Isabel Sanford

Isabel Sanford

Isabel Sanford Obituary

Published by Legacy.com on Jul. 12, 2004.
LOS ANGELES - Actress Isabel Sanford, best known as "Weezie," Louise Jefferson on the television sitcom "The Jeffersons," died of natural causes, her publicist said Monday. She was 86.

Sanford died Friday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where she had been hospitalized since July 4, said Brad Lemack. Her daughter, Pamela Ruff, was at her side, he said.

Her health had waned after undergoing preventive surgery on a neck artery 10 months ago, Lemack said. He did not give a cause of death.

Sanford co-starred with Sherman Hemsley from 1975 to 1985 on CBS' "The Jeffersons," a spin-off of the popular series "All in the Family," in which she also appeared.

In 1981, Sanford became the first black woman to receive an Emmy for Best Actress in a Comedy Series for her work on "The Jeffersons."

Sanford, a native New Yorker, was joined by "Jeffersons" creator Norman Lear and others in January when she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

"Here with stars in my eyes — something that I dreamed about when I was 9 years old," she said at the time. "There are others that deserve it, but let everybody get their own."

She enjoyed getting fan mail from people who saw "The Jeffersons" for the first time in reruns, Lemack said.

"She was just amazed and so pleased that the show had that kind of lasting power and entertainment because she loved to make people laugh," he said.

Sanford made her feature film debut in the 1967 classic, "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner."

Recently, Sanford lent her voice to "The Simpsons" and appeared in commercial campaigns for Denny's restaurants and retailer Old Navy.

Besides her daughter, Sanford is survived by two sons, seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

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March 5, 2025

Della R. posted to the memorial.

February 9, 2025

Latrenia Lucina Mitchell posted to the memorial.

February 2, 2025

Nikkee posted to the memorial.

776 Entries

Della R.

March 5, 2025

To a beautiful "Actress" Isabel Sanford, inside & out. My Deepest Condolences To The Family. Her 3 adult children, grandchildren, & great-grandchildren, extended family & friends. You will be missed immensely I always enjoyed watching "The Jeffersons" growing up and even now on the reruns. You & your TV husband Sherman Hemsley always made me crack up Lol!!! Isabel! You were such a "Talented" "Amazing Actress", SOOO Funny!! CONGRATS!! On receiving an "Emmy" for "Best Actress" in a "Comedy Series" for your work on "The Jeffersons". And receiving a "Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame". SOO well "Deserved!!" Rest In Peace. Our Beautiful Lady! With LOVE, Della R.

Latrenia Lucina Mitchell

February 9, 2025

Even though I never knew you in reality. But I know you on the show of The Jeffersons.. the Lord have you now. Are you with the angels in heaven... And you are an angel too. May you rest in peace... I love your show when I was a kid. I will see you one day.

Nikkee

February 2, 2025

Im watching The Jeffersons right now and she's still alive on the screen. God rest your soul

MARK RUBENS

February 1, 2025

May you continue to rest in peace and may your light continue to shine!

stephen harris

November 15, 2024

Thank you for the joy you brought me each time I watched the Jefferson's tv show.

Lakesha Williams

April 22, 2023

I really enjoyed watching Mrs. Sanford performing on the Jefferson. She was my favorite actress. Whenever I was down she helped picked me up. She was the greatest performer I have ever seen. I really miss her much.

Rosemary McDonnell

January 5, 2022

She was a very talented actress and always lit up the screen. I still watch her in the Jefferson's and in other shows. Rest in Peace.

Karen Mitchell

August 24, 2020

Lovely lady. Still watches the Jefferson show to this day.

Belinda Marshall

March 25, 2020

I remember watching her as a child my mother would always try to act like her she was a good actress the best she will be missed. The best are always to remember.

March 15, 2020

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Lynda Stauss

January 10, 2020

she was great. I loved her. So very pretty too.

Karen. Williams

January 4, 2020

She was my favorite character on the show jeffersons.she will be missed .My husband named me"Weezie" as a nick name.My prayers are with the family.

Randy Bryan

January 4, 2020

A great loss

Susan Wall

November 24, 2019

I loved her as a person,I would of loved to meet her in person,she seemed to be oa very kind person. All my love to all family and friends.

Alphonza Hasty

August 20, 2019

Awesome show

Felicia Evans

July 5, 2019

I LOVE ISABEL SANFORD ON THE JEFFERSON'S. MAY YOU CONTINUE TO REST IN HEAVEN WITH OUR GOD.

