Demond Wilson, best known for his role as Lamont Sanford on the classic sitcom “Sanford and Son“, has passed away at the age of 79.

Demond Wilson, ‘Sanford and Son’ Star, Dies at 79

According to multiple reports, Wilson passed away on Friday at his home in Palm Springs, California. The family confirmed Wilson had complications from cancer. His family asked for privacy as they mourned the loss of the actor, author, and minister.

Demond Wilson’s Legacy

Wilson rose to fame in the early 1970s, portraying Lamont Sanford, the level-headed son of Redd Foxx’s Fred Sanford on NBC’s Sanford and Son, which aired from 1972 to 1977. The series became one of television’s most successful sitcoms and was among the first to center a predominantly Black cast on network TV.

Born Grady Demond Wilson in Valdosta, Georgia, and raised in Harlem, New York, Wilson began his career as a dancer before transitioning to acting. He later appeared on Broadway and in early television roles before landing the career-defining part that made him a household name.

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After Sanford and Son, Wilson continued acting, starring in series such as ‘Baby… I’m Back! ‘ and ‘The New Odd Couple,’ along with appearances in film. However, his life took a significant turn in the 1980s when he stepped away from Hollywood to focus on his Christian faith.

Wilson later became an ordained minister and devoted much of his life to preaching, writing, and speaking. He authored several books centered on faith and spiritual discernment, often speaking openly about his decision to leave the spotlight in pursuit of purpose beyond entertainment.

Demond Wilson is survived by his wife, Cicely Johnston, their six children, and grandchildren. His passing marks the loss of a cultural figure whose work helped shape television history and whose life reflected a journey from fame to faith, leaving behind a legacy that extended far beyond the screen.