Eloise Gwendolyn Sanford

 Eloise Gwendolyn Sanford (August 29, 1917 – July 9, 2004), at Forest Lawn–Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles, California. A trailblazing actress and comedian, Sanford remains a symbol of talent, perseverance, and groundbreaking achievement in television history.

Best known for her iconic portrayal of Louise “Weezy” Jefferson on All in the Family (1971–1975) and its beloved spinoff The Jeffersons (1975–1985), Isabel Sanford made television history. In 1981, she became the first Black woman to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, a milestone that continues to inspire generations of performers.

Before television fame, Sanford built her foundation on the stage. Her Broadway debut came in James Baldwin’s The Amen Corner (1965), a role that led to her film appearance in Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967), where she impressed audiences as Tillie Binks. Her performance caught the attention of legendary producer Norman Lear, who later cast her as the quick-witted and lovable Louise Jefferson.

After The Jeffersons ended, Isabel continued to work in film and television, maintaining her grace, humor, and strength until her final years. Even later in life, she reunited with her on-screen husband Sherman Hemsley for stage performances, keeping the beloved Jefferson legacy alive.

Isabel Sanford passed away in 2004, leaving behind an enduring legacy of laughter, courage, and representation. Her gravesite is a place of reverence for fans who remember her not just as “Weezy,” but as a woman who broke barriers and changed television forever.

Rest in peace, Isabel Sanford — your voice, laughter, and strength continue to echo through time.