Demond Wilson, the actor best known for playing Lamont Sanford on the classic NBC sitcom “Sanford and Son,” has died. He was 79.
Wilson’s son, Demond Wilson Jr., confirmed the news to TMZ, saying the actor was pronounced dead Friday morning at his home in Palm Springs, California.
Speaking about his father, Demond told TMZ, “I loved him. He was a great man.” He died from complications related to cancer. The type of cancer was not disclosed.
From Georgia Roots to a Breakout Television Role
GettyAccording to TV Insider, Wilson was raised in New York after being born in Valdosta, Georgia. He turned to acting after a tour of duty in Vietnam.
He later appeared on the national stage in productions before moving to Hollywood to pursue roles in television and film.
Early guest appearances on “Mission: Impossible” and “All in the Family” paved the way for his defining role on “Sanford and Son,” the NBC sitcom based on the British series “Steptoe and Son.”
The Heart of ‘Sanford and Son’
On “Sanford and Son,” Wilson played Lamont Sanford, the steady and often exasperated son of junk dealer Fred Sanford, portrayed by Redd Foxx.
Their father-son relationship anchored the series, blending quick-fire humor with moments of genuine affection and reconciliation.
As per The Hollywood Reporter, the sitcom became a major ratings force, with its first five seasons consistently ranking among the Top 10 shows on American television.
Wilson’s performance helped establish the series as one of the most influential comedies of its time.
Life and Career Beyond the Iconic Sitcom
After Foxx briefly left the series during the 1973–74 season due to a contract dispute, the show continued its strong run. Foxx later left following the sixth season to star in “The Redd Foxx Comedy Hour,” which was canceled after four months.
When NBC revived the franchise with the series “Sanford” in 1980, Wilson chose not to return. He instead focused on new projects, including the CBS sitcom “Baby, I’m Back” in 1978 and a starring role as Oscar Madison on ABC’s “The New Odd Couple” in the early 1980s. Both series lasted one season.
Wilson also appeared in films, including a starring role in the 1993 movie “Me and the Kid.”
Faith, Final Roles, and a Lasting Legacy
GettyAs per L. A Times, In 1984, Wilson stepped away from acting to pursue a calling as a Pentecostal minister. In the years that followed, he founded Restoration House, a program dedicated to helping former inmates through spiritual guidance and vocational training.
He also authored several books focused on faith, redemption, and personal growth. Although he largely retired from Hollywood, Wilson occasionally returned to acting.
He appeared in a recurring role as Persia Jones’ father on “Girlfriends”. He later revisited his time on “Sanford and Son” in his memoir, “Second Banana: Bittersweet Memoirs of the ‘Sanford and Son’ Years,” which offered a candid look at the pressures behind the scenes of the hit series.
Wilson made his final onscreen appearance in the 2023 drama “Eleanor’s Bench,” marking a return to acting after nearly two decades away, according to IMDb.
As tributes continue to emerge, Wilson is being remembered not only for an iconic television role but also for the compassion, conviction, and depth he brought to every stage of his life and career.
I enjoyed Me. Wilson in all of his roles, especially his role for God. I wish his family sweet memories and peace. May he rest in God’s hands for all eternity. Well done king!
RIP LAMONT SANFORD🪄
I enjoyed Sanford and Son so much♥️
#Demond Wilson
BIGG BLESSINGS N PRAYERS FOR THA FAMILY. WANTED TO CHIME IN O WHAT YOU SAYED BECAUSE THERE WAS KNOW OTHER WAY. SO PLEASE EXCUSE THIS…..🙏💯♥️💪
Him and Red FOXX WERE THE Too funny men’s on TV
I loved Sanford and Son!!, Demond Wilson was as funny and great like Mr. Fox. I guess all the great people that acted on this show are gone now. This leaves a sad hole in my heart ❤️ Sanford and Son was part of my growing up years. They don’t have acters like these fine people much anymore. I’m sure many, many people are saddened by this. Thank you for all the great laughs Mr. Wilson, you are safe with God now and no more pain of cancer ❤️❤️❤️
I just watched the show, Redd Fox was the Cart but he was the wheels he made the show go forward with laughter.
There are no effective words to express how much he will be missed. From child protégé, to war hero, actor and Gospel publisher. I am indebted to his contributions to the arts.
A phenomenal actor of all time. A wholesome family and anyone sitcom that left laughter, lessons and so much more. A gifted talented actor. May we continue to lift his family up through his memories and legacy and prayers. Rest in peace and power, thank you for your service. You definitely will be missed.
