LaWanda Page (October 19, 1920 - September 14, 2002)

I don't think I enjoy watching a duo on television argue more than Redd Foxx and LaWanda Page as Fred Sanford and Aunt Esther Anderson. Page began her career as a performer appearing as a dancer and chorus girl on the club circuit and in one of her acts she was billed as "The Bronze Goddess" because she used her finger tips to control fire. In 1972, her childhood friend Redd Foxx began his run as Fred Sanford on the NBC show "Sanford and Son." When it came to time select an actress to play Fred's bible thumping sister-in-law Aunt Esther, Foxx chose LaWanda Page immediately. Fred and Esther's verbal wars became legendary on the show and often generated most of its humor. Fred had no problem saying things like "I could stick your face in some dough and make some gorilla cookies" or "I could throw some tracing paper over your head and draw a moose face." But Esther also had no problem giving it right back to him by responding with things like "You old gray haired weasley man" or "Watch it sucka! I'll knock you so far down in your socks you'll think you're wearing a turtle neck sweater." It was with "Sanford and Son" and her portrayal of Aunt Esther that Page became a break out star in her mid-fifties. She took her "church lady" image with her when she was a roaster on "The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts." "Sanford and Son" closed its door in the spring of 1977 but the following fall the supporting players returned in a series called "The Sanford Arms" which was the name of Fred's rooming house adjacent to his junkyard. Page was back as Aunt Esther but without Redd Foxx and Demond Wilson the series sunk after a four week run. In 1980, Foxx returned to play Fred Sanford only this time "Son" was missing as Demond Wilson refused to reprise his role. In "Sanford" Fred was still up to his same old tricks only this time he had an obese white southerner named Cal Petty (Dennis Burkley) to scheme with. Page appeared in three episodes of the series. In the two part episode "Here Comes the Bride" Fred and Esther are horrified to learn that due to an error on Fred's marriage certificate he and Esther are actually man and wife...and must travel to Freemont, Missouri to get a divorce. There are some great lines in these episodes: (Esther enters the room) Evelyn: Fred! What's going on! Who is this? Fred: Oh a friend of mine left his hunting dog with me! (Evelyn says good night) Fred: Wait can't you take Esther with ya? Throw her in the trunk use her as a spare! Fred: So Esther how ya doing? How ya feeling? And when ya leaving? (Esther wants a glass of water) Esther: Where's my water? Fred: Same place you ought to be Esther, at the bottom of the Pacific! (Esther is riding in the back of the truck) Cal: Don't you think we ought to let Esther sit up front with us? Fred: Always keep livestock outside. Esther: Watch it sucka! Page followed up her acting career with appearances in such movies as "The Meteor Man" and "My Blue Heaven." On television she guest starred on "The Love Boat", "Diff'rent Strokes", "Starsky and Hutch", "227", "Amen", "Family Matters", "Martin", "The Sinbad Show" and "The Parent Hood." What can we say about LaWanda Page as Aunt Esther? Well what would Esther say...? "Amen! Praise the Lord! Hallelujah!"