Demond Wilson, Star Of Sanford and Son, Dies Of Cancer At 79

The world has lost a cherished television icon. Demond Wilson, best known for his role as Lamont Sanford on the groundbreaking 1970s sitcom Sanford and Son, passed away Friday in Palm Springs at the age

of 79. Fans and colleagues alike are mourning the loss of a man whose work brought laughter and heart to millions.

Wilson’s publicist, Mark Goldman, shared a statement on behalf of the family: “The family of Demond Wilson is deeply saddened by his passing. At this time, they ask for privacy as they grieve. No further details are available, and the family has no additional information to share. Personally, I had the privilege of working with Demond for 15 years, and his loss is profoundly felt. He was an unbelievable man, and his impact will never be forgotten. The family appreciates the support and understanding of the community during this difficult time.”

According to his son, Wilson died due to complications related to cancer.

Born Grady Demond Wilson in Valdosta, Georgia, he was raised in New York City, where his passion for performance emerged early. At just 12, he began performing at Harlem’s iconic Apollo Theater. After serving in the Army during the Vietnam War, Wilson returned to New York to pursue a career on stage before moving to Los Angeles to break into film and television.

Before Sanford and Son, Wilson appeared in guest roles on shows such as Mission: Impossible and in the film Dealing: Or the Berkeley-to-Boston Forty-Brick Lost Bag Blues. A guest appearance on All in the Family ultimately led to his casting as Lamont Sanford, the patient and witty son of Fred Sanford, played by Redd Foxx, in the NBC series that aired from 1972 to 1977. When Foxx temporarily walked off the show in 1974 over a salary dispute, Wilson carried the series as its lead, though Foxx returned the following year.

Wilson’s career continued with the role of Oscar Madison on The New Odd Couple, which aired for one season on ABC, alongside Ron Glass as Felix Unger. His other credits include the sitcom Baby…I’m Back! and films such as Full Moon High, Hammerlock, and Me and the Kid. In more recent years, he appeared in four episodes of the television series Girlfriends.

Outside of acting, Wilson was a devoted minister in the Church of God in Christ and authored several Christian books. He is survived by his wife, model Cicely Johnston, and their six children.