Demond Wilson, the actor best known for his role as Lamont Sanford on the iconic 1970s sitcom Sanford and Son, has died at the age of 79. He passed away Friday at his home in Palm Springs, California, from complications related to cancer, his son Demond Wilson Jr. told TMZ.
Born Grady Demond Wilson on October 13, 1946, in Valdosta, Georgia, Wilson grew up in Harlem, New York City, where he appeared on Broadway as a child and danced at the Apollo Theater before entering the world of television and film. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War before pursuing an acting career.
Wilson’s breakthrough came with Sanford and Son (1972–1977), one of the most popular sitcoms of the era. Adapted from the British series Steptoe and Son, the show starred Redd Foxx as Fred Sanford and Wilson as his patient but savvy son Lamont. The series focused on a father-son junk business in Watts, Los Angeles, and became one of NBC’s highest rated comedies during its run, helping diversify television representation for Black actors in leading comedic roles.
In addition to Sanford and Son, Wilson appeared in other television projects. He starred as Raymond Ellis in Baby… I’m Back! (1978–1979) and played Oscar Madison in the short-lived sitcom The New Odd Couple (1982–1983). He also made guest appearances on series such as Mission: Impossible and The Love Boat over the years.
Beyond his screen career, Wilson became an ordained Christian minister in 1984 and founded the Restoration House of America, an organization dedicated to aiding former inmates in re-entering society. He also authored several books on faith and personal growth.
Wilson is survived by his wife, Cicely Johnston, and their six children.
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