Characters / Sanford and Son

Fred G. Sanford

Played by: Redd Foxx

The protagonist of the show. He's a charismatic person, but is also quite manipulative, insensitive and scheming.

• Aw, Look! They Really Do Love Each Other: He and Esther had a few of these moments.
  • He and Lamont share quite a few of these, as well.
• Brutal Honesty: He's not known for his tactful manner.
• Catchphrase: "You big dummy!”; “It’s the big one!”; “Elizabeth, I’m coming to join you.”; “Fred G. Sanford, and the G is for.....”.
• Con Man: He attempts many get rich quick schemes.
• Hidden Depths: He’s a great singer, being able to show off this talent quite often.
• Jerkass: At his worst.
• Large Ham: Always wants to be the center of attention.
• Lazy Bum: He spends the day watching TV while his son does most of the work.
• Politically Incorrect Villain: He frequently displays prejudiced attitudes when dealing with his Puerto Rican neighbor Julio and his Japanese neighbor Ah Chew.
  • He's also very mistrustful of white people on the whole.
  • He also isn't very charitable towards homosexuals, or individuals he suspects of being such.
• Schemer: Lots of elaborate plans to avoid getting out of work, make money, or impress women.
• The Scrooge: He's a very cheap man.
• Sitcom Arch-Nemesis: With Aunt Esther; usually instigated by Fred, the two are always insulting each other about their looks and personalities.
• Suddenly Shouting: Clutching chest, “it’s the big one. I’m coming to join you Elizabeth.”
• Trademark Favorite Food: His go-to alcoholic drink is Ripple (a cheap wine of the day). He would mix it with champagne to make Champipple, or with cream to make Cripple.
• Unsympathetic Comedy Protagonist: He's grouchy, obsessed with money, and frequently dodges his responsibilities.

Esther Anderson/Aunt Esther

Played by: La Wanda Page

First appearing in Season 2, she became the perfect foil for Fred. The conflicts usually took the form of her religious intolerance vs Fred’s drinking, carousing and being a heathen.

• Big Sister Instinct: Esther is highly protective of Elizabeth, even in death, to the point that she was willing to team up with Fred of all people to "beat the hell out of" a man who claimed to have slept with Elizabeth.
• Breakout Character: She immediately became a fan favorite due to her confrontational arguments with Fred.
• Catchphrase: “Watch it, sucker!”; “You old fish-eyed fool”; “You heathen!”
• Drop-In Character: Her appearances are often her just dropping by the junk yard, exchanging words with Fred, and leaving.
• Enemy Mine: Despite how much she and Fred hated each other, they would occasionally team up when someone had pissed both of them off enough.
• Former Teen Rebel: Implied with the revelation that It was her who slept with "Big Money" Grip when they were young and not Elizabeth.
• Sitcom Arch-Nemesis: With Fred; usually instigated by Fred, the two are always insulting each other about their looks and personalities.
• When She Smiles: Despite her homeliness, she did have a rather sweet smile.