Demond Wilson, Iconic 'Sanford and Son' Star, Passes Away at 79
Demond Wilson, the actor who became a household name portraying Lamont Sanford on the beloved 1970s NBC sitcom Sanford and Son, has died at the age of 79. His son, Demond Wilson Jr., confirmed to TMZ that the actor passed away on Friday morning due to complications from cancer at his home in Palm Springs, California.
A Legacy of Laughter and Television History
Wilson's portrayal of the frustrated, quick-tempered son to Redd Foxx's cantankerous junk dealer Fred G. Sanford cemented his place in television history. The show, created by Norman Lear and based on the British series Steptoe and Son, aired from 1972 to 1977 and became one of the highest-rated TV comedies of the decade. The comical banter between father and son, set in Los Angeles, resonated with audiences across North America and beyond.
From Humble Beginnings to Hollywood Stardom
Born in Valdosta, Georgia, Wilson grew up in New York City's Harlem neighborhood. Before his acting career took off, he served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam from 1966 to 1968. After returning from service, he honed his craft on Broadway and Off-Broadway stages before making the move to Hollywood.
The year 1971 proved pivotal for Wilson's career, as he landed guest roles on several television series including Mission: Impossible and Norman Lear's groundbreaking sitcom All in the Family. His performance on Lear's shows ultimately led to his most memorable role as Lamont Sanford.
A Life Beyond Acting: Ministry and Writing
Wilson married model Cicely Johnston in 1974 and later became an ordained minister in the 1980s. He also turned his attention to writing, publishing eleven books that spanned various genres. His published works included children's books, an exposé on the New Age spiritual movement titled The New Age Millennium: An Expose of Symbols, Slogans and Hidden Agendas, and his memoir Second Banana: The Bittersweet Memoirs of the Sanford and Son Years.
According to his biography, Wilson's commitment to ministry stemmed from a childhood experience at age 12 when he suffered a ruptured appendix and nearly died. During that difficult time, he vowed to serve God in some ministerial capacity as an adult.
Final Years and Family Legacy
Wilson's last acting role was on the TV drama Eleanor's Bench in 2023, according to his IMDb page. He is survived by his wife Cicely and their six children: Christopher, Nicole, Melissa, Sarah, Tabatha, and Demond Jr., as well as two grandchildren.
The entertainment industry mourns the loss of a talented actor whose work brought laughter to millions and helped shape television comedy during a transformative era in broadcasting history.
