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Isabel Sanford Obituary
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.
Memories and Condolences
for Isabel Sanford
771 Entries
April 22, 2023
Lakesha Williams
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.
January 5, 2022
Rosemary McDonnell
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.
August 24, 2020
Significant_other
Karen Mitchell
Lovely lady. Still watches the Jefferson show to this day.
March 25, 2020
Belinda Marshall
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.
January 10, 2020
Lynda Stauss
she was great. I loved her. So very pretty too.
January 4, 2020
Friend
Karen. Williams
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.
January 4, 2020
Randy Bryan
A great loss
November 24, 2019
Acquaintance
Susan Wall
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.
August 20, 2019
Significant_other
Alphonza Hasty
Awesome show
July 5, 2019
Felicia Evans
I LOVE ISABEL SANFORD ON THE JEFFERSON'S. MAY YOU CONTINUE TO REST IN HEAVEN WITH OUR GOD.
June 17, 2019
Nettie Jamison
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
June 16, 2019
Shirley Davis
Prayers for the family
May 25, 2019
Henrietta Pinckney
I really miss that show
I really loved her character
RIP
May 25, 2019
Melissa Freeman
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
May 23, 2019
Acquaintance
Gwendolyn Benton
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.
April 24, 2019
Friend
Lisa
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.
April 10, 2019
Friend
NINA wall
I love you so much rip
March 24, 2019
Caleb and Gwen Smith
Thanks for all the memories!
March 12, 2019
Monique Wilkins
May she continue to rest in peace..
February 17, 2019
Lillie Mills
She was great actor I still watch the jefferson show love it sorry for you all loss
January 26, 2019
Acquaintance
Rocky Cinolly
January 24, 2019
Friend
Donna Green
Rip ucwas awesome on tv
January 21, 2019
Lisa Murrey Ransom
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.
December 9, 2018
Bernice Loadholt
I still watch the Jefferson it is a very funny show Ms Sanford is a beautiful actress n will b truly missed SIH/RIP
October 21, 2018
Carmen Casero
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
September 29, 2018
Bishop Jameel Bryant
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.
September 9, 2018
Jane Bass
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
August 25, 2018
Friend
Daphne Thorpr
I love this women...I used to tell my past land lord..she looked just like her..
July 25, 2018
evelyn black-smith
loved the funny lady!! may the Lord's peace embrace the family!!!
July 22, 2018
RIP, classy lady
July 13, 2018
Errol Sebastien
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.
July 6, 2018
Chokolate Girl
RIP
June 11, 2018
Mike
I grew up in the 70's and still watch the Jefferson's today, you will be missed. Rip
June 4, 2018
Isabel Lopez
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
May 15, 2018
Renay Horn
Your smile will be miss
April 15, 2018
Marie Iee
My siblings and I grew up watching The Jeffersons!! You made me laugh and cry every Saturday night!!
April 11, 2018
Jeannie von Salm
Love The Jeffersons, all the actors
THANK YOU ALL FOR MAKING ME LAUGH
March 27, 2018
Elaine Rainey
Such a classy and sophisticated lady is gone from this world... Mrs. Isabel Sanford.
March 26, 2018
Carolyn Harrington
I love and still do enjoy watching the Jefferson's!
February 18, 2018
Claudette Washington-Brumfield
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
January 24, 2018
Donna Torrence
Hey Weezy...sitting here watching you George and Mother Jefferson go at it... Lol... Mrs. Sanford I love you guys... RIP
January 23, 2018
Ryan Howe
Sadly missed may god open his arms and grant you love and peace .Condolences to the family.
January 9, 2018
Precious April Lisa Rorie
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
January 7, 2018
Caprisha Pete-Grant
Classy lady! Great actress! RIP
December 28, 2017
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
December 25, 2017
Gloria Sanders
May God Bless you always.
December 16, 2017
Pat Durham
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.
December 12, 2017
Birdie Jimenez
What a talent this woman and and the cast of the Jeffersons had ! Still watch the re-runs. Nothing but trash on now days .
