Isabell Sanford
About
Biography
Filmography
Family & Companions
Notes
"If there's anything in life you consider worthwhile achieving--go for it. I was told many times to forget show business, I had nothing going for me. But I pursued it anyway. Voila!" --Isabel Sanford in "Contemporary Theatre, Film, and Television" Volume 2
Isabel Sanford, who is fondly remembered as Louise (or "Weezie") from TV's "The Jeffersons," got her star on Hollywood Boulevard's Walk of Fame on January 16, 2004 People January 19, 2004
Biography
Beloved the world over for her portrayal of Louise "Weezy" Jefferson on the sitcoms "All in the Family" (CBS, 1971-79) and "The Jeffersons" (CBS, 1975-1985), Isabel Sanford was born in Harlem, New York City in 1917. Though she was the sixth and youngest child born to her parents, none of Sanford's siblings had survived past infancy, giving her an auspicious place in her family. Sanford developed a strong passion for acting from an early age, and pursued her interest despite protestations from her devoutly religious mother, who felt that performing easily led to an immoral lifestyle. Sanford performed with a number of theater troupes and even successfully performed a stand-up comedy act at the Apollo Theater's infamous amateur night, all before making her Broadway debut in "The Amen Corner" in 1965. From there, Sanford was cast in her first film, playing Tillie in "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" (1967). After TV producer noticed her performance in the film, Sanford was cast as Louise Jefferson, a part that would define her career. After playing the recurring character on "All in the Family" as well as its successful spin-off "The Jeffersons," Sanford went on to appear in films like the comedy "Love at first Bite" (1979) and the thriller "South Beach" (1993). Sanford passed away on July 9, 2004. She was 86 years old.
Filmography
Cast (Feature Film)
Music (Feature Film)
Cast (Special)
Life Events
1965
After hiatus of numerous years returned to the stage and made her Broadway debut in "The Amen Corner" (after first appearing in the LA production), cast included Beah Richards (with whom she would act again in "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner")
1967
Made her feature film debut in "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner."
1971
Was cast as Louise Jefferson on the sitcom "All in the Family."
1972
Played The Madame in the Billie Holiday biopic "Lady Sings the Blues."
1975
Began starring as Louise Jefferson on the "All in the Family" spin-off "The Jeffersons."
1996
Appeared in the film "Original Gangstas."
2004
Guest-starred as herself on the animated series "The Simpsons"
Videos
Movie Clip
Trailer
Family
Companions
Bibliography
Notes
"If there's anything in life you consider worthwhile achieving--go for it. I was told many times to forget show business, I had nothing going for me. But I pursued it anyway. Voila!" --Isabel Sanford in "Contemporary Theatre, Film, and Television" Volume 2
Isabel Sanford, who is fondly remembered as Louise (or "Weezie") from TV's "The Jeffersons," got her star on Hollywood Boulevard's Walk of Fame on January 16, 2004 People January 19, 2004
