COLLEAGUES & FRIENDS EULOGIZE ACTRESS ISABEL SANFORD AT MEMORIAL TRIBUTE AT THE TELEVISION ACADEMY

• SCHOLARSHIP FUND IN HER NAME ANNOUNCED •

Isabel Sanford, the only African American performer to win a Best Actress in a Comedy Series Emmy, was remembered by friends and colleagues during a memorial tribute on August 22, 2004 at the Leonard H. Goldenson Theatre at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, in North Hollywood.

Recalling memorable, humorous and touching stories were "The Jeffersons" creator and producer Norman Lear, "All in the Family" director John Rich, "The Jeffersons" directors Jack Shea, Bob Lally, and Arlando Smith, and "The Jeffersons" cast members Marla Gibbs and Ned Wertimer. Isabel's long time friend and actress Lillian Lehman emceed the event.

Los Angeles City Councilmember Bernard C. Parks issued special proclamations to Pamela Ruff and Sanford Sanford, Ms. Sanford's children, in honor of their mother, that were presented at the event.

Isabel's longtime manager and publicist Brad Lemack announced the establishment of The Isabel Sanford Los Angeles Scholarship at Emerson College, which was launched with a contribution from Denny's restaurants. Ms. Sanford and her TV co-star, Hemsley, recently appeared in a popular series of commercials for the company. The scholarship will help fund a qualifying Emerson student, from the school's Boston campus, preferably a minority student who is receiving financial assistance, to participate in the college's acclaimed Los Angeles Program each semester.

Ms. Sanford died July 9th of natural causes at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, in Los Angeles.

You can view video highlights from the tribute event below by selecting a thumbnail image.

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