E

Esther Sutherland

Acting
Updated: Apr 15, 2026
6Total Films
6.9 Highest Rated
Born: Aug 29, 1932
Birth Place: New York City, New York

About Esther Sutherland

Esther Sutherland (August 29, 1932 – December 31, 1986) was an American film actress who made a name for herself in several features of the 1970s and 1980s often portraying nurses, maids, spinster aunts, Jamaican women, cleaning ladies, and matriarch types. She was born on August 29, 1932, in New York City, New York. Upon graduating from high school, she began her career as a jazz and gospel singer in various New York nightclubs and churches and later appeared in several well known theatre productions both on and off Broadway, some of which included The Piano Lesson, A Raisin in the Sun, Blues for Mister Charlie, Black Nativity, Dutchman, and revivals of Cabin in the Sky and Porgy and Bess. After two decades of professional singing and theatre work, she moved out to Los Angeles in 1968 and made her film debut in the dramatic feature Riverrun. She found a great deal of success in film and television, and went on to appear in such syndicated programs as Kojak, Sanford and Son, The Jeffersons, Hill Street Blues, Archie Bunker's Place and Lou Grant. She also appeared in such feature films as 9 to 5, The Goodbye Girl, Stir Crazy, and Young Doctors in Love. Her last appearance was in the 1985 film UFOria. She appeared alongside to such equally established performers as Pam Grier, Gene Wilder, Redd Foxx, Dolly Parton, Richard Pryor, and Marsha Mason. She continued to sing professionally and was often seen in several theatre productions in the Los Angeles Dinner Theatre circuit until her unexpected death on New Year's Eve 1986 from undisclosed causes. Her survivors included only two younger brothers, in-laws, and nieces and nephews, who spread her cremains off the Los Angeles coast. She was 54 at the time of her death. Aside from performing, Sutherland was a devout Methodist, a staunch Democrat, and she also enjoyed writing poetry, painting in oils, sculpting, and was a volunteer in narrating audiobooks for the blind.

Esther Sutherland Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of Esther Sutherland reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 6 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

A large portion of Esther Sutherland's work falls within the Comedy genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 50% of Esther Sutherland's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.

One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Nine to Five, which stands out as a key performance.

Advertisement

Best Esther Sutherland Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Esther Sutherland's career based on audience ratings.

Full Filmography

Every movie Esther Sutherland has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
1980 Nine to Five Janitress Hit Similar →
1980 Stir Crazy Sissie Hit Similar →
1978 Battered Woman in Nursery Flop Similar →
1977 The Goodbye Girl Strip Club Manager Hit Similar →
1974 Truck Turner Black Momma Average Similar →
1974 Foxy Brown Nurse Crockett Average Similar →

Esther Sutherland - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Esther Sutherland?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Esther Sutherland is "Nine to Five" with a rating of 6.9/10.

How many movies has Esther Sutherland acted in?

Esther Sutherland has been featured in at least 6 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Esther Sutherland?

Other notable films include "The Goodbye Girl", "Stir Crazy", and "Truck Turner".

Advertisement