General | Hollywood Yesterday

La Wanda Page: Hilarious Actress who Played Aunt Esther on Sanford and Son

February 5, 2018 By Joi Leave a Comment

LaWanda Page as Aunt Esther

You, undoubtedly, recognize the wonderful lady above from Sanford and Son. She gave Fred as much grief as he gave her and their fights helped make Sanford and Son one of the funniest television series of all time. But how much do you know about the actress who brought Aunt Esther to life? Read on to learn more about LaWanda Page – a fascinating woman, to say the least!

My love for “Hollywood Yesterday” isn’t just the wonderful old movies and glamorous actresses and actors that brought them to life. I’m also completely in love with classic television (from the 1950s-1970s), as well as classic cartoons.

Some may argue with me, but I’m adamant that (with very few exceptions) the best movies, cartoons, and television shows were made before the 80s.

Sanford and Son is one example of an outrageously hilarious sitcom that would not be made today. Then again, maybe I should say it could not be made – I mean, this cast was a once-in-a-lifetime ensemble after all! Redd Foxx, Demond Wilson, LaWanda Page, and Whitman Mayo were TV magic. Their chemistry with one another and with anyone and everything else leaves me pretty speechless.

While Mr. Foxx and Mr. Wilson, obviously, get the majority of credit for the show’s success, one of the funniest actresses of all time, LaWanda Page, has more than earned a great deal of credit, herself. When you think of Sanford and Son, you think of Fred, Lamont, AND Aunt Esther.

In fact, Esther’s arguments with Fred (with poor Lamont in the middle!) are some of my fondest memories of television growing up.. not just from Sanford and Son – from ANY television show.

It occurred to me that I don’t write nearly enough about the wonderful actors and actresses from television’s past. I’m going to take care of that, starting today! I decided that it only made sense to start with someone I absolutely adore – LaWanda Page, the uncommonly talented actress who brought lovable Aunt Esther to life.

LaWanda Page was born Alberta Peal on October 19, 1920 in Cleveland, Ohio. Like a lot of actresses, she began her career as a dancer and chorus girl. While performing as an exotic dancer, she was billed “The Bronze Goddess of Fire” because she lit cigarettes with her fingertips, swallowed fire and touched flaming torches to her body.

While Fred would never admit it, LaWanda was actually a very attractive lady – her Aunt Esther get up concealed it, for the most part, but LaWanda was downright sharp! When she left dancing, she found her calling as a stand up comic.

Redd Foxx was actually LaWanda’s childhood friend. The great comedian gave her the biggest break of her career when he invited her to play his well-meaning, hot-tempered sister-in-law Aunt Esther on his hit series “Sanford and Son.” She was 53 at the time.

Ms. Page died in 2002 at the age of 81 from complications from diabetes but she (and her classic fights with Fred!) will live on forever in one of television’s most hilarious and lovable roles… Aunt Esther Anderson.

“I lived the life I loved, and loved the life I lived.” – LaWanda Page

How to Become the Next Star

December 19, 2016 By Joi Leave a Comment

The following is a sponsored post.

Many people look back at the Hollywood stars of yesteryear and wonder just how they can be like them. It might seem near impossible to become famous these days, but then again, it is almost easier than ever before.

In the old days, stars used to have to send out head shots before anyone would ever even recognize them. Rather than contend with agencies and agents who do not really care about your success, you can actually catapult yourself to fame rather easily. With the rise of social media, you can actually make yourself trend and go viral if you know the right formula to follow. Simply take some time to study how other Internet stars have achieved the recognition you want, and try to emulate their style. Or, come up with a unique approach to utilizing social media that will put you in prime position to receive the fame you are after.

If you are truly interested in making it, you need something that sets you apart. You can’t simply sit in front of a camera and hope people will find your face interesting enough to star at day after day. Instead, you are going to need a combination of good looks and raw talent. Apply a little bit of perseverance in studying a skill, and you will soon be on your way to a successful new career.

