Rosetta LeNoire (August 8, 1911 – March 17, 2002)

This incredibly funny lady found her place with fans later in life. She began in off Broadway productions but eventually made her way to television… Her television credits include “Studio One”, “Hallmark Hall of Fame”, “Armstrong Circle Theatre”, “The Nurses”, “Fantasy Island”, “Tales From the Dark side” and “Cosby” In 1970 she stepped into the world of daytime soap operas and by the end of 1977 she had completed recurring roles on “A World Apart”, “The Guiding Light”, “Another World” and “Ryan’s Hope.” In 1975 she appeared in the film The Sunshine Boys… 1985 was the year she enter sitcoms and she never left. From 1985 until 1987 she played Nell Carter’s mother on the NBC show “Gimme a Break!” From 1987 to 1989 she had a recurring role as Leola, an in-law to Sherman Hemsley’s cantankerous Deacon Ernest Frye on the NBC show “Amen.” Leola eventually fell in love with Rolly Forbes (Jester Hairston), a prominent member of the congregation and they were married. After her departure in 1989, the role of Leola was played by Montrose Hagins. In 1989, she began playing the role that made her beloved by all. That was the year “Family Matters” began and she stepped into the character of Estelle “Mother” Winslow. She was perfect as the quick witted sassy matriarch of the Winslow family. She remained with the show until 1997 when complications from her age forced her to resign. She was a great lady on screen and off…she was involved in several charities and acting groups… In Memoriam Remembers: Rosetta LeNoire