Grady Demond Wilson, known for his role as Lamont Sanford in the iconic NBC sitcom “Sanford and Son,” passed away on the morning of January 30, 2026, at his residence in Palm Springs, California. He was 79 years old.
Demond Wilson Jr., Wilson’s son, confirmed that his father succumbed to complications arising from prostate cancer. “I loved him. He was a great man,” said Wilson Jr. in a statement to TMZ.
Wilson starred in “Sanford and Son” alongside comedy legend Redd Foxx from 1972 to 1977. The show, which saw Wilson playing the role of Foxx’s exasperated son, was one of the earliest sitcoms to present Black Americans in lead roles. It reached a vast viewership and was instrumental in shaping the future of television programming. The show secured a place in the Nielsen top ten five times, with its highest rank being No. 2, trailing only the classic sitcom, “All in the Family.”
In his 2009 autobiography, “Second Banana: The Bittersweet Memoirs of the Sanford and Son Years,” Wilson reminisced, “Redd and I were making history back in those days. We were the first Blacks to be on television in that capacity and we opened the door for all those other shows that came after us.”
Wilson, born on October 13, 1946, in Valdosta, Georgia, spent his early years in Harlem, New York City. Before achieving his television fame, he served in the 4th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1968. After being injured in battle, he returned home as a decorated veteran.
Upon his return from Vietnam, Wilson honed his acting skills on stage, performing in Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. His television career started with guest appearances on popular shows like “All in the Family” and “Mission: Impossible” before he landed the career-defining role in “Sanford and Son.” He also acted in films such as “The Organization” (1971).
After “Sanford and Son” ended, Wilson continued his television career, starring as Raymond Ellis in the 1978 CBS sitcom “Baby… I’m Back!” and as Oscar Madison in ABC’s “The New Odd Couple” from 1982 to 1983. Both series ran for one season. He also explored film, featuring in the 1993 comedy “Me and the Kid.”
In the early 1980s, Wilson experienced a spiritual awakening. He was ordained as a Christian minister in the Church of God in Christ in 1984. His faith became a cornerstone of his life as he founded the Restoration House of America in 1994, an organization aimed at assisting former inmates in their rehabilitation and societal reintegration through spiritual guidance and vocational training.
Besides his autobiography, Wilson authored several Christian books, providing an honest account of his experience on “Sanford and Son”, described as “a documented truth, behind-the-scenes factual account of what happened during those years.”
Even after nearly 20 years away from acting, Wilson made a final screen appearance in 2023 in the drama “Eleanor’s Bench,” demonstrating his enduring love for performance.
Wilson married former model Cicely Johnston on May 3, 1974, and they had six children together. Throughout his life, Wilson largely kept his personal life private, letting his work speak for itself.
Wilson’s passing comes months after the death of his “Sanford and Son” co-star Lynn Hamilton, who played Donna Harris on the series, on June 19, 2025, at age 95. His death marks the end of an era for fans of the timeless sitcom that remains a significant part of American television history.
Wilson’s contributions to television had implications that transcended entertainment. Along with Redd Foxx, he played a key role in breaking racial barriers in Hollywood at a critical time in American history. “Sanford and Son” is recognized as the precursor to many subsequent Black American sitcoms, demonstrating that shows featuring Black families could achieve mass appeal and influence programming decisions for years to come.
His later work as a minister and advocate for former prisoners reflected a commitment to service equal to his dedication to his craft. Wilson’s diverse life encompassed military service, pioneering entertainment, spiritual leadership, and social advocacy.
Wilson is survived by his wife Cicely, their six children, and numerous fans who continue to discover “Sanford and Son” through reruns and streaming services, thereby ensuring his legacy lives on for future generations.
