Who Is LaWanda Page? Age, Biography and Wiki
LaWanda Page was born on October 19, 1920, in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. She became a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, known for her sharp wit and dynamic performances. Page had a thriving career that spanned several decades, creating a legacy that would influence future generations of comedians. Despite her passing in 2002, her impact on the world of comedy and television continues to be felt.
As of 2025, LaWanda Page would have celebrated 105 years of life, and her remarkable journey from a talented performer to a cultural icon is a testament to her resilience and creativity.
| Occupation | Comedian |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 19, 1920 |
| Age | 81 Years |
| Birth Place | St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 14 September, 2002 |
| Died Place | Hollywood, California, U.S. |
Popularity
LaWanda Page's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
- Height: 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm)
- Weight: Approx. 130 lbs (59 kg)
- Body Measurements: Although specific measurements are not widely documented, LaWanda Page was known for her vibrant stage presence, which played a significant role in her performances.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
LaWanda Page was known to keep her personal life private. While there are no comprehensive details about any long-term romantic relationships or marriages, she had a close-knit relationship with her family and friends. Her family supported her throughout her career, enabling her to reach new heights as a performer.
There have been no records of a boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, or wife in her later years, as she focused primarily on her career and entertainment endeavors.
Page had been performing her comedy routine in nightclubs in St. Louis and Los Angeles for several years, but had planned to leave show business to return to St. Louis to care for her ailing mother. However, a phone call from Redd Foxx in 1972 changed Page's mind.
Earlier that year, the sitcom Sanford and Son, starring Foxx as Fred Sanford, had premiered on NBC. A man known for his generosity, Foxx brought Page to the attention of one of the show's producers, who was already familiar with Page and her act.
Foxx then asked her to read for the role of Esther Anderson ("Aunt Esther"), the sister of Fred Sanford's late wife Elizabeth, and she was offered the role. However, prior to taping, producers became concerned when Page, whose experience was limited primarily to nightclub stages, seemed to have difficulty working in a sitcom format.
When one of the show's producers told Foxx that Page must be fired before the show could begin taping. Foxx insisted that Page keep the part, threatening to abandon the show if Page were fired.
Foxx said that "you never heard of the lady, but the night that first show of LaWanda's goes on the air, there'll be dancing in the streets in every ghetto in the United States." The producers relented and, after joining the series for the second season, Page's character of Aunt Esther became one of the most popular TV sitcom characters of the 1970
s.
Atlanta Daily World celebrated Page's success as a "Cinderella story come true", and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette described Page's Aunt Esther as "a key ingredient” on Sanford and Son who "isn’t afraid of heathen Fred.
She browbeats him at every turn in the tradition of God-fearing sisters who have seen the light and seek to quench the devil in a fun-loving man."
Net Worth and Salary
LaWanda Page built a successful career in comedy and acting, which significantly contributed to her net worth. At her time of passing in 2002, her estimated net worth was around $1 million. This amount was mostly attributed to her work in television and film, particularly her memorable role as "Aunt Esther" in the hit series Sanford and Son.
By 2025, considering inflation and her continued recognition in pop culture, her net worth is often revisited in conversations about iconic comedians of her era.
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 with jokes about sexuality, race relations, African-American culture and religion.
She released five solo albums, including the 1977 gold-selling Watch It, Sucker!, and collaborated on two albums with the comedy group Skillet, Leroy & Co. As an actress, Page is best known for portraying the Bible-toting and sharp-tongued Esther Anderson on the popular television sitcom Sanford and Son, which aired from 1972 until 1977.
Page reprised the role in the short-lived television shows Sanford Arms (1976–1977) and Sanford (1980–1981). She also costarred in the 1979 short-lived series Detective School. Throughout her career, Page advocated for fair pay and equal opportunities for black performers.
Career, Business and Investments
LaWanda Page's career took off in the 1950s and 1960s when she appeared in several television programs and comedy revues. Her breakthrough role came as "Aunt Esther" on Sanford and Son, which showcased her comedic timing and unique style.
In addition to acting, she was an accomplished stand-up comedian, performing in various venues across the country. Page's business acumen and investments are less documented, but her success on the stage led to numerous opportunities and collaborations throughout her career.
Page knew from a young age that she wanted to work in show business. In her youth, Page danced at the Friendly Inn Settlement in Cleveland, a community center run by the Women's Christian Temperance Union. Her family moved to St. Louis, Missouri, and she attended Banneker Elementary School, where she met Redd Foxx, two years her junior.
Eventually, both entered the field of comedy separately and performed their own stage acts, working alongside each other on the Chitlin' Circuit and Foxx's TV sitcom Sanford and Son.
Social Network
While LaWanda Page did not have the traditional social media presence that many celebrities enjoy today, her legacy persists through various platforms, fan pages, and appreciation groups dedicated to her work. Fans often share clips of her performances on platforms like YouTube, ensuring her memorable moments continue to be celebrated.
It is unknown when and where Page began stand-up comedy. She may have been introduced to stand-up while dancing at the Brass Rail Club. She stated that she did not like comedy at first, but a fellow Brass Rail Club employee and member of the comedy duo Skillet & Leroy saw Page's potential, telling her: "you can do comedy.
As a matter of fact, if you don’t do comedy you can’t work here." Page may have also been introduced to stand-up while touring the Chitlin' Circuit, where she shared stages with noted comedians such as Redd Foxx and Richard Pryor.
Education
Details about LaWanda Page's formal education are limited; however, she honed her skills through performance arts and made strides in the entertainment industry with her talent and determination. Her commitment to her craft was evident, as she developed her comedic style through experience rather than traditional schooling.
In 1977, Page appeared in an episode of The Love Boat titled "A Tasteful Affair; Oh, Dale!; The Main Event" alongside Sherman Hemsley.
Page also appeared on several episodes of The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts, and over the next two decades occasionally guest-starred on other popular television shows, including Amen, Martin, 227, Family Matters and Diff'rent Strokes. Page costarred as Charlene Jenkins in the short-lived 1979 series Detective School.
She appeared on Circus of the Stars as a fire eater. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, she appeared in a series of comical Church's Chicken television commercials featuring the catchphrase "Gotta love it!".
She appeared on several songs on the debut album by RuPaul titled Supermodel of the World released in 1993, most notably the dance chart hit song "Supermodel (You Better Work)" where she delivered spoken word. She also appeared in several music videos from the album. She had a recurring role as Ms.
Porter during the first season of the 1990s sitcom Martin.
