When people think of Sanford and Son, the first name that comes to mind is usually Fred Sanford, played by the incomparable Redd Foxx. But look beyond the main act, and you’ll find a colorful ensemble of supporting characters who quietly elevated the show from good to unforgettable. These characters didn’t just fill space — they brought heart, conflict, chaos, and often the biggest laughs of the episode.
Let’s talk about them. Let’s talk about the ones who rarely make the headlines but always made the show better.
🕊️ Aunt Esther (LaWanda Page) – The Holy Nemesis
Every time Aunt Esther burst through the Sanford home’s front door, you could feel the tension spike — and the laughs ready to follow. LaWanda Page played Esther Anderson with so much fire and righteousness, she became an icon in her own right. Her battles with Fred were legendary, but there was more to Esther than insults and Bible quotes. She was tough, loving, and deeply loyal to her family. Without Esther, Fred would’ve had no worthy rival. Their chemistry was sitcom gold.
😄 Grady Wilson (Whitman Mayo) – The Lovable Confused Uncle
When Redd Foxx temporarily left the show, Whitman Mayo stepped up as Grady — and fans embraced him. Grady was slow, forgetful, and often hilariously off-topic, but he was also endearing and loyal. He wasn’t just comic relief. In many ways, he reflected the quiet loneliness of aging, the confusion of a changing world, and the charm of someone who means well even when he’s wrong. Mayo played him with subtlety and charm. So much so that Grady even got his own spinoff.
😎 Rollo Larson (Nathaniel Taylor) – The Street-Smart Sidekick
Rollo never had many lines, but when he appeared, you knew something slick was about to happen. As Lamont’s best friend, he embodied the 70s cool — flashy clothes, quick comebacks, and a knack for trouble. Fred always distrusted him, and that tension brought some of the funniest exchanges in the series. Nathaniel Taylor infused Rollo with swagger and sincerity, making him far more than just “the friend.” He was part of Lamont’s world — and often, the reality Fred tried to shield him from.
😂 Bubba Bexley (Don Bexley) – The Jokester Best Friend
Bubba wasn’t on screen as often, but his presence was unmistakable. As Fred’s old buddy, Don Bexley played Bubba with a mix of cluelessness and charm. He was often the third wheel in Fred’s schemes, but his laugh, his mispronunciations, and his big heart made him a fan favorite. Bubba reminded viewers of that one friend everyone has — the one who’s always down for anything, even if they don’t fully understand what’s going on.
🇵🇷 Julio Fuentes (Gregory Sierra) – The Good-Hearted Neighbor
Julio brought something rare to 70s sitcoms: a nuanced Latino character who was neither a caricature nor a punchline. Played by Gregory Sierra, Julio was kind, educated, and often the voice of reason — but that didn’t stop Fred from throwing constant insults his way. Still, Julio never lost his cool. His patience in the face of Fred’s rants made him one of the show’s quiet heroes. He represented the diversity of urban neighborhoods and the cultural clashes that came with them — all while staying funny and relatable.
These characters didn’t just support the show — they gave it soul. They turned a sitcom about a junk dealer into a layered, vibrant world full of personalities that reflected real people, real relationships, and real humor.
So next time you watch Sanford and Son, take a moment to appreciate the people in the background. The ones who didn’t always get top billing — but who gave us unforgettable moments all the same.
Because while Fred Sanford may have been the star, he never shined alone.
