you .............. Smile

[@forthepurposeofscience]

I second that. She is full of grace. I will take notes because I would of done cartwheels down the isle. God bless her little heart.

[@amerant1973]

The embodiment of elegance , class and grace ...

[@kwuanbrinson5006]

This woman NEVER😵 got the true recognition she so richly deserved and earned. She should be mentioned with the ranks of the legendary Cicely Tyson. That award 🏆 she received was well desiring. She was a true classy elegant lady. 🌹 Rest In Paradise Beloved 🌹

[@billhosko7723]

Ideat... here she just received an Emmy. Without, needing virtue-signalers such as yerself... paving the way for her.

[@DeeNice681]

Ruby looked happy Esther won!

[@elimiller8019]

DeeNice681 Yes she sure looked happy

[@itinavarait]

DeeNice681 I noticed that too!

[@ralphshorts5009]

I thought it was just me! It was a quiet Taraji moment when Regina King won her Emmy! She was happy one of them got it and I was too, now both have it!

[@dlighted1277]

DeeNice681 If you lost, at least you lost to a legend!☺👍.

[@user-mj8nf2vp7q]

She certainly was happy for her, and Ruby looked so pretty too!

[@mthivier]

I always admired her dignity.

[@billhosko7723]

You say that about white people?... or jus people of color who YOU think need YOU to look out for them...

[@mthivier]

@@billhosko7723 I say that of anyone of whom I think it's true.

[@GodConsciousness]

I loved her in Good Times and My Fellow Americans. She seemed like if she was someone's grandmother, then that was a very loved and blessed person indeed.

[@bmw3842]

I love Ms. Esther Rolle ,the absolute best ! Educating me through her television role. It was a great time to grow up in the 1970's

[@billbixby557]

You could tell how much this meant to her, judging by the time it took for her to eloquently collect herself; I would love to know what she was thinking in those few moments. The fact that Jack Tripper was one of her presenters makes it all the better for me. If you grew up in the mid 70s or 80s these folks right here were some of your unofficial babysitters, the positive messages they sent were not lost on me. You're a true gift Ms. Rose.

[@renzo7575]

What a beautiful, dignified lady.

[@wendyharris9370]

She speaks so eloquently. If you ever listen to her in an interview. Wow! Beautiful voice and just so eloquent.

[@maggiemagoon9496]

I usually could give a crap what stars wear, but she looks marvelous. She is so regal, of course, that she would probably look good in anything.

[@shangooya2522]

She was amazing talented actress

[@coriecolston75]

You are a mother to so many of us. You are grace, class and dignity. You will never be forgotten. Rest In heaven...

[@jibrildsalami9944]

Why have i never seen this before? Great speech and she looks lovely!❤

[@MarlaLukofsky7]

INcredible and powerful acceptance speech. Genuine. From the heart. She earned it. It was a tough collection of actors to compete against.

[@loveanimals6981]

She enriched any project that I ever saw her in (Driving Miss Daisy, Down in the Delta, et. al). I think that the two movies which I've mentioned could have easily resulted in Oscar nominations for her for Best Supporting Actress (especially Driving Miss Daisy) had she just been given a little bit more screen time than she had in them. Because, as usual, she was superb in both.

[@donniehagy970]

Esther Rolle first stole my heart as "Florida Evans" in "Good Times." She managed even then to rise above poor scripts--well, at least ones that always centered around "J. J.". Huge shout out to John Amos who was perfect as her husband, James. Ms. Rolle ALWAYS demonstrated what class and humble were all about. RIP you beautiful lady.

[@ShawnBen]

They messed up the show when it became about JJ's stupidity!

[@wendymarshall7571]

I have always enjoyed watching Esther Rolle in whatever show she was on.

[@bigal05171957]

I sure miss her she left us in 1998 her ONE OF A KIND PERSONALITY will be MISSED

[@GrasshopperRDG]

Spoken Word, Actress... She was just an overall Class🎁Act! Period. Also, That Voice* Of Elegance!

[@mixon270]

I loved how John Ritter and Norman Fell gave a kiss to Esther Rolle

[@antdell8730]

Beautifully done. She was an elegant woman.

[@grovermcwilliams1393]

I love Esther Roll of Good Time as she wood say dam,dam.dam. I love you Mrs.Esther Roll my God bless you. you R. I . P

[@rareonyxx2095]

I always saw the God in this Queen! So Humble and Gracious! She makes me proud no mater what she does....Love her 4ever

[@ShawnBen]

@John Whirling Rare Onyxx has the same right as you to have an opinion! Stop being petty!

[@jacksonspines]

This is what humility looks like folks. Bravo.

[@Benyikoko]

Ahw.. bless Ester Rolle. She was such a fantastic actress!!! I love her ♥️♥️♥️

[@jayiam9481]

Wow! So much grace!

[@hoagymapleton2206]

That was just beautiful she has an aura about her doesn't she she carries herself with such Majesty I love her too much

[@theenergyisoff]

Such grace and such class 💙🕊 Rest In Peace, Triumphant Soror 🙌🏾

[@CorneliusCharles]

I'm so happy she got recognition for her work. A true icon. RIP

[@lwilliams7570]

Classy, elegant, and intelligent woman! So beautiful!!!

[@vamp4403]

I love Esther Rolle so much

[@keeganthorpe]

You can tell she was utterly stunned.

[@reneebraxton1032]

Love Esther Rolle. Classy woman. Proud woman. Beautiful and talented. Rest in peace.

[@preciousjey]

Esther Rolle on a Roll.

[@antwantaylor1835]

When Ester Roll Gave Me Florida Evans Best TV Mom EVER RIP

[@JoshuaVideoStudios]

I love Esther Rolle, she was so loving and supportive as Florida Evans on Good Times ♥️

[@jennyjones3978]

She was awesome ❤❤❤

[@bubbaclark4355]

Love her through the many years

[@colstonlchinese]

Class, talent and dignity. Done.

[@JoseCastillo-zy9um]

Now that’s class

[@ssxsrubicon7352]

That voice is from heaven. I can't remember where I read this, it might have been johnny carson or some other late night host, but it was said that Esther Rolle was so heavenly in her presence and demeanor....everyone who worked with her loved her... This woman, this brilliant actresss.. is just... OMG

[@emerybayblues]

Summer of My German Soldier was a great movie

[@fats69]

What a well spoken woman!

[@tomdalfonzo9959]

Esther Rolle definitely should've won an Emmy for her "Damn, damn, DAAMMMNN!!! performance at the end of The Big Move episodes of Good Times. Or just for Good Times in general.

[@whostosay3256]

She was a roll model for all - great actress

[@jeffreygriffin7248]

I can just hear James saying get that award baby! 😂😂😂😂

[@AdamSealey93]

A real queen. 💯

[@ShyeNYC]

Class personified!! FYI Miss Rolle was the first actress to receive the EMMY award for this category.

[@user-mj8nf2vp7q]

Well... you're half right. Actress Juliet Mills, (sister of actress Hayley Mills); was the first actress to win in this category, in 1975, for her portrayal of Samantha Cady in QB VII. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primetime_Emmy_Award_for_Outstanding_Supporting_Actress_in_a_Limited_Series_or_Movie