December 1, 2017
Lizzette Parks
God blessings to u ms. Isabelle❤
October 22, 2017
Mr&Mrs Wiggins
Rest In Peace weezi you are truly loved an missed
October 19, 2017
Carmen Inge
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..
September 24, 2017
Esther Adams
I just Loved her
August 27, 2017
Lois Brooks
She was a Beautiful Actress! And I loved all her movies! My Condolences to her Family RIP Ms Isabel (Weezy)
August 25, 2017
Flora Watson
Thanks Mrs. Sanford ✝
August 22, 2017
Leonard Parker
May God bless you and your accomplishments
August 16, 2017
Laurie
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.
July 10, 2017
Ann Walton
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!
June 18, 2017
Jerelyn Pope
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 ❤
June 7, 2017
Corina Hornbsker
June 7, 2017
Monica Lopez
May 20, 2017
Brenda Henderson
I still watch the Jefferson. Weezy was the best on the show.
May 11, 2017
Jazmine Jernigan
i will missed her too
April 26, 2017
Esther A.o
I was so sorry to here about Isabel Sanford she was so butiful. She Will be missed.
April 21, 2017
Christine Willett
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.
March 28, 2017
Tara Walker
Miss Sanford you were the sweetest mother & wife on TV at that time to me. Rest easy you are missed & love.
March 17, 2017
Winnefred Brown
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
March 4, 2017
Laura Flores
Thanks for being my laughter as a child
February 22, 2017
S Hendricks
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.
February 17, 2017
Bishop Rodney T Bennett
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.
February 2, 2017
Jacqueline
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!
January 21, 2017
Yuvonne Jones
I love you Weezie!!!
January 6, 2017
Barry Christian
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.
November 16, 2016
Georgia Velasquez
I love watching Jefferson it is so funny she is a wonderful lady Georgia velasquez rocks prints wyo
November 3, 2016
Peggy Rushin
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
October 29, 2016
Ramona Fullwood
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.
October 25, 2016
Cathy Brooks
October 22, 2016
Latasha Wilson
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
September 2, 2016
Barbara Amado
We Love you here in San Antonio tx
September 1, 2016
jay
Weezie you willed be missed always ..you talent as an actress will never be forgotten .keep George in line ..RIP.
August 29, 2016
Mimi Baldwin
RIP,I loved your character in The Jeffersons
August 3, 2016
Rick Panozzo
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.
July 26, 2016
Yolanda Wooten
She was such a amazing actress. I still enjoy watching the reruns of The Jeffersons often!!!
July 24, 2016
Marylin Stinnett
I love you and the Jefferson's was such a wonderful. family. show you will be miss God Bless Meet you in Heaven.
July 23, 2016
crystal ward
As a African American female stand up comedian and screenwriter i owe you a great debt! Continue to Rest in Heaven.
July 23, 2016
Dyiann Lane
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
July 11, 2016
Harry Simpson
Godspeed, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
July 10, 2016
walter mcclean
Rip.weeze
July 6, 2016
Tishs Duffy
I Tisha loved Weedy
July 1, 2016
Valenda Newell
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
June 16, 2016
Pamela Reid
Sincerely missed and remembered!
June 2, 2016
Gloria Blackshure
Isabel 'Louise Jefferson' Sanford, it is a pleasure to sign ur guestbook of someone who still touches my life. Watching evry series of the Jeffersons. laughing keeps the tear gates dried up, so I'll keep laughing till we all meet each other in Heaven someday! rest weezy as ur hubby George wld say. I thk the network for keeping Ur memory still in our homes with our family & friends. Ur spirit is much alive! God bless ur family for sharing U W/Us!!!
May 31, 2016
Ebony Bonner
Much love to you Isabel Sandford . My family and I loved you. Rest in peace and know that you were a Blessing.
Sincerely,
Ebony and family
May 18, 2016
Janet Brown
God blessed her
May 18, 2016
Janet Brown
God blessed her
May 10, 2016
dena taylor
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