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Isabel Sanford Obituary
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.
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!
How you can show support
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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