Demond Wilson
A great talent who’s character gave so many of our childhoods it’s most funny and memorable moments. Rest in Power.
RETURNING TO **THE SENDER AS **HIS UNFOLDING ARMS RECEIVE YOU. IT ISN’T ABOUT LIFES JOURNEY BEGINNING BUT, UPON PREDICATION OF UPON HOW OUR JOURNEY ENDS.
CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY.
WE’RE GRATEFUL FOR ALL THE LAUGHTER GIVEN & HIS UNIQUE PRESENCE THAT WILL CONTINUALLY BE REMEMBERED.
So sad to learn of his passing. I truly enjoyed his acting and personality. Condolences to his family and loved ones.
You said a 👄 full h will be truly missed. Rest In Peace 🙏❤️💋 Vickie Smith Jackson
Praying for the family for strength 💪. May Desmond rest peacefully. I enjoy watching him as a actor in Stanford and Son . God bless all of his love ones.
I’m so sorry to hear of his passing! Rest in peace! I really enjoyed you on Sanford and son! To God be the glory! 🙏
Still watching the reruns. Love the show. And I loved Lamont Sanford s role. Thank you for your services for your arts contributions.
I grew up watching him as a little kid now as I look back him and Redd had a major impact on me as a young black male growing up in poverty they showed me where there’s a will it’s away I have nothing else but love for Redd and mr.wilson may your both meet in heaven one love
My condolences go out to the Family of Demond Wilson of Sanford and Son. He was a very good dancer as well as comedic actor. In addition to his comedic role in Sanford and Son, I enjoyed him in an episode of All in the Family. I remember watching these shows as a kid. May he RIP and may his family find comfort in the LORD.🙏🏽🕊️
Rest In Paradise, Desmond 🙏🏾🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️
RIP. I grew up on Sanford and Son. It remains a top 10 in my opinion. Glad you found Jesus. Prayers for the family.
Awww RIP LaMont (Desmond Wilson) …..I loved and still watch reruns of Sanford and Son
Love watch Mr Wilson and Mr Foxx
So many laughs rest easy
Condolences to the Wilson family. RIP Desmond Wilson.🙏❤️ Still watching reruns of Sanford and Son everyday.
Oh no! Not Lamont Sanford! First I loose my father, who is the reason why I can to know Mr. Demond Wilson and the Sanford and Son show,, because he loved that show, and I would watch it with him as a child. R.I.P. to two black kings. Job well done..
Love the ” show ” and wish they could bring back some of the old shows !! The were better that today’s !!!
I use to watch Sanford and Son with my two other brothers, every Friday night. We loved that show. We were Ten, twelve years old, that was the best sitcom ever. Now, I’m 63 and I still love watching reruns of Sanford and Son. Rip Desmond Wilson. Great Actors Ever.
I’m pleased and honored to have watched and still watching Sandford and Son daily, twice a day. The laughter that show brought and still brings will last well into generations to come. The entire cast blended so well and made Sandford and Son the iconic show it has become. Mr. Wilson was the grounding force and the voice of reason on the show. He became the staple and strength between ALL of the characters on the show. Although he’s gone in human form, having the reruns seems like it’s present day and will be cherished forever! Condolences to Mr. Wilson’s entire family and friends and know the love, joy and happiness Sandford and Son brought to millions of households will NEVER missed!
REST IN PEACE and POWER MR. WILSON A JOB VERY WELL DESERVED AND DONE….
All I can say is that I love Sanford and son, it was a classic comedy series with two comedy classic actors! Rest in peace!!
RIP Condolences and Prayers 🙏🙏🙏
RIP Diamond Wilson May God bless
Y
Rest in peace brother.
I do remember that show during my English learning process…one of the best way to do so with a smile.
😢 He with his TV dad now
Rest in peace brother!.
I do remember that show during my English learning experience.I enjoyed it very much.
I watch Sanford and Son every day because of the laughs I can always rest assured that Lamont, Fred, Aunt Esther or Grady would have me laughing so hard that tears wound flow down my face
Now Lamont (Desmond) you will join your fellow cast mates in Heaven What a joyous reunion I shall miss you Lamont because you were so nice and pleasant Rest in Heavenly Peace We will miss you ever so much
Absolutely one of the best shows I ever watched in my 73 years on this Earth I enjoyed it my condolences to the family