Nettie Jamison

June 17, 2019

I love the show also. The way this lady showed love and kindness was just a blessing. To the family we as the fans will keep you all in our prayers. RIP

Shirley Davis

June 16, 2019

Prayers for the family

Henrietta Pinckney

May 25, 2019

I really miss that show
I really loved her character
RIP

Melissa Freeman

May 25, 2019

I am a fan of the sitcom The Jeffersons as I sit in my living room writing this I am watching the reruns of the show I wish I could have met her in person. I grew up watching this show and I still enjoy it. R.i.P

Gwendolyn Benton

May 23, 2019

I truly will miss this amazing woman and I wish I could have met her in person

May 23, 2019

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will miss you always. We will forever watch the Jefferson!

Sanders Family

May 5, 2019

Love you Weezie Jefferson ,still yet today. You are still being watched on the reruns and I love you. Continue blessings in Heaven.

Lisa

April 24, 2019

I wish I could had met her. My name is Lisa English, and I'm from Ocala Florida, and I grew up watching the Jefferson's and until this very day I watch it every day on you tube. And I'll always be a fan of hers MAY SHE REST IN PEACE.

NINA wall

April 10, 2019

I love you so much rip

Caleb and Gwen Smith

March 24, 2019

Thanks for all the memories!

Monique Wilkins

March 12, 2019

May she continue to rest in peace..

Lillie Mills

February 17, 2019

She was great actor I still watch the jefferson show love it sorry for you all loss

Donna Green

January 24, 2019

Rip ucwas awesome on tv

Lisa Murrey Ransom

January 21, 2019

E.XTRAORDINARY
L.EGENDARY
O.UTSTANDING
I.RREPLACEABLE
S.PECTACULAR
E.XQUISITE

G.ENUINE
W.ONDERFUL
E.XCEPTIONAL
N.OBLE
D.EVOTED
O.PTIMISTIC
L.OYAL
Y.OU WERE PHENOMENAL
N.URTURING

S.PECIAL
A.UTHENTIC
N.OETIC
F.ABULOUS
O.PENHEARTED
R.EMARKABLE
D.ELIGHTFUL

REST IN GOD'S LOVING ARMS DEAR ONE.

NEVER GONE, NEVER WILL BE FORGOTTEN.

Bernice Loadholt

December 9, 2018

I still watch the Jefferson it is a very funny show Ms Sanford is a beautiful actress n will b truly missed SIH/RIP

Carmen Casero

October 21, 2018

I still watch the Jefferson's on Rerun's. you were a class act, and your humor is greatly missed. I'm sure you're entertaining everyone in heaven

Bishop Jameel Bryant

September 29, 2018

Hey my great grandma talk about you a lot she told us y'all were first cousins that her mom and your mom was sisters I wish I could have gotten to know you.

Jane Bass

September 9, 2018

R.I.H. Ms.Isabel Sandford..Aka..Weezie..Loved you on The Jefferson Show..U was one funny lady.! U are Missed her on earth.! #jobwelldone

Daphne Thorpr

August 25, 2018

I love this women...I used to tell my past land lord..she looked just like her..

evelyn black-smith

July 25, 2018

loved the funny lady!! may the Lord's peace embrace the family!!!

July 22, 2018

RIP, classy lady

Errol Sebastien

July 13, 2018

I had the pleasure of meeting her and selling her a Volvo back in the 80's when I worked at ARROW VOLVO in Compton, Ca. She also invited me to her home.

Chokolate Girl

July 6, 2018

RIP

Mike

June 11, 2018

I grew up in the 70's and still watch the Jefferson's today, you will be missed. Rip

Isabel Lopez

June 4, 2018

I grew up watching The Jefferson's and I still watch the reruns! Still enjoy it so much. I'd rather watch those old shows than many of the new ones!! Good 'ol days

Renay Horn

May 15, 2018

Your smile will be miss

Marie Iee

April 15, 2018

My siblings and I grew up watching The Jeffersons!! You made me laugh and cry every Saturday night!!

Jeannie von Salm

April 11, 2018

Love The Jeffersons, all the actors
THANK YOU ALL FOR MAKING ME LAUGH

Elaine Rainey

March 27, 2018

Such a classy and sophisticated lady is gone from this world... Mrs. Isabel Sanford.

Carolyn Harrington

March 26, 2018

I love and still do enjoy watching the Jefferson's!

