When Sanford and Son began, Aunt Esther was a throwaway character. Producers didn’t think audiences would connect with a Bible-thumping, handbag-swinging holy warrior.
But LaWanda Page had other plans.
During a table read, she improvised one line—“Watch it, sucker!”—with such fire that the entire room exploded in laughter. Redd Foxx stood up and said, “That’s staying in.”
From that moment, Aunt Esther’s role expanded. The chemistry between her and Fred became legendary. Behind the scenes, Page had turned a minor role into a scene-stealing sensation with one unscripted moment.
Sometimes, it only takes one line to change a career.
