Television icon Demond Wilson, beloved for his role as Lamont Sanford on the hit NBC sitcom Sanford and Son, has passed away at age 79 from cancer complications at his Palm Springs home.
Actor’s Final Days and Family Tribute
Wilson’s son, Demond Wilson Jr., announced his father’s death, telling media outlets that the actor succumbed to cancer-related complications. The family has not disclosed the specific type of cancer. His son honored his memory, stating simply, “I loved him. He was a great man.” Wilson died peacefully at his California residence, surrounded by loved ones during his final moments.
From Broadway Child to Television Legend
Born Grady Demond Wilson, the actor began performing as a child dancer on Broadway before appearing at Harlem’s Apollo Theatre during his teenage years. His entertainment career was interrupted by military service in Vietnam, where he served with the U.S. Army and was wounded in combat. After returning from war, Wilson pursued acting in Hollywood, eventually landing the career-defining role of Lamont Sanford opposite Redd Foxx from 1972 to 1977.
The American adaptation of Britain’s Steptoe and Son became a ratings phenomenon, establishing Wilson as a household name. He continued acting in subsequent projects, including Baby I’m Back and The New Odd Couple, plus the 1993 film Me and the Kid. His final screen appearance came in 2023’s Eleanor’s Bench after a nearly two-decade hiatus from acting.
Ministry Work and Personal Legacy
Wilson’s life took a dramatic turn in the mid-1980s when he left Hollywood to become an ordained Christian minister. He established Restoration House of America, a ministry dedicated to helping former inmates through rehabilitation and support services. Wilson also authored several books, including his memoir Second Banana, which detailed his experiences on Sanford and Son. He maintained a stable personal life, marrying former model Cicely Johnston in 1974 and raising six children together. His passing follows the death of co-star Lynn Hamilton, who died in June 2025.