LaWanda Page
Biography
LaWanda Page (born Alberta Richmond; October 19, 1920 – September 14, 2002) was an American actress, comedian, and dancer whose career spanned six decades. Crowned "The Queen of Comedy" or "The Black Queen of Comedy", Page melded blue humor, signifyin', and observational comedy to jokes about sexuality, race relations, African-American culture, and religion. She released five solo albums, including the 1977 gold-selling Watch It, Sucker!. She also collaborated on two albums with comedy group Skillet, Leroy & Co. As an actress, Page is best known for portraying the Bible-toting and sharp-tongued "Aunt" Esther Anderson in the popular television sitcom Sanford and Son, which originally aired from 1972 until 1977. Page later reprised this role in the short-lived television shows Sanford Arms (1976–1977) and Sanford (1980–1981). She also co-starred in the 1979 short-lived series Detective School. Throughout her career, Page advocated for fair pay and equal opportunities for Black performers.
Known For
All Movies (15)
- Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood1996 · as Old School's Mom
- Friday1995 · as Old Lady
- The Legend of Dolemite! Bigger & Badder1994 · as Self
- The Meteor Man1993 · as Old Nurse
- CB41993 · as Grandma
- Shakes the Clown1991 · as Female Clown Barfly
- Talkin' Dirty After Dark1991 · as Angel / Devil
- My Blue Heaven1990 · as Hotel Maid
- Women Tell the Dirtiest Jokes1985
- Mausoleum1983 · as Elsie
- Good-bye Cruel World1982 · as Wilma
- Zapped!1982 · as Mrs. Jones
- Good Evening Captain1981 · as Self
- The Richard Pryor Special?1977 · as Sister Mabel Williams
- Stonestreet: Who Killed the Centerfold Model?1977 · as Erna
All TV Shows (20)
- The Parent 'Hood1995
- Martin1992 · as Evelyn Porter
- Dream On1990 · as Eddie's Grandmother
- Family Matters1989 · as Elmerita Puckerwood
- Amazing Stories1985 · as Aunt Esther
- 2271985
- Sanford1980 · as Esther Anderson
- B.A.D. Cats1980
- Detective School1979
- Brothers and Sisters1979 · as Hattie
- Diff'rent Strokes1978
- The Love Boat1977 · as Stella Marshall
- Sanford Arms1977 · as Aunt Esther Anderson
- The Redd Foxx Comedy Hour1977
- The Richard Pryor Show1977
- Starsky & Hutch1975 · as Lady Bessie
- Starsky & Hutch1975 · as Mrs. Swayder
- Dinah!1974 · as Self
- The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts1973 · as Self
- Sanford and Son1972 · as Aunt Esther Anderson