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

Friday

as Old Lady

Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood

as Old School's Mom

Family Matters

as Elmerita Puckerwood

Diff'rent Strokes

My Blue Heaven

as Hotel Maid

Amazing Stories

as Aunt Esther

The Love Boat

as Stella Marshall

The Meteor Man

as Old Nurse

Starsky & Hutch

as Lady Bessie

Zapped!

as Mrs. Jones