<Tr> <Th> Relatives </Th> <Td> Elizabeth Winfield Sanford (sister; deceased) Flossie Winfield (sister) Ethel Winfield (sister) Minnie Winfield (sister) Ellen Winfield (sister) Hazel Winfield (sister) Rosetta Winfield (sister) Elsie Winfield (sister) Fred Sanford (brother - in - law) Edgar (brother - in - law) Jake (brother - in - law) Paul (brother - in - law) Lamont Sanford (nephew) Elizabeth (niece) </Td> </Tr> <P> Esther Winfield Anderson, known and feared as Aunt Esther, is a fictional character from the television series, Sanford and Son . She was played by actress LaWanda Page, an acquaintance of the series' star, Redd Foxx . Page was Foxx's first and only choice to play Esther . </P> <P> At first, Fred's main enemy on the show was in his sister - in - law and Lamont's aunt, Ethel (Beah Richards). Ethel's involvement in the Sanfords' family squabbles lasted only midway through the second season, whereupon she was replaced with her more tart - tongued sister, Esther . </P> <P> Fred and Esther's relationship as in - laws went on to become a major part of the series' legend, as each time Esther appeared, Fred would insult her and audiences were drawn to the show in greater numbers . Conversely, Esther's disdain for Fred stemmed back to when he and Elizabeth were dating; she had disapproved of Fred marrying her sister . He would often contort his face upon Esther's entrance and make disparaging remarks to her, comparing her with King Kong and Godzilla . Esther would refer to Fred as an "old heathen ." Despite his stubbornness, Fred would sometimes redeem himself with acts of kindness toward Esther . </P>

Who played aunt ethel on sanford and son