Claudette Washington-Brumfield

February 18, 2018

Oh how we loved the Jeffersons! Thanks for making us laugh. Our condolences to you, family of Weezie we loved her and will forever remember her and George.

The Brumfields, Plaquemine, LA

Donna Torrence

January 24, 2018

Hey Weezy...sitting here watching you George and Mother Jefferson go at it... Lol... Mrs. Sanford I love you guys... RIP

Ryan Howe

January 23, 2018

Sadly missed may god open his arms and grant you love and peace .Condolences to the family.

Precious April Lisa Rorie

January 9, 2018

Mrs. Sanford's Family,
My family sends our condolences to your family. I have watched (The Jefferson's) throughout my childhood life with my mother, my grandparts, and my aunts. l still enjoy the reruns. I will always love her, Mrs. Sanford.
With Sincere love,
Precious, April, and Lisa Rorie

Caprisha Pete-Grant

January 7, 2018

Classy lady! Great actress! RIP

December 28, 2017

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Gloria Sanders

December 25, 2017

May God Bless you always.

Pat Durham

December 16, 2017

Enjoyed u Weezy growing up and still do in the series shown during the week now days. May you rest in peace and condolences to your family -you will be truly missed.

Birdie Jimenez

December 12, 2017

What a talent this woman and and the cast of the Jeffersons had ! Still watch the re-runs. Nothing but trash on now days .

Lizzette Parks

December 1, 2017

God blessings to u ms. Isabelle❤

Mr&Mrs Wiggins

October 22, 2017

Rest In Peace weezi you are truly loved an missed

Carmen Inge

October 19, 2017

So Sorry to learn of Ms. Sanford's passing. Rest in heaven "Mrs. George Jefferson" My family & I still watch the reruns on a regular basis. Great work my Dear very well done!! Comfort to your Family with Peace & Blessings..

Esther Adams

September 24, 2017

I just Loved her

Lois Brooks

August 27, 2017

She was a Beautiful Actress! And I loved all her movies! My Condolences to her Family RIP Ms Isabel (Weezy)

Flora Watson

August 25, 2017

Thanks Mrs. Sanford ✝

Leonard Parker

August 22, 2017

May God bless you and your accomplishments

Laurie

August 16, 2017

I still watch you on the Jefferson's every day after work. Thank you so much for bringing laughter to my life. There will never be another "Weezy" rest in peace.

Ann Walton

July 10, 2017

Was sadden to learn that Ms. Sanford has passed! She was really a good actor and made the perfect wife for ole George! Rest in peace Ms Sanford!

Jerelyn Pope

June 18, 2017

Sitting here watching reruns of the Jeffersons in my childhood home of 45yrs wondering what to do after loosing my home in Syr Ny to forclosure. The episode of George and Weezy came home with the (wong) baby trying to enter Jessica in the baby calendar OMG!!! I laugh so hard forgot my issues for a split moment, felt like a kid again. Just wanted to tell the family that I will never forget how important the Jeffersons are to my life. (Weezy) Isabel Sanford still is one of my favorite actress of all time my she continue to RIH and I will continue to watch the Jeffersons til I get there just glad I was able to express how I felt as a proud fan to her family. Thank u Isabel Sanford for mastering your craft that still has a comforting effect on me still to this day ❤

Brenda Henderson

May 20, 2017

I still watch the Jefferson. Weezy was the best on the show.

Jazmine Jernigan

May 11, 2017

i will missed her too

Esther A.o

April 26, 2017

I was so sorry to here about Isabel Sanford she was so butiful. She Will be missed.

Christine Willett

April 21, 2017

Love watching you as weezy on the Jeffersons you were such a great wife, mother and friend to florance and Helen I'm gonna keep watching you on the Jeffersons Re runs as long as they play them on TV. R.i.P.Weezy.

Tara Walker

March 28, 2017

Miss Sanford you were the sweetest mother & wife on TV at that time to me. Rest easy you are missed & love.

Winnefred Brown

March 17, 2017

I loved the many you played "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" as well as "Lady Sing the Blues" that strong deep raspy voice was one to remember. Very well missed but much deserved rest eternally

Laura Flores

March 4, 2017

Thanks for being my laughter as a child

S Hendricks

February 22, 2017

You are being missed. The tv show The Jeffersons is still the number 1 comedy show for centuries to come. Thanks for such great laughter.

