Demond Wilson, the actor best known for his role as Lamont Sanford on the NBC sitcom 'Sanford and Son,' has died at age 79. Wilson passed away Friday morning at his home in Palm Springs, California, from complications related to cancer. His son, Demond Wilson Jr., confirmed the death to media outlets.
Background
Wilson was born Grady Demond Wilson on October 13, 1946, in Georgia, but grew up in New York City. He began performing at an exceptionally young age, making his Broadway debut at just four years old in a revival of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play "The Green Pastures." By age 12, he was dancing at Harlem's Apollo Theater, one of the most prestigious venues for Black performers in America.
His early career included training in tap dancing and ballet alongside his theatrical work. In the late 1960s, Wilson served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968, including a deployment to Vietnam. After returning to New York, he performed in several Broadway productions before making the move to Los Angeles to pursue television and film work.
Wilson's breakthrough role came in 1972 when he was cast opposite legendary comedian Redd Foxx on 'Sanford and Son.' The show, adapted from the British series 'Steptoe and Son,' centered on a father and son running a junkyard in Los Angeles. The series became a ratings powerhouse and one of the highest-rated television comedies of the 1970s.
Key Details
His Role on 'Sanford and Son'
Wilson played Lamont Sanford, the level-headed and responsible son of Fred Sanford, portrayed by Foxx. Throughout the show's six-season run from 1972 to 1977, Lamont served as the central figure in most episodes, often caught between his own ambitions and his loyalty to his aging father. The character resonated with audiences as someone trying to balance responsibility with personal dreams.
During the show's fourth season in 1974, Foxx walked off the production over a salary dispute with producers. Wilson's character became the focus of the show during Foxx's absence, but when Foxx returned the following year, the two continued working together until the series ended in 1977. When Foxx later attempted to revive the show with a new series called 'Sanford' in 1980 and 1981, Wilson declined to return.
Later Career and Personal Life
After 'Sanford and Son' ended, Wilson appeared in several other television projects. He starred in the short-lived sitcom 'Baby… I'm Back!' and later appeared on 'The New Odd Couple,' 'The Love Boat,' and 'Girlfriends.' He also appeared in the 1993 film 'Me and the Kid.' Following a nearly 20-year hiatus from acting, Wilson made a return to the screen in the 2023 drama 'Eleanor's Bench.'
In 1984, Wilson was ordained as a minister in the Church of God in Christ and became an active Christian evangelist. He married model Cicely Loise Johnston on May 3, 1974, and the couple had six children together.
Wilson also authored a book titled 'Second Banana: The Bitter Sweet Memories of the Sanford & Son Years,' published in 2009, in which he reflected on his time on the beloved sitcom. In the 1980s, he overcame a cocaine addiction and rebuilt his life through his faith.
"The family of Demond Wilson is deeply saddened by his passing. He was an unbelievable man, and his impact will never be forgotten." – Mark Goldman, Wilson's publicist of 15 years
What This Means
'Sanford and Son' holds a significant place in television history as a landmark sitcom that expanded Black representation on primetime television during the 1970s. The show's success paved the way for other programs featuring Black families and communities, making Wilson's role particularly important in the evolution of American television.
The series has remained in syndication for decades and continues to be watched by new generations of viewers. Wilson's portrayal of Lamont became iconic, representing a character that audiences connected with across different demographics and time periods.
Wilson is survived by his wife Cicely Loise Johnston and their six children. His publicist said the family is requesting privacy during this time of grief.
