Esther Sutherland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Esther Sutherland
With Telly Savalas in Kojak, Season 2, Episode 3, Hush Now, Don't You Die (1974)
Born	(1932-08-29)August 29, 1932 New York City, New York, U.S.
Died	December 31, 1986(1986-12-31) (aged 54) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation	Actress
Years active	1950-1986

Esther Sutherland (born August 29, 1932 – died December 31, 1986) was an American actress. She became well-known for her roles in movies and TV shows during the 1970s and 1980s. Esther often played characters like nurses, maids, or strong, wise women.

Esther Sutherland's Early Life and Career

Esther Sutherland was born in New York City on August 29, 1932. After finishing high school, she started her career as a singer. She sang jazz and gospel songs in different nightclubs and churches in New York.

Later, Esther performed in many famous plays. Some of these plays were on Broadway, which is a famous theater district in New York City. Her theater roles included The Piano Lesson and A Raisin in the Sun. She also appeared in revivals of classic musicals like Cabin in the Sky and Porgy and Bess.

Moving to Hollywood

After working as a singer and theater actress for about 20 years, Esther moved to Los Angeles, California in 1968. This is where she started her film career. Her first movie was a drama called Riverrun.

Esther found great success in both movies and television. She appeared in many popular TV shows. These included Kojak, Sanford and Son, and The Jeffersons. She also acted in Hill Street Blues, Archie Bunker's Place, and Lou Grant.

Notable Film Roles

Esther Sutherland also acted in several well-known movies. Some of her film credits include 9 to 5, The Goodbye Girl, and Stir Crazy. She also appeared in Young Doctors in Love. Her very last movie role was in the 1985 film UFOria.

She worked alongside many famous actors. These included Pam Grier, Gene Wilder, Redd Foxx, Dolly Parton, Richard Pryor, and Marsha Mason.

Esther's Hobbies and Interests

Esther continued to sing professionally throughout her life. She also performed in many dinner theater productions in Los Angeles.

Besides acting and singing, Esther had many other interests. She was a very religious person and a devoted Methodist. She was also a strong supporter of the Democratic Party in politics. Esther enjoyed writing poetry, painting with oils, and sculpting. She also volunteered her time to narrate audiobooks for people who are blind.

Esther Sutherland passed away unexpectedly on New Year's Eve in 1986. She was 54 years old. Her family spread her ashes off the coast of Los Angeles.

Esther Sutherland's Film and TV Appearances

Here is a list of some of the movies and TV shows Esther Sutherland appeared in: