2. Esther Rolle, Bahamas (Florida Evans from “Good Times”)
Damn, damn, daaamnnnn. As Florida Evans on Good Times, the often-depressing series about a loving but unlucky family that just can’t make it out of the projects, Esther Rolle delivered one of the most famous phrases in sitcom history. (After learning of the passing of her husband James Evans, played by John Amos). Rolle, who had previously played the Florida Evans role on Bea Arthur’s show Maude (from which Good Times was spun off), grew up in Miami’s large Bahamian community, one of 18 children born to parents from Nassau.