Bishop Rodney T Bennett

February 17, 2017

Thank you for growing up with you George Helen Florence Tom you guys are always special and I'm so grateful too you guys for showing laughter and funny jokes and special love we miss you rest in peace Weezy.

Jacqueline

February 2, 2017

Love watching the Jeffersons even now. My boyfriend and I love to stay in on Friday nights and watch the re-runs. Love when George calls weezy. Both you and Mr. Jefferson are sadly missed, but you live on in all the laughs you continue to give us!

Yuvonne Jones

January 21, 2017

I love you Weezie!!!

Barry Christian

January 6, 2017

Sitting here with my wife in Georgia watching Jefferson reruns on YOUTUBE... Ms. Sanford was always a part of my childhood and watching these reruns tonight have brought back some great memories. Thank you Ms .Sanford for the memories.

Georgia Velasquez

November 16, 2016

I love watching Jefferson it is so funny she is a wonderful lady Georgia velasquez rocks prints wyo

Peggy Rushin

November 3, 2016

I love the jefferson...that was the best show on t v for years. I loved watching how you (Weezie ) ignore George (Sherman)...when he act crazy and though he could fool you. I believe if couples would have the kind of relationship that u guys act out on the show ...mayb marriage will b like it use to b and last for years instead of one year or just not fighting to save their marriage. I love watching the jefferson so much I have almost all of the series of your shows on DVDs...whenever I feel down I will watch your show ,,,because you...(Weezie).. George and Florence will have me laughing and that help me get my mind off whatever is worrying me. All the cast were excellent ..but when you ( Mrs Sanford ) .George and florence get together I knew it was going to be a treat. A Special thanks for your fantastic and brilliant talent we would have not been able to laugh and enjoy watching you and the other excellent cast, without all the great talents you guys displayed on the show. You will b miss I pray you accepted the LORD IN YOUR LIFE ..REST AND PEACE AND I WILL SEE YOU AGAIN.. A FRIEND YOU NEVER MEET PEGGY R. IN ATALNTA GA

Ramona Fullwood

October 29, 2016

Prayers up for Ms. Isabel Sanford....May the LORD rest her soul in peace! My condolences to her family and friends.

I loved her character as "Louise Jefferson" on "The Jeffersons," her legacy will forever live.

Latasha Wilson

October 22, 2016

Love you Weezie... My all time favorite

September 21, 2016

I'll always LUV her she help mold me n to that lady lm today THANK U MRS.SANDFORD

Barbara Amado

September 2, 2016

We Love you here in San Antonio tx

jay

September 1, 2016

Weezie you willed be missed always ..you talent as an actress will never be forgotten .keep George in line ..RIP.

Mimi Baldwin

August 29, 2016

RIP,I loved your character in The Jeffersons

Rick Panozzo

August 3, 2016

You were so much more than just the character "Louis Jefferson". You were a lovely, kind, generous human being. Thank you for gracing us with that while you were on this earth.

Yolanda Wooten

July 26, 2016

She was such a amazing actress. I still enjoy watching the reruns of The Jeffersons often!!!

Marylin Stinnett

July 24, 2016

I love you and the Jefferson's was such a wonderful. family. show you will be miss God Bless Meet you in Heaven.

crystal ward

July 23, 2016

As a African American female stand up comedian and screenwriter i owe you a great debt! Continue to Rest in Heaven.

Dyiann Lane

July 23, 2016

Mrs. Sanford you'll never be for gotten I'm still love sick over the Jefferson, you and George reminded me, of my husband and myself. All ways getting him in line. May your soul restin peace. Love you always!!!

July 20, 2016

Love u step mom

Harry Simpson

July 11, 2016

Godspeed, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

walter mcclean

July 10, 2016

Rip.weeze

Tishs Duffy

July 6, 2016

I Tisha loved Weedy

Valenda Newell

July 1, 2016

My favorite show "THE JEFFERSONS" between 1975 to 1985, I did NOT miss an episode. I can still hear MR. Jefferson calling one WEEZIE! WEEZIE!...I loved the character one played....THANKS FOR SHARING ONE'S TALENT WITH THE REST OF THE WORLD....MANY BLESSINGS

Pamela Reid

June 16, 2016

Sincerely missed and remembered!

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March 5, 2025

Della R. posted to the memorial.

February 9, 2025

Latrenia Lucina Mitchell posted to the memorial.

February 2, 2025

Nikkee posted to the memorial.