Sanford and Son’ Star Demond Wilson Has D!ed

Sanford and Son’ Star Demond Wilson Has D!ed

Heartbreak in Hollywood today as beloved Sanford and Son star Demond Wilson has passed away at age 79. The actor, who famously played Lamont Sanford opposite Fred Sanford in the iconic 1970s sitcom, was pronounced dead Friday morning at his home in Palm Springs due to complications from cancer, his family confirmed ?

Wilson — born Grady Demond Wilson — brought warmth, wit, and sharp comedic timing to living rooms across America during Sanford and Son’s original run from 1972 to 1977. The show, a groundbreaking sitcom that blended humor with real-life struggles, made him a household name and endeared him to fans of classic TV.

After Sanford and Son, Wilson continued to act in television and film, starring in the CBS sitcom Baby… I’m Back! and taking on roles in series like The New Odd Couple, as well as the feature Me and the Kid in the early ’90s.

But his life off-screen was just as notable. Wilson was a devoted family man, married for decades with six children, and later became an ordained minister and author — blending his creative talents with a life of faith and community service.

Fans and co-stars alike are already sharing memories online, reflecting on how Wilson’s portrayal of the grounded, relatable Lamont helped define an era of television comedy. Social feeds are filled with gratitude for his legacy and admiration for a career that spanned decades.

As memorials pour in from across Hollywood and beyond, Wilson’s influence — from classic NBC sitcoms to his work as a spiritual leader — will be remembered for years to come. We send our condolences to his family and friends