To get started, you need to invest in an instrument that you can use to help you catapult yourself to fame. Invest in a great guitar at Guitar Center, for example, and practice daily. With a little bit of hard work, you will acquire enough skill to be able to start covering some of the past great songs. Pull off a great cover, and you might find yourself at the forefront of the Internet in no time. When you are ready to write an original, get some help from a songwriter to make sure the lyrics are catchy enough to win over the interest of everyone across the web.

You simply cannot go wrong with a great pitch like a musical instrument. The Internet loves great background music, as well as a strong performance, so take some time to master an instrument, and you are set.

Bea Benaderet: “Pearl” of an Actress (Sorry, I Couldn’t Resist)

December 4, 2012 By Joi Leave a Comment

Is that a lovable face or what?! I just might be the biggest fan of The Beverly Hillbillies (1962–1971) in the world. How obsessed? I could sit and watch the first episode to the last episode, back to back, and never move a muscle.

Heck, I might not even blink.

For whatever reasons, The Beverly Hillbillies simply doesn’t get the credit and attention it so richly deserves. The accolades that are, deservedly mind you, heaped on The Andy Griffith Show and I Love Lucy should – in all fairness – be heaped upon The Beverly Hillbillies.

The cast of The Beverly Hillbillies is as fine a cast that’s ever been assembled. I’d put Irene Ryan’s portrayal of Granny (Daisy Moses) up against anyone. Same goes for the rest of the cast – from Buddy Ebsen (Jed Clampett), Donna Douglas (Elly Mae), Bea Benaderet (Aunt Pearl) and Max Baer Jr (Jethro and, of course, Jethrine… or would that be Jethrene?) to Raymond Bailey (Milburn Drysdale) and Nancy Kulp (Jane Hathaway).

My only complaint EVER about The Beverly Hillbillies was the fact that Bea Benaderet’s wonderful Aunt Pearl wasn’t on more often. Aunt Pearl is one of the most deliciously entertaining characters of all time and Bea Benaderet was obviously BORN to bring her to life. If I were to list my favorite classic television characters of all time, Pearl Bodine would make the cut and Bea Benaderet gets all the credit.

Here are a few things about this wonderfully talented actress you may not have known:

Bea Benaderet (1906-1968) was originally considered for the role of Granny.
When Bea saw Irene Ryan at the audition, she told producer/creator Paul Henning, “There’s your Granny!“
She was one of the actresses to lend her voice to Betty Rubble on The Flintstones.
She also voiced many, many other animated characters from The Jetsons to The Bugs Bunny Show and from Mr. Magoo to Top Cat.
In spite of her straight-laced image, word is that Bea Benaderet could out-cuss a sailor! Apparently she had quite the mouth on her and almost always had her co-stars in stitches.
Bea is also well known for her role as Kate Bradley on Green Acres and its spinoff Petticoat Junction.
Before moving to television, she had a great career in radio with shows such as “Fibber McGee and Molly,” “My Favorite Husband” (with Lucille Ball), and the “Jack Benny Show.”
Lucille Ball’s original choice for Ethyl on I Love Lucy was Bea Benaderet. However, Bea couldn’t accept the offer because of her role as Blanche Morton in “The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show” (1950).

Have a Very Merry, Merry Christmas!

December 23, 2007 By Joi Leave a Comment

I’m about to become one with my kitchen, so the computer and I will be estranged for a few days. I wanted to wish you the merriest of Christmases before heading off to the kitchen, though.

Enjoy every single moment with your family, remember you’re making memories that will last forever…not just for you, but for everyone you love as well. Smile and laugh till it hurts, eat till the cook blushes, and love everyone unconditionally. Treat each present as though it’s exactly what you’d always hoped for and live life like it was meant to be lived.

Most of all, be sure to thank God for the greatest Gift ever given and the sweetest Love ever shown.

Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones – and I’ll see you on the 26th!

Joi

Merry Christmas!

December 24, 2005 By Joi 1 Comment

Wishing you and your loved ones the most beautiful and wonderful Christmas you’ve ever had…. And may you have more surprises and smiles than you could have hoped for.

Love,
Joi (“Joy”)