LaWanda Page

From Harpo's Juke Joint

LaWanda Page (Birth Name Alberta Peal) was born on October 19, 1920 in Cleveland, Ohio and passed away on September 14, 2002 from complications with diabetes. Ms Page most famous role was Esther Anderson, a.k.a. Aunt Esther, in the sitcom Sanford and Son in the 1970's. Redd Foxx was a very close friends with Page since childhood and he insisted that she play her most career breaking role.

Before becoming a comedian, Page started off her career as a dancer named "The Bronze Goddess Of Fire" in St' Louis, Missouri. She got the name because she lit cigarettes with the tips of her fingers, touched her body with torches of fire, and swallowed fire as well.

When she started her career as a standup comedian, she started in black theaters and nightclubs along side Redd Foxx and Richard Pryor.

"Aunt Esther" character was Fred's sister in law. Esther was married to Woodrow. Whenever she came around she was accompanied by her church sisters. Aunt Esther's humor was a mixture of church humor and "toughness". She was always fighting with Fred over soul and no career. Page had to endure insults by Fred over her looks.

Page was also portrayed on Dean Martin's "Celebrity Roasts." She also played funny roles in sitcoms such as Amen and Martin.

Survived by one daughter, Clara Johnson.

LaWanda Page's Roles

• 1. West from North Goes South (2004) .... Mrs. Potter & Gertrude Potter
• 2. Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood (1996) .... Old School's Mom
• 3. Friday (1995) (as Lawanda Page) .... Old Lady
• 4. "The Parent 'Hood" (1995) TV Episode .... Lawanda
• 5. "The Sinbad Show" (1994) TV Episode .... Aunt Lula Mae
• 6. The Meteor Man (1993) .... Old Nurse
• 7. "Martin" (1992) TV Episode .... Evelyn
• 8. CB4 (1993) .... Grandma
• 9. Shakes the Clown (1992) (as La Wanda Page) .... Female Clown Barfly
• 10. "Family Matters" (1992) TV Episode .... Elmerita Puckerwood
• 11. "Amen" (1991) TV Episode .... Darla
• 12. My Blue Heaven (1990/I) .... Hotel Maid
• 13. "227" (1986) TV Episode .... Ethel
• 14. "Amazing Stories"
• 15. Mausoleum (1983/I) (as La Wanda Page) .... Elsie, the maid
• 16. Good-bye Cruel World (1983) .... Wilma
• 17. Zapped! (1982) .... Mrs. Jones
• 18. "Sanford" (1981) TV Episode .... Esther Anderson
• 19. "B.A.D. Cats" (1980) TV Series .... Ma
• 20. "Detective School" (1979) TV Series .... Charlene Jenkins
• 21. "Starsky and Hutch" (1977) TV Episode .... Bessie
• 22. "Diff'rent Strokes" (1979) TV Episode .... Myrtle Waters
• 23. "The Love Boat" (1977) TV Episode .... Stella Marshall
• 24. "Sanford and Son" (1977) TV Episode .... Aunt Esther Anderson
• 25. Stonestreet: Who Killed the Centerfold Model? (1977) (TV) .... Erna
• 26. "The Sanford Arms" (1977) TV Series .... Esther Anderson

Links

• Link to LaWanda Page's Information