LaWanda Page
Known For
Acting
Born
1920-10-18
Died
2002-09-13
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.
Most Known For
The Love Boat
as Stella Marshall
Family Matters
as Elmerita Puckerwood
Starsky & Hutch
as Lady Bessie
Starsky & Hutch
as Mrs. Swayder
Amazing Stories
as Aunt Esther
Martin
as Evelyn Porter
Sanford and Son
as Aunt Esther Anderson
Dinah!
as Self
227
Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood
as Old School's Mom
Friday
as Old Lady
Dream On
as Eddie's Grandmother
The Parent 'Hood
The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts
as Self
Zapped!
as Mrs. Jones
My Blue Heaven
as Hotel Maid
Detective School
Diff'rent Strokes
Sanford
as Esther Anderson
The Meteor Man
as Old Nurse