Sanford and Son Was Even More Interesting Behind The Scenes

Sanford & Son Killed LaWanda Page

For the first 20 years of her career, LaWanda Page made her money off her appearance. Her top priority was to maintain her health and physique. When she accepted the role of Aunt Esther, it lead to more opportunities with the same types of roles.

She had to gain weight to maintain character and her demanding schedule led to a decline in her health. LaWanda started smoking heavily with the Sanford & Son cast and was eating late at night after rehearsals and filming would end. Those habits eventually lead to her death in 2002. She died at the age of 81, from complications of her diabetes.