‘Sanford and Son’ Actor Passes Away at 79
Grady Demond Wilson, the actor famous for his role as Lamont Sanford on the iconic sitcom *Sanford and Son*, has passed away at the age of 79. His son, Demond Wilson Jr., informed the media that his father died at their Palm Springs residence due to complications from cancer on a recent Friday. The specific type of cancer has not been disclosed.
Demond Wilson was born on October 13, 1946, in Valdosta, Georgia. He spent his formative years in New York City, where he made his Broadway debut as a child. Following his early career, Wilson served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, where he was injured.
Career Highlights of Demond Wilson
After returning from military service, Wilson continued to showcase his talent in various Broadway and off-Broadway productions before making his way to Hollywood. His breakthrough came with a guest appearance on *All in the Family* in 1971, leading to his iconic role in *Sanford and Son*, which aired from 1972 to 1977. The show, created by Norman Lear, was adapted from the British series *Steptoe and Son* and featured Wilson alongside Redd Foxx, who played Fred G. Sanford.
Television and Film Appearances
Beyond *Sanford and Son*, Wilson took on several other notable roles:
- Starred as Raymond Ellis in the 1978 CBS sitcom *Baby… I’m Back!*.
- Portrayed Oscar Madison in *The New Odd Couple* from 1982 to 1983.
- Appeared in shows like *Mission: Impossible*, *The Love Boat*, and *Girlfriends*.
- Featured in films such as *Cotton Comes to Harlem* (1970), *The Organization* (1971), *Full Moon High* (1981), and *Hammerlock* (2000).
Personal Life
In addition to acting, Wilson was an ordained minister and actively engaged in Christian evangelism. He married model Cicely Johnston in 1974, and they raised six children together, in addition to having multiple grandchildren. Wilson’s contributions to television and his personal life have left a lasting impact on his family and fans alike.
