Sanford and Son Star, LuWanda Page, Dies

AP via YAHOO! ^ | 09/17/02 | AP

[bigeasy_70118]

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) - LaWanda Page, who played the fearsome, Bible-toting aunt Esther Anderson on the 1970s television comedy "Sanford & Son," has died. She was 81.

Page died Saturday at Centinela Hospital Medical Center from complications of diabetes, friend and producer Donald Welch said Monday.

After the aunt Esther role from 1973 to 1977 on "Sanford & Son," Page appeared as aunt Esther in the short-lived spinoff "The Sanford Arms" in 1977. She also starred in "Detective School" in 1979 and "B.A.D. Cats" in 1980.

Born in Cleveland on Oct. 19, 1920, Page began her show business career as a dancer and chorus girl on the club circuit where she was billed as "The Bronze Goddess of Fire" because she lit cigarettes with her fingertips, swallowed fire and touched flaming torches to her body.

Childhood friend Redd Foxx gave her the biggest break when he recommended her for the aunt Esther role.

She made guest appearances on "Family Matters," "Amen," "227," "Diff'rent Strokes," "Martin" and "In Living Color."

Her movie credits included "Friday," "Meteor Man," "My Blue Heaven" and "CB4."

On stage, she appeared in Welch's gospel musical, "Take It to the Lord ... Or Else!"

Page is survived by a daughter

[bigeasy_70118]

I can't imagine the banter going on between Redd Foxx and LuWanda Page in heaven, right now. Obviously, everyone is laughing.

[dfwgator]

"Watch it, sucka."

[dead]

Aunt Esther was the best!

("Fred Sanford! You no-good heathen!")

RIP Ms. Page!

[steveo]

I can't imagine the banter going on between Redd Foxx and LuWanda Page in heaven, right now.

'Hey ugly, 'bout time you showed up!'
'Fred, how did a heathen like you sneak in here?'

[Guillermo]

Fred:"Yes dear"

Aunt Esther:" Aww, Fred, you called me dear?"

Fred:"Well, you look like Bambi's father!"

Fred: "If we put your face in dough, we could make gorilla cookies!"

[JessicaDragonet]

Fred: "You're ugly in the first degree...with malice aforethought!"

Esther: "You old fool!!"

[princess leah]

She used to guest on some of the Dean Martin Roasts and she was hillarious!

[Jhensy]

As kids, we'd look forward to Aunt Esther's entrance every episode. She was the best!

[ez2muz]

Fred: Here ya are, Esther, a present for ya.

Esther: Fred, why are you giving me this box of saran-wrap?

Fred: That's your halloween mask!

[PaulJ]

Fred: Esther, why don't you stick your head in the freezer and make an ugly-cicle.

Fred (while planning a wedding): And we'll seat Esther by the band. That way she can stick her head in the tuba.

RIP

[TxBec]

She'll be missed. Used to watch the show just to watch her fight with Fred

Esther: Well I NEVER!
Fred: With that face you never will.

RIP.

[mhking]

Black conservative ping

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[lonestar]

She is the reason I watched "Sanford and Son."

[Darth Sidious]

Fred (in an ape costume, hugging Esther): "Hey, look at this... King Kong and the Bride of Frankenstein!"

[Mike Darancette]

Fred, you fish-eyed ol' fool I'm suprised to find you in Heaven too.

People who give the gift of laughter get special consideration, IMHO.

[xJones]

Hah Glory!!!

[dutchess]

RIP Lawanda Page...you were one of the finest.....

[Rocksalt]

They sure don't make TV like they used to.I used to watch the show every time,and some of the posts here bring back memories.The shows on nowadays can't compare.

[solo gringo]

I loved Lawanda page a great actress and comic she was one of a kind.She will be missed.

[Vets_Husband_and_Wife]

What a sad loss of someone who brought so much laughter and joy in our lives. Dang,... :o(

I agree with another poster on this thread.. they don't make em' like they used to.

God Bless her soul for eternity!!