Grady Demond Wilson, beloved as Lamont Sanford in Sanford and Son, passes away. (Photo: X/@TMZ)
Grady Demond Wilson, the beloved actor best known for portraying Lamont Sanford on NBC’s iconic sitcom Sanford and Son, has passed away at the age of 79. His son, Demond Wilson Jr., confirmed that the veteran television star died on Friday morning at his home in Palm Springs, California, following complications related to cancer. The specific type of cancer was not disclosed.
Wilson’s death marks the end of an era in American television comedy. His work on Sanford and Son helped define 1970s sitcom culture and cemented his place as one of the most recognisable faces of classic television.
Grady Demond Wilson rose to national prominence in the early 1970s with his role as Lamont Sanford, the sensible and long-suffering son of junk dealer Fred Sanford, played by legendary comedian Redd Foxx.
The show aired from 1972 to 1977 and quickly became one of the most successful sitcoms of its time.
An American adaptation of the British series Steptoe and Son, Sanford and Son stood out for its sharp humour, social commentary, and unforgettable character dynamics. Wilson’s portrayal of Lamont served as the emotional anchor of the show, balancing Foxx’s loud, comedic performance with grounded realism and warmth.
After Sanford and Son ended, Wilson continued working in television. He starred as Raymond Ellis in the CBS sitcom Baby… I’m Back!, a short-lived series that nevertheless earned him a reported $1 million contract a significant achievement at the time.
He later appeared in The New Odd Couple, which aired for one season in the early 1980s, and also took on film roles, including a part in the 1993 comedy Me and the Kid. Though his screen appearances became less frequent over time, Wilson remained a respected name in the industry.
Wilson’s journey to television fame began long before Hollywood. As a child, he danced on Broadway and by his early teens had performed at Harlem’s famed Apollo Theatre. His life took a dramatic turn when he served in the Vietnam War with the US Army, where he was wounded in action.
After returning home, Wilson pursued acting professionally, eventually finding his breakthrough with Sanford and Son. His life experiences added depth to his performances, helping him bring authenticity to his roles.
After nearly two decades away from acting, Wilson made a notable return in 2023 with the drama Eleanor’s Bench. The project marked his final on-screen appearance and was warmly received by longtime fans, many of whom welcomed his comeback as a fitting conclusion to his career.
Grady Demond Wilson married Cicely Johnston in 1974. Johnston is a former model and appeared in the 1970s film Caged Heat, according to her IMDb profile.
The couple had six children: Christopher, Demond Jr., Louise, Sarah, Nicole, and Melissa. His son, Demond Wilson Jr., confirmed his death and told TMZ, “I loved him. He was a great man.”
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Grady Demond Wilson had an estimated net worth of $2.5 million as of 2025. Much of his wealth came from his television career, including his lucrative contract with CBS for Baby… I’m Back!.
Wilson’s passing comes just months after the death of fellow Sanford and Son alum Lynn Hamilton, who died in June 2025. Fans across social media paid tribute to Wilson’s legacy and influence.
“Rest in Power, Demond Wilson.” one fan wrote on X.
“R.I.P. to Grady Demond Wilson & Redd Foxx. Sanford & Son is still one of my favorite shows of all time,” another posted.
Grady Demond Wilson leaves behind a body of work that continues to resonate with audiences decades later. As Lamont Sanford, he helped shape one of television’s most enduring sitcoms, bringing heart, balance, and humanity to a role that remains unforgettable.
Though he may be gone, Wilson’s legacy lives on through reruns, fan memories, and his lasting contribution to American television history.
Sofia Babu Chacko is a journalist with over five years of experience covering Indian politics, crime, human rights, gender issues, and stories about marginalized communities. She believes that every voice matters, and journalism has a vital role to play in amplifying those voices. Sofia is committed to creating impact and shedding light on stories that truly matter. Beyond her work in the newsroom, she is also a music enthusiast who enjoys singing.
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