Demond Wilson, the actor best known for portraying Lamont Sanford on the 1970s sitcom Sanford and Son, has died at age 79. His son, Demond Wilson Jr., confirmed his father died Friday morning at his home in Palm Springs, California, following complications from cancer.
Details of his death
Wilson’s passing was confirmed to TMZ by his son, who said the actor died at home in Palm Springs. His son told TMZ, “I loved him. He was a great man.” The family did not disclose the specific type of cancer. This report includes information drawn from TMZ, The Associated Press and The Hollywood Reporter.
Career and legacy
Born in Valdosta, Georgia, in 1946 and raised in New York City, Wilson first appeared on Broadway at age four and danced at the Apollo Theater at 12. A Vietnam veteran, he worked on stage, in films and on television before earning widespread recognition for his role on Sanford and Son.
Sanford and Son premiered in 1972 and ran until 1977. The series—starring Redd Foxx as Fred Sanford and Wilson as his long-suffering son Lamont—was an immediate ratings success and helped open the door for other Black family shows on television. Wilson later appeared on UPN’s Girlfriends and authored the 2009 memoir Second Banana: The Bitter Sweet Memories of the Sanford & Son Years.
Survivors and tributes
Wilson is survived by his wife of more than 50 years, model Cicely Johnston, and the couple’s six children. In statements reported to the media, his son expressed heartfelt admiration for his father. The entertainment community and audiences who grew up with Wilson’s work have noted his contributions to television and his role in advancing representation on the small screen.
Source: TMZ, The Associated Press, The Hollywood Reporter.
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