Actor Demond Wilson of ‘Sanford and Son’ fame dies at 79

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Demond Wilson, famous for his role as Lamont Sanford on the 1970s sitcom “Sanford and Son,” passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in the Coachella Valley on January 30th. He was 79 years old.

Wilson’s publicist, Mark Goldman, confirmed that he died from complications related to cancer.

According to a statement from Goldman, Demond was lovingly surrounded by family and friends during his last days. He was a dedicated father, actor, writer, and minister who lived a life guided by his faith, a commitment to helping others, and genuine compassion. Whether through his acting, writing, or religious work, Demond always aimed to inspire people and make a positive difference in the communities he touched.

Grady Wilson was born in Valdosta, Georgia, on October 13, 1946, but spent his childhood in New York City. His mother worked as a dietitian, and his father was a tailor. He began performing very young, studying tap and ballet and appearing on Broadway at age four. After serving in the Army and being wounded in Vietnam from 1966 to 1968, he started his television career in 1971 with a guest role on “All in the Family.” This led to his best-known role in 1972 as a cast member of “Sanford and Son,” a groundbreaking sitcom for its predominantly Black cast.

While Redd Foxx is best known for playing Fred Sanford, he also had roles in shows like “Baby, I’m Back,” “The New Odd Couple,” and “Girlfriends.” His final television role was in “Eleanor’s Bench,” which aired in 2023.

Even though he was successful as an actor, Wilson changed careers in 1983. He gave up acting, sold his luxurious home and car, and became a preacher who worked with multiple religious denominations.

Given his upbringing, the decision wasn’t unexpected. Wilson explained to The Times in 1986 that he grew up Catholic, served as an altar boy, and even seriously thought about becoming a priest at age 14. A near-fatal experience at 12 – a ruptured appendix – prompted him to vow service to God later in life. He often stated that he felt a strong belief in God’s presence and guidance throughout his life.

Feeling disappointed with Hollywood life, Wilson decided to move his family to a comfortable, conservative neighborhood in Mission Viejo – a place he playfully described as “respectable, Republican, and upper-middle-class.” He hoped his five children would grow up with typical, everyday experiences. He explained they were leaving behind the competitive and superficial world of the entertainment industry.

Besides acting, Wilson was a writer. He published two books for adults: “The New Age Millennium: An Exposé of Symbols, Slogans and Hidden Agendas” in 1998, and his autobiography, “Second Banana: The Bittersweet Memoirs of the Sanford & Son Years,” in 2009. He also wrote eleven books for children.

Wilson is remembered by his wife, Cicely, and his children: Nicole, Melissa, Christopher, Demond Jr., Tabitha, and Sarah. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Madison and Isabella.

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2026-02-01 04:01